7 January 2014

UK Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering Government-to-Government cooperation in the context of preparations for the 2019 Asian Games.

The agreement was signed in Hanoi by UK Minister Grant Shapps and Vice Minister of Culture Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan.

Under the framework of the MOU, the UK will share experience from London 2012 to support preparations for the 2019 Asian Games, maximising the legacy of the London Olympics and Paralympics to help to deliver a sustainable and successful Games in Hanoi in 2019. This builds upon the broader UK Vietnam Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2010.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Grant Shapps said: "The London 2012 Games were an unmitigated success that has brought many economic benefits to the UK, including an estimated £10 billion boost to trade and investment.  We are keen to share that legacy with other countries such as Vietnam, with whom we enjoy a strong and growing partnership. 2013 was a year of celebration as we looked back at forty years of diplomatic relations. I am glad that we're opening a new chapter of cooperation in the first few days of 2014 with this agreement.

Mr Shapps added: "We believe that UK businesses need to explore opportunities in important emerging markets such as Vietnam in order to ensure longer-term growth. Many UK companies, including small and medium sized businesses, supported the successful delivery of the London 2012 Games. This agreement will help them to get involved in preparations for the 2019 Asian Games - good news for the UK and good news for Vietnam.

distributed by