HCMC – The United Kingdom (UK) has reinforced its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Vietnam, with new British Consul General Alexandra Smith and Deputy Consul General William Lawrenson taking up their posts in HCMC.
Speaking at a press meeting on August 22, Smith underscored the need to boost two-way trade, fostering business cooperation, and deepening cultural exchanges between Vietnam and the UK .
The diplomat, who is also the UK’s trade director for Vietnam, wants to focus on representing the UK community and enhancing people-to-people connections between the two countries.
She previously served as the UK’s first trade and economic counselor to the ASEAN bloc in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Lawrenson is currently the UK’s deputy consul general and head of trade and investment for HCMC. He said it is important to build mutual understanding between the two nations.
“A big part of our job is to tell the Vietnam story to the UK, and vice versa,” Lawrenson stated. “There is lots of interest in it, and we are here to fly the flag for the UK and see what we can do together.”
Vietnam and the UK celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023. The two countries have been steadily strengthening economic ties.
