(VOVworld) - Vietnam has paid a great deal of attention to improving the environment for sustainable development and investment, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh told a business forum during his ongoing UK visit on Monday. He said Vietnam always keep an eye on the success and difficulties encountered by foreign firms.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh works with leaders of the Vietnam-UK Network in London.(Photo: VNA)

Ninh went on to say that the fact that some countries, including the UK, have yet to recognize the market economy of Vietnam has posed many difficulties for the country during its development process. He called on UK businesses to lobby their government to soon acknowledge Vietnam’s market economy status. Ninh briefed the forum on foreign firms’ increasing share in Vietnam’s stock market and expressed his belief that a Vietnam - EU free trade agreement will be signed this year.     

The same day, Ninh paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the New Zealand House in London, where there is a plaque dedicated to him. The building, currently the New Zealand Embassy, was built on the foundation of the Carlton Hotel, where the late President worked from 1913-17 on his path to seek national independence.