UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew – Photo: VGP/Van Cuong
In an interview with the Government Electronic Newspaper, Ambassador Iain Frew stated that this is the first visit by a General Secretary of Vietnam to the UK in 13 years—a historic event. This visit not only demonstrates the strategic trust between the two nations but also opens up more specific and substantial cooperation directions.
During the visit, discussions will focus on key areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy, as well as the development of international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Additionally, leaders from both countries will discuss further strengthening educational cooperation and skills training to prepare the future workforce, as well as consolidating initiatives in energy and green transition.
In a world of constant change, Ambassador Iain Frew is confident that maintaining high-level political dialogue and promoting practical cooperation will help both countries jointly protect the rules-based international system, promote free trade, and ensure safe and stable supply chains.
Clear Evidence of the Extensive and Substantial Cooperation Between Vietnam and the United Kingdom
Ambassador Iain Frew expressed particular admiration for the strong progress in bilateral relations across various fields, from trade, finance, and education to security and climate change adaptation.
According to the Ambassador, over the past decade, two-way trade has nearly tripled, reaching over £9 billion annually. This is clear evidence of the commitment to extensive and substantial cooperation between the two sides.
The Ambassador emphasized that the UK’s formal accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), supported by Vietnam, marks a significant milestone, creating numerous opportunities for businesses, organizations, and citizens of both countries, and driving sustainable growth and investment.
In education cooperation, over the past 15 years, more than 75,000 Vietnamese students have studied in the United Kingdom, with approximately 12,000 students currently enrolled each year.
This is not only a process of acquiring knowledge and language skills but also an opportunity to build “bridges connecting people” between the two nations, the Ambassador remarked.
The Ambassador highly appreciated Vietnam’s efforts to make English the second language in the national education system. Many UK educational organizations are actively supporting this initiative, helping Vietnamese youth integrate more deeply into the international community.
Furthermore, joint university programs, such as courses from the University of London and other top UK institutions in Vietnam, are enabling students to access high-quality education within the country.
In the field of climate and green transition, Ambassador Iain Frew affirmed that this is one of the most prominent areas of cooperation. Following Vietnam’s historic commitment at COP26 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the UK and Vietnam have closely coordinated through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
A UK energy delegation is currently in Vietnam to support the development of offshore wind power—an area where the UK has extensive practical experience. Cooperation in green transition will fundamentally transform Vietnam’s energy structure.
Regarding defense and security cooperation, Ambassador Iain Frew noted that the UK is proud to partner with Vietnam in UN peacekeeping activities and in modernizing and diversifying the defense industry.
“From no cooperation 20 years ago, defense and security collaboration has now become a crucial pillar in bilateral relations, contributing to regional and global security,” the Ambassador emphasized.
Assessing Vietnam’s economic development journey, Ambassador Iain Frew described it as “one of the most impressive success stories globally” – Photo: VGP/Van Cuong
Vietnam’s Economy: An Impressive Global Success Story
Assessing Vietnam’s economic development journey, the Ambassador described it as “one of the most impressive success stories globally.”
Vietnam has risen from a low-income country to a middle-income nation, lifting millions out of poverty—an achievement the Ambassador attributed to the persistent efforts and long-term vision of the Vietnamese government and people.
According to the Ambassador, Vietnam possesses numerous advantages for entering its next development phase, including a young, well-educated population, a strategic geographical location, a dynamic manufacturing sector, and an extensive network of free trade agreements.
However, the Ambassador also noted that Vietnam needs to continue increasing added value in production, attracting investment in high technology, and developing a high-quality workforce.
Highly appreciating Vietnam’s recent development directions, particularly Resolution 57 on innovation and Resolution 68 affirming the role of the private sector in the economy, Ambassador Iain Frew expressed confidence that with this vision and extensive international cooperation, Vietnam is fully capable of achieving its goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045./.
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