Trudeau meets leader, students in HCMC HCM CITY - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday flew south to HCM City after spending the first day of his State visit in the capital Hà Nội.   Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (centre) on Thursday talked to students from Tôn Đức Thắng University in HCM City. - VNA/VNS Photo He visited the Hồ Chí Minh Stock Exchange, striking a traditional Vietnamese gong to open the afternoon session before attending a roundtable with leaders of local businesses. Trudeau later held a meeting with the leader of HCM City where he had visited 22 years ago as a young student. He told the city People’s Committee Chairman, Nguyễn Thành Phong, that he was “impressed” with the rapid growth of the city, especially in trade and investment sectors. HCM City and Canada have a lot of potential to strengthen co-operation in trade and business to further contribute to the city’s development, Trudeau said. Phong, for his part, expressed a wish that HCM City and Canada could further strengthen their co-operation in several fields, including trade, urban management and education. Students’ talk On the same day, the Canadian PM spoke in front of students from Tôn Đức Thắng University in HCM City, sharing with them his thoughts on the global role of the young generation. During the event, the PM stressed the sound partnership between Canada and Việt Nam while expressing his hope for the further development of ties between the two countries.  He said he supports students who speak out and make efforts to enhance their education.  Trudeau urged them to think about the world today and in the future, and to face difficulties in life instead of avoiding them.  He talked about his travels across the globe, noting that he finds Vietnamese people hospitable and friendly. Sharing his thoughts on the benefits of immigration, Trudeau said Canada has issued policies to protect the safety of its citizens and hoped the younger generation will think more positively about the matter.  He also highlighted a need to respect cultural diversity among nations and to balance economic benefits and environmental protection for sustainable growth. - VNS