During a meeting in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng expressed strong commitment to enhancing ties with the United Kingdom while hosting UK Ambassador Iain Frew. The Prime Minister extended gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a congratulatory letter sent upon Hưng’s election. Acknowledging the ambassador’s role, Hưng praised the efforts of Frew and the British Embassy in advancing the bilateral relationship, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to the UK in October 2025.
Prime Minister Hưng emphasized the potential for cooperation between the two countries in various sectors such as trade, investment, finance, science and technology, education, renewable energy, and defense. He proposed that both nations intensify delegation exchanges and high-level visits, while developing an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Aiming to increase bilateral trade turnover, Hưng suggested a target of US$10 billion by 2026, with aspirations to reach $15 billion, facilitated by improved market access for each other’s goods. He assured that Việt Nam remains welcoming to foreign investments, including those from British enterprises.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of collaboration in the development of the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC), urging the UK to aid Việt Nam in refining institutional frameworks and mobilizing resources for strategic infrastructure projects. He expressed appreciation for the UK Government’s support for the Vietnamese community in the UK, encouraging their integration and contribution to socio-economic growth in both countries.
Ambassador Frew congratulated Việt Nam on its socio-economic progress and reiterated his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various fields. He acknowledged Việt Nam’s leadership role as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and assured the UK’s readiness to enhance both bilateral and international trade. British investors, he noted, are optimistic about Việt Nam’s prospects, particularly in energy and green transition, and he expressed the UK’s intention to be a long-term partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Frew concurred with Prime Minister Hưng’s proposals, affirming ongoing collaboration to maintain effective bilateral defense and security mechanisms. He highlighted plans to foster cooperation in science and technology, connect expert and investment networks, and support educational initiatives such as making English a second language in Vietnamese schools. On regional and global matters, both sides agreed to bolster coordination at multilateral forums, enhance ASEAN–UK relations, and ensure freedom and security of navigation, contributing to regional and global peace and development.
