HCMC – UK Trade Envoy Matt Western MP backs sustainable transport, international financial center development and healthcare cooperation as UK–Vietnam trade grows.
The UK trade envoy wrapped up his four-day visit to Vietnam on September 26, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting the country’s economic transformation and marking 15 years of the UK–Vietnam Strategic Partnership.
The visit focused on strengthening bilateral trade, expanding cooperation in infrastructure, green finance, and healthcare, and promoting UK expertise in these sectors.
Western opened a workshop on transport-oriented development (TOD) and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the UK Government and HCMC. The agreement, under the UK’s Green Cities, Energy and Infrastructure Programme, aims to advance sustainable urban transport and planning.
At a conference on trade and investment opportunities, hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Standard Chartered, Western and UKEF CEO Tim Reid discussed ways to unlock financing for renewable energy and infrastructure projects. He underlined the UK’s role in Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership and called for regulatory reforms to attract international capital.
Financial cooperation
The envoy also voiced support for Vietnam’s ambition to develop international financial centers in HCMC and Danang City. Through TheCityUK, Britain has shared expertise on legal frameworks, regulatory practices, talent development, and green finance.
Healthcare partnerships
In meetings with executives from Tam Anh Hospital and UK healthcare firms, including AstraZeneca, GSK, Reckitt, and Haleon, discussions focused on digital health, clinical research, and upcoming innovation events in 2026.
Education initiatives
The visit also saw the signing of an MOU between UK-based Everybody Counts and Vietnam’s EdraTech to introduce exclusive digital math learning solutions for students.
High-level engagements
Western held talks with Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang, Health Minister Dao Hong Lan, and HCMC Vice Chairman Nguyen Loc Ha on trade priorities, energy cooperation, and opportunities for UK businesses.
He also met the UK–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association, the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, and leading Vietnamese conglomerates such as Vingroup and PTSC. A roundtable with economists discussed Vietnam’s macroeconomic outlook and its ambition to reach high-income status by 2045.
Expanding cultural and economic ties
The visit coincided with the UK–Vietnam Summer Festival, featuring the Royal Navy’s HMS Richmond. The event highlighted cultural exchange and showcased British innovation, education, and sustainability.
“Vietnam is one of the UK’s most dynamic and promising trade partners in Asia, with bilateral trade tripling in the past decade to nine billion pounds,” said Western. “This visit has reaffirmed our shared commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and deeper cooperation across infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and green energy.”
