Strengthening Financial and Business Relations Between Vietnam and the UK
	Promoting Vietnam-UK Cooperation in Developing Modern Financial Services

The gathering of former UK students under the theme “Vietnam - UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Opportunities and Aspirations.” (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his remark, Nguyen Ngoc Canh, President of the Vietnam - UK Friendship Association, highlighted that the gathering was not only a chance to recall cherished memories of the UK, but also an important forum to review the progress of bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1973, particularly following the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in 2010 and its upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, Vietnam - UK relations have advanced strongly and substantively across multiple fields.

In politics and diplomacy, the two countries have maintained stable and trustworthy relations through high-level exchanges, diverse bilateral cooperation mechanisms, regular dialogue, and close coordination at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and regional frameworks, thereby reinforcing political trust.

In economic and trade cooperation, the United Kingdom remains one of Vietnam’s leading partners in Europe. Bilateral trade turnover in the first eight months of 2025 reached US$6.1 billion, marking a 9.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The Vietnam - UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) continues to serve as a key driver of this growing partnership.

Nguyen Ngoc Canh, President of the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In the field of education and training, more than 12,000 Vietnamese students are currently studying in the United Kingdom, making Vietnam one of the largest Southeast Asian communities in British higher education. Scholarship opportunities, joint training initiatives, the internationalization of universities, and English language programs have all played a vital role in enhancing the quality of Vietnam’s human resources.

People-to-people exchanges remain a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Since its establishment in 1998, the Vietnam - UK Friendship Association has actively promoted exchange activities, delegation visits, and connections among businesses, universities, and civic organizations in both countries. Working closely with partners in the UK and Vietnam, the Association has organized educational, cultural, professional, and humanitarian events that foster mutual understanding, strengthen friendship, and create flexible, effective channels for cooperation.

The Vietnamese community in the UK, numbering around 100,000, has also served as a natural bridge, presenting to British society the image of a dynamic, integrated, and responsible Vietnam.

Against this backdrop, the UK Alumni Network of Vietnam (UKAV) stands out as a valuable resource - both as “people’s ambassadors” and a reliable connector between the two nations. Through professional networks, academic collaboration, policy advice, and social initiatives, UKAV has helped deepen mutual understanding, promote substantive cooperation, and spread progressive values in bilateral relations.

Nguyen Ngoc Canh emphasized his hope that UKAV will continue to harness its intellectual capital and experience, actively engage in people-to-people diplomacy, and contribute to the increasingly deep, sustainable, and effective development of Vietnam - UK relations.

James Shipton, Director of the British Council in Vietnam. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the event, James Shipton, Director of the British Council in Vietnam, affirmed the particularly important role of the alumni community in strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries. Through initiatives such as the StudyUK Alumni Award, the outstanding contributions of Vietnamese alumni to the socio-economic development of the country are increasingly recognized, not only in Vietnam but also globally.

He expressed his desire to continue strengthening cooperation between the British Council and the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association and UKAV, thereby building an increasingly strong alumni network that makes practical contributions to common development goals. With over 30 years of operation in Vietnam, the British Council is committed to continuing to support alumni networks through career development programs, professional networking, and cross-border cooperation.

Alex Strugnell, Deputy Ambassador, British Embassy to Vietnam. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to Alex Strugnell, Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Vietnam, the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 reflects the deep mutual trust and understanding between the two countries, as well as the central role of education and people-to-people cooperation in strengthening ties. Former students who studied in the UK serve as enduring “bridges,” helping to sustain and deepen connections across generations.

The Deputy Ambassador highlighted the important contributions of the Vietnam - UK Friendship Association and the UK Alumni Network of Vietnam (UKAV) in fostering alumni cohesion, promoting friendship, and laying the groundwork for professional collaboration. He encouraged former students to continue harnessing their networks, expertise, and prestige to make meaningful contributions to the future development of Vietnam - UK relations.

The panel discussion “Weaving Memories - Creating Heritage” provided a platform for former Vietnamese students in the United Kingdom to share their cherished experiences and heartfelt recollections. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The panel discussion “Weaving Memories - Creating Heritage” served as a meaningful space for listening to and sharing the cherished stories and recollections of generations of former Vietnamese students in the United Kingdom. These memories not only inspired the personal journeys of learning and growth for each participant but also reinforced the importance of intergenerational connection, thereby enriching the spiritual heritage of Vietnam - UK friendship.

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