At the reception (Photo: HNMO)
At the end of 2020, the two countries officially signed the UK – Vietnam bilateral free trade agreement (UKVFTA), creating conditions for cooperation to be raised to a new height in the near future.
Within the framework of cooperation programs with Hanoi, Ambassador Gareth Ward emphasized the positive results achieved in the fields of health and education, especially the dual degree education program being implemented in high schools in the city.
Ambassador Gareth Ward hoped that in the coming time, the two sides would continue to promote cooperation in areas where Britain has strengths such as finance, banking, education, climate change response and environment protection.
For his part, Secretary Dung said that Hanoi had controlled the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first shot of vaccine given to 98% of the population of 18 years old or more. “I hope that the UK will continue to help Vietnam have access to vaccines and share experience in pandemic prevention,” he added.
In the field of environmental protection, Hanoi advocates gradually dealing with congestion by expanding the transport network to the suburbs, planning the construction of ring roads 4 and 5, and promoting network planning traffic, thereby reducing air and noise pollution in the central area. In addition, the city's focus is on clearing the river system and treating water pollution.
According to Secretary of the City Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung, UKVFTA will help strengthen the investment cooperation relationship between the two countries, thereby promoting cooperation between Hanoi and localities and partners of the UK. Secretary Dung expressed his hope that in the coming time, Ambassador Gareth Ward will continue to act as a bridge to make the bilateral relationship deeper, more effective and practical. Hanoi also wishes to learn and exchange experiences in areas where Britain has strengths./.