(VOVworld) - A meeting was held in HCM City on Tuesday to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the UK.

UK Consul General Douglas Anthony Barnes at the event (Photo: VOV)

In his speech, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Chairman Le Hoang Quan noted that the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership has developed strongly in recent years, ranging from political-diplomacy, national defence and security to trade, investment, development cooperation, socio-economic affairs, education-training, and people-to-people exchanges.

Last year, the UK ranked fourth among EU investors in Vietnam with 163 projects totalling nearly US$2.7 billion. Two-way trade has grown considerably over the years, reaching US$3.5 billion in 2012, and the figure is expected to rise to US$4 billion this year. UK Consul General Douglas Anthony Barnes addressed the ceremony
“This, I feel, is a testament to the special relationship that the UK has with Vietnam, and particularly with Ho Chi Minh City. Over the past 40 years, both countries have changed dramatically. But throughout those changes, our bilateral relationship has remained strong. Over the past year and a half working in Vietnam, I have also been impressed by the Vietnamese people’s resilience. Vietnam’s remarkable record of rapid growth and poverty reduction during the last two decades is testament to a strong work ethic, determination and drive. The UK remains committed in supporting Vietnam to further develop its economy, particularly through sustainable development and efficient manufacturing.”