HCM City (VNA) – The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in urban development, construction, infrastructure, and transport in Ho Chi Minh City on September 23. The municipal People’s Committee and the FCDO will increase information exchange on potential and strengths, jointly study current conditions, and promote programmes, projects, and activities to attract cooperation and investment in urban development, construction, infrastructure, and transport. Specifically, the two sides will cooperate to promote sustainable and smart urban development through the exchange of experience in smart city planning and management; advance transit-oriented development (TOD) via policy building, financial mobilisation studies, strategic frameworks, planning, and operation models; and strengthen the capacity of HCM City leaders and officials in the field of urban management and development. Regarding transport, the two sides will cooperate to develop modern, smart, and sustainable urban transport systems; apply technology and train railway personnel; share experience in planning, management, maintenance, and upgrading; implement Building Information Modelling (BIM) in transport and urban railway projects; and research and develop intelligent transport solutions and modern public transport modes. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Western affirmed that the agreement lays a foundation for future cooperation, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to government-to-local partnerships in developing public transport infrastructure and building HCM City into a modern and inclusive metropolis.