Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Elizabeth Truss at their meeting in Hanoi on December 11 (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam and the UK should sign a bilateral freetrade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible to further boost two-way trade, PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said when hosting UK Secretary of State forInternational Trade Elizabeth Truss in Hanoi on December 11.
Appreciating the significance of Truss’s visit,the PM said it will be a good chance for both sides to seek new measures toenhance relations, as the potential for bilateral cooperation remains substantial.
Vietnam considers the UK an important andfriendly partner and supports it participating in the Comprehensive andProgressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he said.
He affirmed that the Vietnamese Governmentpledges to create the best conditions possible for UK enterprises tosuccessfully invest in the country.
The two countries hold potential in developinggreen energy, Phuc said, suggesting the UK assist Vietnam in this field.
Truss expressed her delight at signing anagreement on the completion of negotiations on the UK-Vietnam FTA, adding thatthis is a new start to beef up bilateral cooperation.
She affirmed her country’s determination to joinhands with Vietnam in promoting trade liberalisation and economic recovery inthe context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate ChangeConference (COP26) next year with the goal of bringing gas emissions down tozero by 2050. It hopes to join hands with other countries, including Vietnam,to contribute to this goal, she said.
The UK wants to cooperate with Vietnam inhealth, green technology, finance, digital economy and data, she added.
For COP26, PM Phuc committed that Vietnam willparticipate in the conference actively and responsively and contribute more toglobal climate change response efforts.
He also spoke highly of the UK’s stance ofensuring navigation and aviation security, safety and freedom in the EastSea./.
VNA
