conditions to effectively implement Canadian-invested projects in the country, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said.

While receiving in Hanoi on May 21 former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, PM Dung commended Chretien’s contributions to developing the two countries’ relations in various fields, particularly economy and investment, with an annual increase of 20 percent in two-way trade turnover.

The former Canadian PM came to Vietnam to attend a ground-breaking ceremony for the Ho Tram tourist and convention complex in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, which will be built by Canada-based ACDL Group at an estimated cost of more than 4.2 billion USD.

Canada currently ranks 21 among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. PM Dung said he hoped the former Canadian PM would continue to work to help foster the relations between the two countries.

Former Canadian PM Chretien said he was delighted at the Vietnamese government’s quick license to construct the Ho Tram project in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

He said Canadian businesses wish to invest in Vietnam, and the ACDL Group will build an expressway linking Ho Chi Minh City, southernmost Ca Mau province and Mekong Delta Kien Giang province, as well as implement a number of tourism projects.