The economic downturn has not seen any slowdown in our activities in Vietnam. Last week, I attended the opening of HSBC's first transaction office in Vietnam - a concrete sign of their commitment and fast action following local incorporation on 1 January. Unilever too here recently announced a further investment here. British companies retain a commitment to the long term socio -economic development of Vietnam too - Marijn van Tiggelen, Unilever CEO, accompanied me on my call on Molisa minister Ngan when we discussed cooperation on pensions and vocational training.

The global economic situation and climate change remain big priorities. And they are closely linked- recovery must be based on low carbon technologies if it is to be sustainable. I have had meetings with vice finance minister Ha and Mr Le Duc Thuy of the NFSC to discuss further cooperation with UK. And two important conferences on climate change this week-one with the National Financial Supervisory Centre and one with the ADB launching the regional Stern Review about the economic consequencies of climate change.

I have been encouraged by a number of university visits over the last couple of weeks. First a team from the University of Sheffield (old university of Kara Owen - Deputy Ambassador ) led by vice chancellor. Then Sir Graeme Davies, Vice Chancellor of the University of London and President of the new British University of Vietnam, which will hopefully be talking its first students by the end of the year. And this week also a representative from the London School of Economics was in Hanoi to explore further possibilities for cooperation.

Our governmental dialogue with Vietnam remains strong - you have seen Nick Hopton's blog below. Nick was leading a team to Hanoi to discuss Vietnam issues. I was also pleased to take part in a seminar on journalism training last week, with senior Vietnamese leaders and journalists. I think these are much useful experiences we can share here.
And finally, we have been watching with concern the development of swine flu in Mexico. I have sent a letter to the British community which is also on our website. The situation is very uncertain, but if you want to know more details you can check the MOH website and WHO website and follow the basic advice below to minimum risk.

Notes for Editors

See also Ambassador's Vietnamese language blog

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