The statement was issued by delegates at a conference to promote Vietnamese agricultural products in the UK, organised by the Embassy of Vietnam in the UK on September 28.

Themed ‘Exploring tropical specialties’, the event attracted the participation of representatives from the UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC), South East Asian Trade Facilitation Organisation (SEATFO) and businesses in the UK as well as more than 100 Vietnamese exporters of agricultural products.

The participants discussed the potential, requirements and standards of the UK market for imported agricultural products. They were also introduced to various Vietnamese farm produce.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long said that Vietnam-UK bilateral trade expects remarkable growth after the signing of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) in December 2020.

He stated that bilateral trade in agriculture has great potential for development as Vietnam has an advantage in terms of exports of agricultural products while the UK is a large market for these type of products.

While giving advice to Vietnamese exporters, CEO of UKABC Ian Gibbons, said businesses need to carry out thorough market research to ensure their products are suitable and competitive on the import market.

He also stressed the importance of building trust with UK partners through developing long-term and sustainable relationships.

Meanwhile, SEATFO Director John Gavin pointed out that it is important for businesses to ensure their products meet market requirements while providing good customer service and on-time delivery for customers. In addition, British businesses also value partners who uphold environmental protection and participate in social activities, he added.