Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has suggested Vietnam and the UK further boost cooperation in economics, trade and investment.

At his reception given to UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Stephen Green – The Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint in Hanoi on June 12, PM Dung said that Vietnam will do its utmost to continue deepening relations between the two countries in an effective manner.

The Prime Minister said he hopes the UK will support Vietnam in its on-going negotiations of a free trade agreement with the European Union, continue to provide high levels of ODA for and promote cooperation in civil aviation with Vietnam.

He proposed that the UK increase scholarships and simplify procedures that make easier for Vietnamese students to study in the European country, while investing more in building educational institutes in Vietnam.

Describing Stephen Green’s visit as positive contribution to bilateral ties in all fields, PM Dung expressed his pleasure at the developing strategic partnership between Vietnam and UK, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Last year, two-way trade between the two countries hit nearly 3.5 billion USD, he noted.

In reply, Stephen Green affirmed that the UK always attaches much importance to cooperation with Vietnam and will continue working closely with the Southeast Asian country in effectively implementing agreements reached by leaders of both countries, especially those in areas of economics, trade, investment and education and training.

He said UK businesses are interested in the Vietnamese market and hope that the Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for them to invest in the country, especially in the fields of architecture, construction, provision of education services and machinery manufacturing.

He proposed the two sides further promote cooperation in education and culture, thus strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.-VNA