Nguyen Manh Cuong, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, on Friday received Phil Nelson, executive vice president of CNN International Commercial, and his delegation during a working visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking at the meeting, Cuong described Ho Chi Minh City as a major urban center covering more than 6,700 square kilometers and home to over 14 million people.

The city also has a great potential for growth regarding the field of industrial developments, services, as well as seaport logistics.

Looking ahead, Ho Chi Minh City remains committed to innovation, dynamism and creativity as it pursues development goals that match its potential and competitive advantages.

The city aims not only to maintain its position as Vietnam's economic hub, but also to develop into a modern metropolis capable of standing alongside other major cities in the region.

To achieve its development goals, Ho Chi Minh City places great importance on international cooperation with localities and major cities around the world, as well as major global media outlets, while also seeking to promote and introduce Ho Chi Minh City through such partnerships.

The city leader expressed hope that CNN International would join hands with Ho Chi Minh City in promoting the image of a young, dynamic and innovative metropolis with strong potential for future growth.

Cuong said the city is undergoing development on a large urban scale with great potential, with a focus not only on growth but also on ensuring that residents benefit from the gains of development.

Through its international partnerships, the city hopes to give people across Vietnam, overseas Vietnamese and the international community a fuller understanding of Ho Chi Minh City's development as a dynamic and innovative urban center, despite being relatively young compared with many major cities around the world.

He expressed hope that the meeting would pave the way for further discussions and exchanges on potential areas of cooperation between CNN and Ho Chi Minh City.

Beyond economic development, the city is also keen to showcase its tourism potential, cultural heritage, festivals and sustainability.

'Amazing story that can be told and should be told'

In response, Phil Nelson expressed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by Ho Chi Minh City leaders to the CNN International delegation.

“I'm always thankful and impressed to be in Ho Chi Minh City,” Nelson said.

“Every time I come here, as you mentioned, it continues to grow, and I think it still has tremendous potential still, as sort of the heartbeat of Vietnam.”

“I also want to thank you and Ho Chi Minh City for our partnership over the years, and working with CNN and supporting CNN here in Vietnam and working together in collaboration.”

Nelson mentioned CNN's core mission of storytelling and noted that Vietnam has many compelling stories to share with the world, particularly those related to its culture, geography, diversity, cuisine, and innovation.

He acknowledged Vietnam's ongoing efforts to advance national development while sharing more of the country's cultural story with the world.

“Having been here for one week, starting in Hanoi, Hue, now Ho Chi Minh City, and in my previous visits to Vietnam, I think there's an amazing story about the culture that can be told and should be told,” Nelson said.

“We look forward to collaborating in the future and seeing if there's more we can do together.”