The UK has hoped that collaborations with Vietnam in agriculture and the conservation of rare wildlife species would be stepped up, according to Lord De Mauley, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai in Hanoi on April 28.

The guest also informed that his Government provides about 70 billion VND (3.3 million USD) a year for Vietnam’s scientific and technological development.

He expected that Vietnam will work to facilitate British goods’ presence in its market.

Deputy PM Hai confirmed that the Vietnamese Government is improving the local investment environment for foreign investors, including those from the UK, to operate productively.

He noted that the two countries made their goal of obtaining 4 billion USD in two – way trade in 2013 and are nearing the target of increasing the UK ’s direct investment in Vietnam to 3 billion USD.

Vietnam wishes to enhance cooperation with the UK in science, technology and education-training, Hai stated.

He appreciated the country’s role and initiative in preserving the wildlife and fighting illegal trade of wild animals, voicing his hope for continued support and cooperation in this field.

The Vietnamese Deputy PM suggested Lord De Mauley raise his voice to support Vietnam in getting ODA for its climate change response, green technology development and scientific research.-VNA