VINACHEM

He made the statement during a meeting with Planning and Investment Minister Vo Hong Phuc, who began a five-day visit to the US on Monday.

Zoellick praised Viet Nam for its achievements in socio-economic development, implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and poverty reduction.

Phuc thanked Zoellick for the assistance the bank had given to Viet Nam and said he hoped the bank would continue to help the country with its socio-economic development.

The two sides agreed to boost co-operation in the future, focusing on developing economic infrastructure and human resources, along with poverty reduction, healthcare and education.

They also agreed to expand co-operation on climate change and public-private partnership programmes on energy and infrastructure.

The two sides discussed plans to celebrate the 35th anniversary of ties between Viet Nam and the WB next year.

The minister also met officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the meeting, they discussed global economic development and Viet Nam's economy.

They also discussed future challenges facing Viet Nam's economy as it becomes an average income nation.

Meeting with officials from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Phuc spoke highly of USAID's assistance to Viet Nam, especially with HIV/AIDs control, implementing WTO commitments, raising its competitive capacity and developing education and training.

Phuc asked for continued assistance and for help with encouraging US investors to take part in public-private partnership projects in Viet Nam.

He also discussed the work of members of the Viet Nam-US senior advisory council and joined investment promotion activities in Nevada and California.