China wants to boost tourism with Viet Nam

China wants to co-operate with Viet Nam on tourism, chairman of the China National Tourism Administration Shao Qiwei told Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan yesterday.
This led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on tourism co-operation between the two countries over the next three years.
Shao said tourism had made significant contributions to China's annual economic growth and that Chinese leaders had decided to develop the sector as the country's spearhead industry.
Nhan said the visit by the Chinese tourist leader was a manifestation of the development of this co-operation.
He said both nations' tourism sectors had potential for greater co-operation thanks to their geographical proximity.
Nhan stressed that Viet Nam was willing to create favourable conditions for Chinese people in border provinces to visit Viet Nam for longer periods.
He said he believed bilateral co-operation could be promoted by setting up sea cruises and language training for tourist guides.
Condolences sent to China
HA NOI — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem sent condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi yesterday over the loss of life and property caused by recent landslides.
The disasters in Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest Gansu Province, claimed the lives of at least 337 people. Another 1,150 are still missing.