On Wednesday in Hà Nội, Việt Nam’s Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng welcomed Iain Frew, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Việt Nam, emphasizing the significant value Việt Nam places on its relationship with the UK. During the meeting, PM Hưng expressed his gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a congratulatory letter sent following his election as Vietnamese leader. The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of Ambassador Frew and the British Embassy, notably in elevating Việt Nam–UK relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s official visit to the UK in October 2025.
PM Hưng highlighted the potential for further collaboration between the two nations in various sectors, including trade, investment, finance, science, technology, education, renewable energy, and defense. He proposed enhancing delegation exchanges and high-level visits and encouraged the creation of an action plan to implement the Việt Nam–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Prime Minister also set ambitious goals for bilateral trade, aiming to reach $10 billion by 2026 and $15 billion subsequently, through expanded market access. He reassured that the Vietnamese Government remains committed to providing favorable conditions for foreign enterprises, including those from the UK, to invest and thrive in Việt Nam.
In discussing financial collaboration, PM Hưng underscored the importance of bilateral efforts in developing the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC). He encouraged continued UK support in improving Việt Nam’s institutional frameworks and financial tools, vital for strategic infrastructure and symbolic projects in line with the bilateral partnership. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for the UK’s efforts in integrating the Vietnamese community, urging continued support to foster their positive contributions to the UK’s socio-economic landscape and bilateral relations.
Ambassador Frew commended Việt Nam on its socio-economic progress and expressed his commitment to enhancing the depth and effectiveness of bilateral ties across various fields. He praised Việt Nam’s leadership as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026, affirming the UK’s readiness to bolster both bilateral and international trade. Frew highlighted British investors’ confidence in Việt Nam’s growth potential, especially in energy and green transition, and stated the UK’s intent to be a long-term partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
The ambassador agreed with PM Hưng’s proposals, ensuring ongoing collaboration in maintaining robust defense and security cooperation. He emphasized advancing partnership in science, technology, and innovation, supporting expert networks and high-tech human resources training, enhancing educational cooperation, and promoting English as a second language in Vietnamese schools. Both parties agreed to strengthen multilateral coordination, foster ASEAN–UK relations, and uphold dialogue and cooperation to ensure regional and global peace, stability, and development.