Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc met Hong Kong Chief Executive Ly Gia Sieu on 19/12 during a working visit to Hong Kong, China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc met Hong Kong Chief Executive Ly Gia Sieu on 19/12. Photo: VNA

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc met Hong Kong Chief Executive Ly Gia Sieu on 19/12. Photo: VNA

This meeting comes as Vietnam's National Assembly recently passed a resolution on 11/12, urging the Government to urgently develop a roadmap for establishing a gold exchange. Following this, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested the State Bank of Vietnam to report on the establishment of a national gold exchange before 20/12. This highlights Vietnam's immediate interest in developing its gold market infrastructure.

During their meeting, both leaders agreed to expand and enhance cooperation in economics, trade, investment, and finance. Hong Kong specifically offered to share its expertise in managing financial and monetary policies, particularly regarding the establishment and operation of a gold exchange. This commitment addresses a key need for Vietnam.

The two sides also discussed promoting strategic connectivity cooperation. Hong Kong encouraged its enterprises to invest in large-scale infrastructure connectivity, innovation, digital economy, green economy, circular economy, and energy transition. Further collaboration includes connecting the two stock markets and supporting Vietnamese enterprises to list on the Hong Kong market.

Beyond economic ties, the leaders agreed to strengthen coordination in citizen protection, justice, and law enforcement, aiming to further facilitate the Vietnamese community in Hong Kong. Chief Executive Ly Gia Sieu also expressed readiness to provide more scholarships for outstanding Vietnamese students and desired to expand cultural, educational, tourism, and labor exchanges.

Prior to the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister's delegation conducted surveys in Shanghai and Hong Kong from 17-19/12. They engaged with leaders of the World Gold Council in Shanghai, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Futures, and the Hong Kong Gold Exchange. These engagements aimed to exchange experiences in building and operating gold exchanges and to understand the legal framework and policies for gold market management.

Ngoc Anh