(VOVworld) – Construction of the 5^th Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park began in the central province of Quang Ngai on Friday. Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the event coincides with the 40^th anniversary of the sealing of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Singapore and the establishment of the two countries’ strategic partnership.

He asked provincial leaders to cooperate with bidders with priority to be given to scientific advances, management, environmental protection, and social security for local citizens. Prime Minister Dung said: “The Vietnamese government creates the best possible conditions for foreign investors, including those from Singapore. We are improving our infrastructure and legal system, simplifying administrative procedures and negotiating free trade agreements including the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in order to create a favorable investment environment. Construction of the Da Nang-Quang Ngai highway is underway, which will connect urban areas with industrial parks along Vietnam’s central coast.”

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singaporean businesses hope to boost cooperation with their Vietnamese partners in several areas: “VSIP will bring about a new standard on infrastructure and environmental quality. This industrial park will be supported by a trade and residential complex serving VSIP’s workers and the people of Quang Ngai. VSIP will contribute to Quang Ngai’s vitality with busy factories, convenient houses and a healthy environment.”