Aerial photo taken on Aug. 23, 2022 shows a China-Vietnam freight train departing from Xi’an International Port in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. The freight train left the international port of Xi’an in Shaanxi province Tuesday bound for Vietnam’s Hanoi, marking the first China-Vietnam freight train route linking Shaanxi and Vietnam. The train was loaded with 41 wagons of asbestos, which were being transported from Kazakhstan to Xi’an via the China-Europe freight train. (Source: Xinhua/Li Yibo)
The Chinese economy has withstood downward pressure and factors that have exceeded expectations, remaining within reasonable bounds and maintaining recovery momentum, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Monday during a call with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the latter’s invitation there .
China and Vietnam are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and China stands ready to strengthen communications with Vietnam to deepen cooperation and uphold peace and stability in the region, Li said, according to a news agency report Xinhua.
“Ready to see the stable growth of Vietnam’s economy, China is willing to expand economic cooperation with Vietnam, ensure the smooth operation of border ports, expand imports of high-quality agricultural products, and increase direct flights to bring people more convenience.” . people-to-people exchanges based on epidemic prevention,” said Li.
Both sides will focus on the big picture and manage differences to reach a “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” with ASEAN countries as early as possible, Li said.
China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and second largest export destination. In the first eight months, China’s trade with Vietnam rose 1.4 percent year on year to 975 billion yuan ($139.13 billion), customs data showed.
In the second quarter, Vietnam’s GDP grew 7.7 percent year-on-year, posting the fastest expansion in nearly 11 years as exports continued to grow.
More Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are being exported to China after the Mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes both China and Vietnam, came into effect earlier this year.
Chinh said developing and strengthening ties with China is one of the top priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy. The Vietnamese side stands ready to maintain exchanges with China’s leaders, strengthen strategic coordination, resolve disputes and promote cooperation in key areas to achieve more active results in bilateral relations.
Global Times
