Italy keen on metro projects in Ho Chi Minh City

During the reception, Duoc congratulated Tognonato on her new tenure and extended his best wishes on the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20).

Both sides shared optimism about the growing partnership between Italy and Vietnam, with a focus on Ho Chi Minh City.

Consul General Tognonato spotlighted Italy’s appreciation for its longstanding ties with Vietnam and described Ho Chi Minh City as a trustworthy and dynamic partner across multiple sectors.

She expressed her honor to take up her post in the city, lauding its energetic pace of life, rich culture, and warm-hearted people.

Tognonato said Italy is interested in the city’s key investment projects, especially in the metro sector, and would be eager to participate if these projects are open to foreign investors.

Chairman Duoc noted that the city has completed one metro line and plans six more, creating major opportunities for international investors, with several countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Spain already expressing interest.

He added that the city hopes Italian investors will collaborate with Vietnamese partners in this field.

Duoc welcomed Italian collaboration in clean energy, waste treatment, tourism promotion, and people-to-people exchanges.

Tognonato affirmed her commitment to fostering cooperation in other areas where Italy has strengths, such as renewable energy, infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and heritage conservation.

She expressed confidence that Italy and Ho Chi Minh City will have numerous opportunities for collaboration, especially as the city has established sister-city relations with several Italian localities, including Turin, recognized as a European city of innovation and sustainable development.

Turin shares many similarities and potential areas for cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City.

The diplomat noted that Italy’s export promotion agency stands ready to support Italian enterprises seeking to engage in projects in the southern metropolis and across Vietnam.

Duoc highly appreciated the role of the Italian Consulate General in connecting Italian businesses and financial institutions with Vietnamese partners, as well as organizing a wide range of cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchange activities.

In addition to sister-city ties with three Italian localities, Turin, the Emilia-Romagna region, and the Veneto region, Ho Chi Minh City is mulling over expanding cooperation with Milan in wastewater treatment and flood management, Duoc said.

He underscored that the High-Level Dialogue on ASEAN–Italy Economic Relations, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City in mid-November, will further strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation.