As part of his visit to the United Kingdom (UK), Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai on Monday came to attend Vietnam-UK Business Forum where a number of contracts valued billions of US dollars were signed by enterprises from both sides.
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Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai addresses the Vietnam-UK Business Forum, London, October 19, 2009
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The inked documents include seven contracts in the fields of industry, telecommunication, shipbuilding, agro-produce with the total value of US $1.5 billion.
At the event, held by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), managers and investors exchanged and shared information of investment opportunities; deliberated on pragmatic ways to spur the bilateral trade linkages.
Speaking at the forum, the Vietnamese Deputy PM hailed the fine development of the Vietnam-UK relationship. Vietnam is always trying to make itself an attractive destination to fully utilize its abundant young population, high economic growth rate, political stability, and better business environment, stated Mr. Hai.
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Businesses from Vietnam and the UK to the Business Forum, London, October 19, 2009
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Vietnam is now closely interlinked with other ASEAN members, China, Republic of Korea and Japan through an effective network of trade and investment-related agreements, Deputy PM Hai highlighted.
He said that Vietnam is ready to welcome international investors to the dinner that is well-prepared for them.
The two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and the UK stood at US $2 billion in 2008. Some Britain giants like BP, Prudential, and Standard Chartered have set foot in Vietnam.
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Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai receives leaders of some organizations and economic entities of the UK, London, October 19, 2009
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Vietnam proved to perform well in the context of global economic downturn, remarked Mr. Mark Kent, UK’s Ambassador to Vietnam.
Chief Executive of the LCCI Colin Stanbrige said that Vietnam is one of the most attractive markets for UK’s investment and trade, adding that the LCCI places a special importance on the market.
At the Forum and during their meetings with Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai, many host enterprises and investors showed their desire to enter Vietnam. They also suggested the country to remove some hindrances, namely the lack of skilled laborersand poor infrastructure.