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| Message from the British Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mark Kent. |
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Welcome to the latest edition of the British Business Group in Vietnam membership directory. I hope you will find this directory useful as a business networking tool to introduce and keep you in touch with BBGV members.
2010 will be a significant year. Firstly, it’s the “One Thousand Years Anniversary of Hanoi”. The celebrations will place a captivating spotlight on this great city as well as bring a number of high profile guests to Vietnam from all over the region and beyond. Secondly, Vietnam will play a central role in the region as the chair of the Association of South East-Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2010. Lastly, in terms of UK–Vietnam bilateral trade, the next Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meets in London in the autumn of 2010. We are keen to hear about any concerns you may have which we can then raise with our Vietnamese colleagues.
Despite the global economic slowdown, the Vietnamese economy has delivered some solid growth in 2009. At the same time, the UK-Vietnam bilateral trade relationship has multiplied significantly in recent years. UK exports to Vietnam increasing from £81.7 million in 2005 to £191 million in 2009. In the same period Vietnam’s exports to the UK increased from £721 million to £980 million. Many of us are hoping to see this trend continue in years to come, reflecting the closer relationship between the UK and Vietnam more generally. And the UK investment levels remain at a historic high.
In 2009, we received many important visitors, notably, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, KG, as the UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Ian Luder also paid a visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in July to promote UK financial institutions in Vietnam. Another sign of the growing UK-Vietnam trade relationship saw the Deputy Prime Minister Hai’s visit the UK in October, where he met with several UK companies.
At this point, I would like to express my gratitude to BBGV; for its active role in supporting the above events as well as in serving British Business community so diligently. And the contribution to wider society in Vietnam through events like the fun run should not be forgotten. I have been very impressed by its growing membership base and the variety of events that they have organised in the past year. I am sure this level of engagement and commitment will carry on through 2010. And BBGV moves with the times – you can keep in touch with its activities on its website, and even on Facebook!
I wish you a prosperous and successful new year.
H.E Mr Mark Kent
HM Ambassador to Vietnam
January 2010 |
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