HCMC – Vietnam and the United Kingdom are stepping up trade promotion efforts and market expansion initiatives as they seek to increase two-way trade to US$10 billion this year.
Vietnam has also reaffirmed its readiness to facilitate long-term British investment, particularly in strategic infrastructure projects and the green energy transition.
The objectives were discussed during a meeting in Hanoi on June 10 between Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Seema Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
At the meeting, both sides agreed to soon develop an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between the two countries. They also pledged to deepen economic cooperation through stronger connections between investment funds, collaboration on the development of international financial centers, and partnerships in critical minerals.
In education, the UK expressed its willingness to support Vietnam in expanding English-language instruction and advancing the country’s goal of making English a second language in schools.
The discussions took place amid growing momentum in bilateral ties, particularly following the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2025.
Vietnam is also serving as the ASEAN-UK Country Coordinator for the 2024-2027 period, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership.
The two countries’ goal of reaching US$10 billion in bilateral trade this year reflects efforts to translate their upgraded diplomatic relationship into stronger economic cooperation.
On investment, British support under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), including assistance in improving Vietnam’s regulatory framework, is expected to help unlock private international capital for renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects.
Enhanced connectivity between investment funds and plans to develop international financial centers could also provide Vietnam’s capital market with deeper access to London-based financial institutions.
On multilateral issues, the two sides agreed to continue close coordination at the United Nations and within the ASEAN-UK framework.
Both countries reaffirmed their support for dialogue, respect for international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes to safeguard freedom of navigation, maritime security, energy security, and the stability of global supply chains.
