British Consul General (CG) Emily Hamblin today pays a courtesy call on Can Tho City People's Committee leader. Vice Chairwoman Vo Thi Hong Anh, together with representatives of relevant departments and agencies, greets and welcomes CG Hamblin and her delegation.

This is the first visit of CG Hamblin to Can Tho and the Mekong area of Vietnam since her start of tenure in Ho Chi Minh City this September. The CG is very excited to start her new position this year, as 2020 marks the 10^th anniversary of Vietnam – UK strategic partnership. Ms. Hamblin also focuses on one of her priorities, education, mentioning that there are now more than 12 thousand Vietnamese students in the United Kingdom (UK).

On behalf of the city leadership, Vice Chairwoman Vo Thi Hong Anh briefs information of Can Tho City to the fist-visit CG, highlighting the contribution of Can Tho to the national GDP and agricultural export in rice, fruit, and seafood. The Vice Chairwoman also brings her focus on education as one of the priorities of Can Tho. She introduces representatives of major universities in Can Tho, namely Can Tho University, Nam Can Tho University, FPT University, University of Technology, and Tay Do University. Vice Chairwoman Anh expresses her expectation of having more collaboration between local universities and UK institutions in training human resources for Can Tho and Mekong area, not only in English as a foreign language, but also in other sectors that UK has strengths in.

Professor Doctor Vo Tong Xuan, Rector of Nam Can Tho University, and Mr. Huynh Van Bay, Head of Training Department of FPT University share their comments on the demand of having cooperation with UK institutions. Currently, every year there are about 100 thousand to 120 thousand high school graduates ready to apply for university. Hence, there is a high demand for international-standard education onsite. In addition, the two academic experts also highlights the necessity for teaching English to teachers and students in Can Tho and Mekong area, and suggests the step in from UK institutions and partners like the British Council.

Can Tho delegates also proposes the potential collaboration model between UK institutions and local ones, mentioning both online platforms and direct lectures with British professors, as well as internship in the UK.

CG Hamblin expresses her delights in visiting the city, and commits to support the city in developing collaboration with UK institutions, in education and other activities for a win-win situation.

During this visit, CG Hamblin has talks with students of FPT University, which has the collaboration with Greenwich University, and Can Tho University leaders and students. The British diplomat also meets with VCCI and shares her comments in a workshop for domestic enterprises about business integrity. CG Hamblin is also the Director for Trade and hopes that the two countries shall enter into the new FTA early next year.