London business networking group tours HCM City

• HCMC to remove 20,000 shanty houses from canal banks
• French firm keen to invest in HCM City's infrastructure
• Hanoi, HCM among fastest-growing tourist cities in the world

In opening remarks, Executive Director Ben Chapman of the Network, noted the purpose of the visit was to obtain feedback from governmental, nongovernmental and business entities to help shape the agenda for trade talks between Vietnam and the UK later this year. 

HCM City. (Photo: Internet)

The group is also interested in finding out first-hand from UK companies doing business in Vietnam what their greatest concerns are about the downside of doing business in Vietnam and how those concerns might best be addressed.

They specifically, he said, want to get recommendations for bilateral initiatives that might improve the business climate and what if any support the various parties would be willing to offer in implementing these proposals.

In addition, the contingent wants to find out about specific examples of good business practices in Vietnam and which government policies are working well.

Lastly, said the Executive Director, the group wants to know what the Network could do to encourage trade and investment between businesses and other organizations of both the UK and Vietnam for the mutual benefit of both countries.