HANOI — In a recent meeting in Hanoi, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Vương Đình Huệ, and British Ambassador to Vietnam, Ian Frew, discussed the significance of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the UK. The discussions underscored both countries’ commitment to deepening their bilateral relationship, with a particular focus on trade cooperation. During the meeting, Chairman Huệ expressed Vietnam’s dedication to enhancing its strategic partnership with the UK, reflecting on the progress made in the past decade. The conversation also revisited the joint declaration marking the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership, which outlines a vision for elevating their ties in the coming years.
Ambassador Frew acknowledged the efforts made by the Vietnamese legislature, especially in ratifying the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), and agreed that the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023 have bolstered strategic trust between the two nations. Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the strategic partnership, Frew noted its coverage across politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, sustainable development, national defense and security, and healthcare. He pointed out that the UKVFTA has been mutually beneficial, supporting an increase in bilateral trade even amid global trade challenges.
Chairman Huệ commended the UK for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last year, a move that Vietnam supported. He suggested that the UK’s membership in the CPTPP, alongside the UKVFTA, would inject new momentum into Vietnam-UK relations, enhancing their trade and economic cooperation framework and facilitating deeper integration of their businesses into the global supply chain. Huệ encouraged British firms to expand their investments in Vietnam, assuring them of the Vietnamese government’s continued efforts to foster a favorable business environment for foreign investors, including those from the UK. He expressed Vietnam’s interest in strengthening cooperation with the UK in financial and monetary markets and the ambition to establish an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Furthermore, Huệ emphasized the desire for collaboration on global challenges such as digital transformation and energy transition. He also extended invitations to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker for official visits to Vietnam, highlighting the importance of parliamentary exchanges and cooperation, particularly among young parliamentarians. Ambassador Frew reiterated the UK’s interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnam through various channels, including inter-parliamentary exchanges, as both nations look forward to building upon their strategic partnership.
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