At the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the UK (1973-2023). (Photo: VNA) In his remarks, Chairman of the municipal People’sCommittee Phan Van Mai stressed that the bilateral relationship has beencontinuously consolidated and enhanced, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Notably, after the elevation of the relationship toa strategic partnership in 2010, many important cooperation frameworks andmechanisms have been formed, he continued.
The official called the UK-Vietnam Free TradeAgreement signed in 2020 and the UK’s joining the Comprehensive and ProgressiveAgreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in July bright spots of theeconomic ties.
Such deals have created momentum for the two-waytrade, which was valued at 6.8 billion USD last year, making the UK Vietnam’s third largest trade partner in Europe and 9th biggestimporter in the world, Mai said.
The official emphasised that cooperation between HCMCity and the UK has also seen progress, especially in trade, investment,education, health care, tourism and cultural exchange.
He cited statistics showing as of July, the UKranked 11th among the more than 120 countries and territories investing inVietnam’s largest economic hub with 273 projects worth nearly 960 million USD.
The British Government has helped HCM City intraining public servants, Mai said, adding that the two sides are cooperatingin a global future cities programme, under which the UK provides technicalsupport for HCM City in smart city building.
HCM City always welcomes and creates conditions forleaders, businesses and people of the UK to come to city, he affirmed.
British Consul General in HCM City Emily Hamblinnoted her hope that Vietnam will achieve its set targets, and that the UK willcontinue to be a reliable partner of Vietnam and the city in particular in thecoming decades.
She also rejoiced at the close cooperation betweenthe UK and HCM City, especially in financial centre and smart city building./.
VNA
