Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomes UK Ambassador Gareth Ward (L) At the meeting, PM Phuc talked about Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh’s recent visit to the UK over October 8-10 amid the 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations, and his meeting with British PM Theresa May on the sidelines of the 12 ASEM 12 Summit in Belgium, during which the two sides discussed a host of measures to promote relations between the two nations. Regarding great potential for broader cooperation, the PM said he hopes Ambassador Gareth Ward, during his term, could help to double bilateral trade in the near future. Last year’s two-way trade reached in excess of US$6 billion, up 11% over 2016. With US$3.71 billion worth of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam, the UK has now ranked 15th out of the 129 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian nation. Gareth Ward said Vietnam’s improved business environment has greatly impressed many British businesses, adding that during his tenure, he will spare no effort to boost bilateral trade as well as cooperation in other fields such as education- training, culture, health care and defence. Emphasizing support for free trade, the diplomat said the UK welcomes the EU- Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and will expedite the early signing and ratification of the trade pact. Concerning the East Sea issue, the Ambassador laid stress on full adherence to legal regulations on security, freedom and safety of navigation and aviation. Noting… [Read full story]
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