Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng of Việt Nam emphasized the significance of strong ties with the United Kingdom during a meeting with British Ambassador Iain Frew in Hà Nội on Wednesday. The meeting underscored Việt Nam’s commitment to advancing its relationship with the UK, following the elevation of their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit to the UK in October 2025. PM Hưng expressed gratitude towards British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his congratulatory message after Hưng’s election, and appreciated the efforts of Ambassador Frew and the British Embassy in enhancing bilateral relations.
Highlighting areas for potential collaboration, PM Hưng pointed out opportunities in trade, investment, finance, science, technology, education, green transition, renewable energy, and defense. He advocated for increased exchanges and high-level visits between the two nations to formulate an action plan for their strategic partnership. Aiming to boost bilateral trade to US$10 billion by 2026 and $15 billion subsequently, he encouraged greater market access for goods from both countries and assured that Việt Nam will continue to support foreign investments, including those from British enterprises.
The Vietnamese leader also sought ongoing UK support in establishing the Việt Nam International Financial Centre (VIFC) and called for assistance in enhancing Việt Nam’s institutional and legal frameworks, developing financial instruments, and securing resources for strategic infrastructure. He urged the UK to aid the integration of the Vietnamese community in the UK, enabling them to contribute to both the UK’s socio-economic development and bilateral relations.
Ambassador Frew acknowledged Việt Nam’s recent socio-economic progress and expressed a strong desire to further deepen bilateral relations. He praised Việt Nam’s leadership role as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and assured close UK cooperation in fostering bilateral and international trade. Notably, Frew highlighted the positive outlook of British investors concerning Việt Nam, particularly in the sectors of energy, finance, and green transition, while emphasizing the UK’s long-term partnership goals in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Frew pledged continued collaboration in defense and security, alongside advancing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. This includes connecting expert and investment networks, supporting high-tech human resource training, enhancing education collaboration, and promoting English as a second language in Vietnamese schools. Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining coordination on regional and international issues, strengthening ASEAN–UK relations, and ensuring freedom, security, and safety of navigation to contribute to global peace and stability.