Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son paid a visit on June 8-9 to Scotland, the UK, to promote Vietnamese trade, investment and tourism to the country.

At a working session with Scottish Minister for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, Son informed the host about Vietnam’s socio-economic situation and future development directions while underlining the country’s policy of pursuing comprehensive international integration.

He suggested local authorities encourage their businesses to invest more in Vietnam to make use of free trade agreements (FTA) that the Southeast Asian country has signed and is negotiating, particularly the FTA between Vietnam and EU.

In response, Minister Hyslop underlined her support to Scottish enterprises in making the most of the Vietnam – UK strategic partnership to enhance investment and business activities in Vietnam, especially in finance, asset and insurance fund management.

She said she will facilitate cultural exchange and tourism between her country and Vietnam, adding that Scotland is willing to share its experience in fields it has strength in such as education – training, heritage preservation, water resource management and public sector reform.

At a Vietnam-themed function, Deputy FM Son updated participants about the country’s socio-economic development and investment climate and suggested some collaboration directions for both sides.

He laid stress on finance – banking and education which are enjoying encouraging outcomes while inviting more Scottish businesses to engage in those areas.

Representatives from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, enterprises and educational institutions also showed their interest in Vietnam through questions about the country’s business environment, investment incentives and cooperation prospects.

Answering queries about China’s illegal placement of the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, the official reiterated that Vietnam pursues peaceful measures to settle this issue.

He also thanked the UK for issuing a statement supporting the EU’s stance that calls for an end to unilateral acts jeopardising peace, stability, security and safety and navigation; the compliance with international law; and the seeking of peaceful measures to solve the issue.-VNA