UK eyes bilateral trade deal with Vietnam
An official from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to signing a bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam after it leaves the European Union.
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This was reflected through Prime Minister Theresa May’s appointment of Ed Vaizey as a Trade Envoy for Vietnam, Director for Asia-Pacific Kate White stated on September 19 at a ceremony held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK to mark Vietnam’s 72nd National Day (September 2).
The UK wants to boost trade cooperation with Vietnam, and appreciates the country’s efforts to reform its economic structure and improve the business environment, she stressed.
She expressed her belief that hosting the APEC Leaders’ Week 2017 in November will be a chance for Vietnam to introduce its economic potential to the world.
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao lauded efforts made by the two governments and peoples to develop bilateral ties.
Two-way trade reached US$5.6 billion in 2016, up 30% compared with 2014, while education and tourism remain important cooperation aspects between the two countries.
At present, there are about 12,000 Vietnamese students in the UK, with the figure rising yearly.
The number of UK tourists to Vietnam is rising as well, especially after Vietnam offered visa exemptions for UK visitors and the launch of daily flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with London. Since the beginning of this year, Vietnam has welcomed more than 250,000 UK tourists.
