Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng of Việt Nam emphasized the nation’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United Kingdom during a meeting with British Ambassador Iain Frew in Hà Nội on Wednesday. The Vietnamese leader expressed gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his congratulatory message following Hưng’s election. Highlighting the successful elevation of Việt Nam–UK relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to the UK in October 2025, Hưng praised Frew and the British Embassy for their contributions to this progress.
During their discussion, PM Hưng pointed out the vast potential for collaboration between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, finance, science and technology, education, and green energy. He urged for increased exchanges and high-level visits, alongside the swift formulation of an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Hưng proposed a joint effort to boost bilateral trade turnover to $10 billion by 2026 and $15 billion in subsequent years through enhanced market access. He reassured that Việt Nam is open to creating favorable conditions for British businesses to thrive within its borders.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of collaboration in establishing the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC), requesting continued UK support in developing legal frameworks, financial instruments, and mobilizing resources for infrastructure projects aligned with their strategic partnership. Additionally, Hưng called on the UK Government to assist in integrating the Vietnamese community in the UK, enabling them to contribute positively to both nations’ socio-economic landscapes.
Ambassador Frew expressed admiration for Việt Nam’s socio-economic strides and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering deeper, more effective bilateral relations across various sectors. He recognized Việt Nam’s leadership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and conveyed the UK’s readiness to enhance bilateral and international trade. Frew highlighted British investors’ positive outlook on Việt Nam’s prospects, particularly in energy and green transition, and expressed the UK’s intent to be a lasting partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Agreeing with PM Hưng’s suggestions, Frew assured continued cooperation in maintaining robust defence and security ties, as well as expanding scientific, technological, and educational collaboration. He emphasized the importance of connecting expert networks, advancing high-tech human resource training, and promoting English as a second language in Vietnamese schools. Both sides committed to boosting multilateral cooperation, enhancing ASEAN–UK relations, and ensuring regional peace and stability by supporting freedom and safety of navigation.