Fiscal friends: Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange Vice Chairman and President Tran Dac Sinh and HKEx Chief Executive Paul Chow exchange documents at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing and the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange have signed a memorandum of understanding boosting co-operation and information exchange. The pact will contribute to the growth of the securities markets in both Hong Kong and Vietnam.

The two sides will develop communication channels, conduct joint research projects and stage conferences to advance the development of both organisations.

The possibility of co-operation in areas such as technical assistance, training, cross-border listing and trading, and the creation of share-price indices will also be explored.

HKEx Chief Executive Paul Chow said the memorandum marks a new stage for HKEx's collaboration with one of the world's fastest growing economies.

"We hope by entering into this MoU, Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and HKEx will form a good base for collaboration in the promotion of dual listings and other joint efforts," he said.

Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange Vice Chairman and President Tran Dac Sinh said the pact will foster closer ties facilitating future co-operation opportunities in areas such as market operations, regulation, cross listings and training, as well as equity and derivative products.