Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao has called for financial and technical support from the UK to realise its target of becoming a green, modern and friendly city.

At a meeting with President of the Vietnam-UK Network James Keith Chapmen in Hanoi on November 7, Thao said Hanoi is focusing on public transport and the movement of schools and hospitals out of the inner city.

The official said the capital city needs more assistance from the UK in building a financial centre.

He cited difficulties and challenges hindering Hanoi’s path towards a green, modern and friendly city in the future such as a huge population that has resulted in the overloading of the transport system, schools and hospitals, plus environmental pollution.

He spoke highly of development cooperation between the UK and Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular in various fields, especially in trade and investment.

In reply, James Keith Chapmen said over the past four decades, Vietnam and the UK have reaped fruits in many major areas.

On that basis, the two countries are expected to have more opportunities and potential for development cooperation in the coming time.

The UK stands ready to help Vietnam in trade not only in the UK but also in the EU, he said, noting that the UK backs Hanoi’s plan to become a green and friendly city.-VNA