The Duke of York

The commercial relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom is going from strength to strength. Bilateral trade is rising quickly with UK export year-on-year growth of approximately 25%. Vietnam's growing domestic market, impressive long-term potential and current infrastructure and development needs makes it attractive to UK business, and one of United Kingdom’s 17 high growth markets. The British commercial footprint spans across financial services, energy, PPP, retail, real estate and education.

The Duke of York has been a regular visitor to Vietnam with his first visit taking place in 1999.His Royal Highness has in recent years carried out fourofficial visits to Vietnam with programmes in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Duke of York hosted the Forum to discuss the business opportunities between the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The delegation from Vietnam was led by His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Sinh Hung, President of National Assembly of Vietnam.The visit of the President of the National Assembly also marked the first direct Vietnam Airlines flight into London Gatwick; a clear indication of the evolving bilateral trade. Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, Minister of State for International Trade and Investment represented Her Majesty’s Government.

The scale of opportunity afforded to both countries was clearly demonstrated by the number of attendees. The delegation from Vietnam included over one hundred business leaders and the British party was made up of approximately one hundred and fifty representatives from businesses across a wide range of sectors. The Forum gave attendees background on the current economic environment in Vietnam as well as information on specific business opportunities.

The first panel, moderated by Dr. Gerard Lyons, Chief Economist & Group Head of Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank, focussed on Vietnam’s economy and the financial services sector. Panellists included:

·Hon. Mr. Phung Quoc Hien MP, Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly

·Hon. Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue MP,Minister of Finance

·Mr. Sumit Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Ltd

·Mr. Jack Howell, Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Vietnam

·Mr. Louis Taylor, Vietnam Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered

The second panel, moderated by Mr. Stephen King, Group Chief Economist at HSBC Bank plc, considered the opportunities in industry and infrastructure. Contributions were provided by the following;

·Hon. Mr. Dinh La Thang MP, Minister of Transport

·Hon. Mr. Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

·Hon. Mr. Nguyen Van Trung, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment

·Mr. Paul Smith, Executive Chairman, Harvey Nash Outsourcing

·Mr. Simon Linnett, Vice-Chairman, NM Rothschild

·Mr. Patrick Regis, Chief Executive Officer Vietnam, Rolls Royce

·Mr. Patrick Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, UK Export Finance

The United Kingdom signed a Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership in 2010.This gives British businesses an excellent platform through which to take forward business initiatives.