Forum connects Vietnam and UK businesses

The forum, which took place on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations, offered an opportunity for enterprises from both countries to exchange information and seek business and investment co-operation.

Speaking at the forum, Standing Vice Chairman of the VCCI Hoang Van Dung valued British firms' co-operation in such areas as education, finance and banking.

The UK ranks fourth among European investors in Vietnam, with 163 projects valued at a total of US$2.69 billion. A number of British businesses in banking, oil and gas, insurance and education have gained a firm foothold in Vietnam, he added.

Vietnam and the UK are working hard to bring two-way trade turnover to US$4.5 billion this year. Vietnam's staple exports to the UK include garments, tea, coffee and farm products. Machinery and medicine are among its top imports from Great Britain.

Lord Puttnam, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia said Vietnam has created strong economic growth, and that UK businesses consider it as a potential destination for investment. He expressed hope that the business circles of the two countries would develop an effective strategy for investment co-operation.

(Source: Nhandannewspaperonline)