Bilateral ties between the UK and Vietnam have developed intensely in recent years, particularly following the establishment of a strategic partnership in September 2010.

The many achievements were highlighted at the third national congress of the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association in Hanoi on August 24. Kind words were delivered by Vu Xuan Hong, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisation, who praised the progress made during the last five-year tenure.

The First Secretary of the British Embassy in Vietnam Andrew Holt expressed his hope that in the coming time the association will conduct more practical activities, contributing to the mutual understanding between the two peoples.

At the congress, Vice Standing Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hoang Van Dung was re-elected as chairman of the association’s 40-member executive board for the next tenure.

The UK currently ranks fourth among 20 European countries investing in Vietnam. The UK’s total registered capital in Vietnam in September 2012 stood at 2.69 billion USD. Two-way trade turnover reached nearly 3.5 billion USD.-VNA