Chairman of the Vietnam-UK Network Ben Chapman hailed the steady development of the network as a contribution to promoting the relationship between the two countries at a meeting in London.

Established last January on the occasion of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to the UK, the network has acted as a bridge to connect the two countries in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchange through its links with the UK Foreign Ministry, the Investment-Trade Agency and the British Council.

With the aim of expanding the network’s membership, the January 15 event brought together parliamentarians and representatives from UK groups in finance, insurance, banking, media, universities and museums.

Chapman said the network will further spread its activities and promote bilateral high-level and people-to-people exchanges to increase mutual understanding.

Senator Stephen Green , a speaker at the event, said UK enterprises, especially small-and medium-sized ones, have many opportunities to do business and investment in Vietnam thanks to the UK’s prestigious brand names in the Southeast Asian nation, particularly in sports and education.

He said he was surprised to learn that Vietnam has 15 million Manchester United football fans, which creates favourable conditions for his nation to get involved in local sports events such as the 18th Asian Games (ASIAD) – which Vietnam will host.

Many education projects on establishing UK universities in Vietnam are being carried out, Green noted, adding that Vietnam has a determination and motivation for development stronger than any nation.

He expressed his belief that the network’s future operation will be more efficient and practical.-VNA