At the meeting, former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta highly appreciated HCMC, said that HCMC has an important position of Vietnam and in the Southeast Asia. Mr. Enrico Letta expressed his deep impression on historical sites of HCMC such as Cu Chi tunnel, war remnants museum, etc. These are a part of history of Vietnam.

Mr. Enrico Letta affirmed that he will continue to support Italian companies doing business in Vietnam and encourage Italian enterprises to come and invest in Vietnam. He expressed that his visit to Vietnam and HMC will help further strengthen Vietnam-Italy co-operation relationship.

In return, Mr. Le Thanh Liem welcomed the visit of former Prime Minister Enrico Letta, his wife and members of the delegation. Mr. Liem gave a brief introduction of HCMC – a socio-economic and cultural center of Southern Vietnam that contributes more than 21% GDP, 40% values of import-export, 30% to the State’s budget. It is very significant that Italy opens a Consulate General in HCMC, it will create an important linking bridge between HCMC and Italian business community.