Tat ThanhCang, deputy chairman of the People's Committee, told the visitors led by Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprises Anna Soubry at a meeting on Thursday that the city is now focusing on four key sectors — electronics - IT, mechanical engineering-transport, chemicals-plastics-rubber, and food processing.

Investment priority would also be given to developing public transport, including eight metro routes, ports and logistics, he told them.

Some 60-70 per cent of Viet Nam's exports and imports go through seaports, and so investment in this sector would be profitable, he added.

Soubry said HCM City offers British companies investment opportunities, especially in large infrastructure projects in which they have extensive experience.

She also expressed interest in developing deep-sea ports and the Thu Thiem new urban area, saying British companies hope to participate in those projects.

The British visitors — part of a larger delegation to Viet Nam led by PM David Cameron that wrapped up its visit later the same day — included many top business executives from industries like construction, electronics, power, and infrastructure besides investors.

VNS