Li: Beijing willing to bolster economic ties with Hanoi

Beijing is willing to work with Hanoi to give play to complementary strengths in industries, expand economic and trade cooperation, and ensure smooth customs clearance at border ports, Premier Li Keqiang told Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday.

During a phone conversation with Chinh, Li said that China stands ready to import more high-quality agricultural produce from Vietnam, welcome the return of Vietnamese students who were studying in China, and increase the number of direct flights between the two countries.

He said China is willing to enhance exchanges with Vietnam at various levels and deepen pragmatic cooperation, which will not only benefit the two peoples but also help ensure regional stability and promote common development and prosperity.

The premier noted that the Chinese economy, despite shocks from factors that went beyond expectations, is standing up to the downside pressure and endeavoring to stabilize the job market and commodity prices.

The economy, with its major indicators now within a proper range, has maintained an overall momentum of recovery, Li said.

He also said that China is glad to see the steady growth of Vietnam's economy, which helps to maintain the stability of East Asia's industry and supply chains.

Li emphasized that peace and stability in the South China Sea fit into the common interests of all sides.

He added that Beijing is ready to use the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as an opportunity to reach a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

He highlighted the need to give play to the wisdom of various parties, think in big-picture terms, promote cooperation and manage differences in order to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

The Vietnamese prime minister said it is the top priority of Vietnam's foreign policy to consolidate and develop the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

Hanoi is willing to maintain frequent high-level exchanges with Beijing, step up strategic coordination, properly manage differences and promote deeper cooperation in bilateral trade, investment, customs clearance and people-to-people exchanges, he said.