(VOVworld) – Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai praised the UK’s role and initiative in preserving wildlife and fighting the illegal trade of wild animals.

Delegates watch a performance of drawing sand pictures at the Vietnam-UK Cultural Festival (Photo: VNA)

Hai made the statement at a Monday reception in Hanoi for the visiting Lord De Mauley, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He added that Vietnam-UK economic and trade co-operation has improved a lot over the years. The two countries reached their goal of 4 billion USD in trade last year and are nearing the goal of increasing the UK’s direct investment in Vietnam to 3 billion USD. Deputy PM Hai expressed his hope that the UK government will continue urging its universities and enterprises to give financial aid to Vietnam.