At the reception, Standing Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Duong Tan Hien was happy to welcome the Consul General of the United Kingdom in Ho Chi Minh City Sam Wood, and his delegation to Can Tho City, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK diplomatic ties.

Vice Chairman Duong Tan Hien introduced the potential and strengths of Can Tho City. He mentioned that the city is making use of Resolution No. 45/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly on piloting several specific mechanisms and policies to develop Can Tho City.

Vice Chairman Duong Tan Hien told his guests that Can Tho city’s investment attraction priorities in education, healthcare, and transport infrastructure, and the city welcomes UK enterprises to the city to explore the local market and form cooperation.

Besides, Can Tho wishes to capitalize on opportunities brought about by the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) serving improved trade between it and UK firms, particularly regarding its strong fields such as rice, fruit, and fishery. 

The official hopes Deputy Consul General Sam Wood will introduce Can Tho to UK investors and provide information about the UK's markets, trade policies, and strengths. He also requested support from the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City in organizing online or direct meetings between UK importers and Can Tho businesses that produce and export rice, seafood, agricultural products, and processed agricultural products.

Deputy Consul General Sam Wood expressed his delight at the ever-strengthening relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom at both state and local levels. He considered the successful organization of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK diplomatic ties as an important milestone of good cooperation between the two countries.

Standing Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Duong Tan Hien and Deputy Consul General of the United Kingdom in Ho Chi Minh City Sam Wood at their meeting in Can Tho City on December 11

On that solid foundation, Deputy Consul General Sam Wood expressed his hope that UK localities can connect and collaborate with the Vietnamese Mekong Delta city with a focus on the above-said areas, and enjoy favorable conditions created by and assistance from the municipal authorities.

The diplomat vowed to engage in the organization of various networking activities during his tenure to bring investors from the UK to Can Tho to seek opportunities for investment partnerships.

According to Can Tho Municipal Department of External Affairs, between January and October, Can Tho exported to the UK 19.51 million USD worth mostly of rice, aquatic products, apparel, handicrafts, and processed farm produce.