Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung (back row, first left) and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang (back row, first right) witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on enhancing cooperation regarding immigration matters between the two places, on Aug 28, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in respect of immigration matters between the two places.

The MoU was signed on Monday when Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung began his visit program in Vietnam by calling on the Ministry of Public Security. 

In the morning, Tang met Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang and introduced to him Hong Kong's latest situation.

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Both sides exchanged views on the collaboration of immigration matters and the safeguarding of public safety, according to a government statement.

Tang Ping-keung welcomed more Vietnamese visitors to travel to Hong Kong and do business in the city

Later, they witnessed the signing of the MoU by Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang and Vietnam’s Director General of Immigration Department Pham Dang Khoa on enhancing cooperation in respect of immigration matters linking the two places.

The pact will enhance exchanges of experience and information in relation to immigration matters between the two places in various areas, including detecting and seizing fake travel documents, as well as preventing and combatting illegal entry and exit.

Hong Kong and Vietnam will also strengthen cooperation on verification and repatriation of illegal migrants to enhance efficiency.

Noting that the exchanges between Hong Kong and Vietnam in terms of trade and people-to-people connection have been increasing over the years, Tang said the signing of the MoU signifies that their close relations have scaled new heights.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung (left) meets with the Deputy Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang in Vietnam, Aug 28, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

He welcomed more Vietnamese visitors to travel to Hong Kong and do business in the city. 

Tang also expressed his hope that more young talent in Vietnam will pursue their studies in the special administrative region and stay to develop their careers after graduation.

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In the afternoon, the security chief had a meeting with the heads of the Department of External Security, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Foreign Relations under Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, and exchanged views with them on matters including anti-terrorism and the safeguarding of national security.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung (left) pays a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr Xiong Bo in Vietnam, Aug 28, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Tang later visited a Hong Kong enterprise's investment in Vietnam to learn about its operation and the local business environment.

Apart from meeting some Hong Kong people in Vietnam to understand more about the socio-economic situation there, he also briefed the group about the latest developments in Hong Kong.