HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong is now in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City which he says has changed a lot since his last visit 11 years ago.

A city filled with cars and already host to a number of big brand names, it is a very different Ho Chi Minh City from what Mr Goh remembered 11 years ago.

But Mr Goh pointed out that these signs of consumerism show that the city is doing very well.

Meeting the chairman of the City's People's Committee Le Hoang Quan, Mr Goh said his visit is aimed at learning about the country's reform track and how fast it is moving in the face of globalisation.

Acknowledging that, Mr Quan noted that the city has received a lot of support and interest from Singaporeans and the Singapore government.

He also thanked Singapore for its support that led to Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organisation and its becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Mr Quan also elaborated on the City's development plans and their efforts to restructure and industrialise the economy.

The two leaders also discussed a wide range of issues including how the city is coping with its traffic woes and inflation.

Mr Goh also visited a new township in the southern part of the city, a joint venture between a Taiwanese developer and a state-owned firm.

Earlier, Mr Goh met local, foreign and Singaporean businessmen over lunch. In their discussions, they touched on Vietnam's rapid development in recent years.

They also discussed its challenges like the shortage of skilled workers and good infrastructure. Still there was a general sense of optimism all around. - CNA/ms