Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan (third, from left) receives US Senator from Indiana state Todd Young (fourth, from left) on March 29. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the meeting, Hoan said that the two sides need to increase exchanges and connections to seize opportunities for further development.

Hoan said that Vietnam and the US are important economic and trade partners of each other. Since the two countries upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, many US business delegations and congressmen have come to Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, which shows the US business community’s interest in the southern metropolis.

Hoan said Ho Chi Minh City hopes to connect more businesses, educational and medical establishments in the United States and Indiana State and boost cooperative projects in the near future.

Senator Young spoke highly of HCM city's achievements and sustainable development orientations.

He said Indiana state is prioritizing the development of high-quality industrial production, agriculture, food, and education sectors. In the context that the relationship between Vietnam - US relations has been elevated to a new height, there is a lot of cooperation potential for the two countries' localities.

Indiana is a friendly, open state and is ready to connect with other countries through investment and trade activities, he said, adding that it is strong in education and health, research and development, and technology transfer.