Skip down to main content.
Don't forget the passenger!
9 November 2012
British businesses are heading to Vietnam today (Friday) from Gatwick Airport on a trade mission led by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and IT services recruitment specialists Harvey Nash.
Government figures show that bilateral trade between Vietnam and the UK has grown strongly in recent years with UK companies exporting £520 million worth of goods and services in 20111. Improving connectivity between the two countries has strengthened the relationship.
The mission will visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the companies involved are from a range of sectors from technology to education and training. The aim of the mission is to help British companies establish links to Vietnamese companies and demonstrate the export opportunities the country has to offer.
Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of LCCI said: “With the success of the Olympics and Paralympics, British businesses have the perfect opportunity to be out there talking to the world about what they do but they need excellent links to emerging markets like Vietnam. That’s why the direct flights, like those from Gatwick, are so important to helping businesses export and getting the economy moving again.”
Paul Smith, Executive Chairman Harvey Nash Outsourcing, who is leading the mission said “Vietnam is the second fastest growing economy in the world and I’m delighted to be introducing the country to so many great businesses. After 12 years operating in Vietnam I know there really is no better way of understanding the opportunities that exist for British businesses than spending time in the country.”
Le Thanh Dzung, General Manager UK, Vietnam Airlines said: “Since launching the first ever direct air services between the two countries last December, we have seen increasing interest from UK businesses wanting to visit Vietnam. It is a really exciting country in which to do business, and this mission will be vital in further developing the bilateral partnership between the UK and Vietnamese markets.”
Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick: “Last year we partnered with Vietnam Airlines to launch the first direct flights from the UK to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and therefore helped boost economic ties, trade links and tourism flows between both countries. It therefore gives us great pleasure to host the send-off of this trade mission to Vietnam to strengthen further those ties.”
London Chambers of Commerce media contact: Ruth Wharram, Tel: 020 7203 1897 Mob: 07827 241528
Email: rwharram@londonchamber.co.uk
Vietnam Airlines media contact: Nat Frogley, Tel: 08704 288 401
Email: nat@bacall.net
NOTES TO EDITOR:
1) Details from http://www.ukti.gov.uk/pt_pt/export/countries/asiapacific/southeastasia/vietnam.html?null
2) The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital’s largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders. LCCI also undertakes its own in-house research, focusing on business-related matters.
3) Harvey Nash, a global professional recruitment consultancy and IT outsourcing service provider, is committed to delivering the very best talent and IT solutions to a broad base of international clients. The Group is a trusted advisor to some of the world’s leading businesses, governments and institutions. We operate from 40 offices covering the USA, Europe and Asia. Our talented professionals pursue the highest levels of integrity and quality in providing a unique portfolio of services: executive search, interim management, IT and finance recruitment and IT outsourcing. Our Outsourcing and Offshoring division has helped some of the world’s leading companies build scale, cut costs and improve agility. Through a blended mix of on-shore and offshore resources based in Vietnam our services include: Business Process Outsourcing and IT Software development, recruitment and payroll outsourcing services.
4) As the national flag carrier of Vietnam, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines operates 83 routes to 20 domestic and 26 international destinations with more than 350 daily flights. Operating a young fleet of 70 aircraft including Boeing 777s, Airbus A330s, A321s and A320s, the airline plans to further expand its fleet to 115 and 170 aircraft by 2015 and 2020 respectively, to include the latest Airbus A350XWBs and Boeing 787- 9 Dreamliners. Vietnam Airlines became an official member of SkyTeam Alliance on June 10 2010 and is the first representative of SkyTeam in South East Asia. See www.vietnamairlines.com <http://www.vietnamairlines.com> for further information.
t: + 44 (0) 1293 505000 e: gatwickmedia@gatwickairport.com
About Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second largest airport and the busiest single-runway airport in the world. It serves more than 180 destinations in 90 countries for around 34.2 million passengers a year on short- and long-haul point-to-point services. It is also a major economic driver for the South-East region, generating around 23,000 on-airport jobs and a further 13,000 jobs through related activities. The airport is 28 miles south of London with excellent public transport links, including the Gatwick Express. Gatwick Airport is owned by a group of international investment funds, of which Global Infrastructure Partners is the largest shareholder.
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Gatwick_Airport
Media Centre by Glide Newsroom