Vietnam News Today (Jul. 13): Vietnam-UK business dialogue seeks to expand economic cooperation

	Vietnam News Today (Jul. 11): Vietnam Backs ASEAN-New Zealand Upgrade to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
	Vietnam News Today (Jul. 12): Vietnam Proposes Cooperation Priorities Between ASEAN and Dialogue Partners

Vietnam–UK business dialogue seeks to expand economic cooperation

Vietnam and the UK held a high-level business dialogue in Edinburgh on July 11 to boost bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and green finance.

The forum brought together UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, former Ambassador and Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association Mark Kent, along with over 50 business leaders, industry associations, and government representatives from both countries.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized that the enforcement of the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has created a “dual driving force” for bilateral economic ties.

Thanks to the enforcement, two-way trade between the two countries reached US$8.4 billion in 2024, an 18% increase over 2023, positioning the UK as Vietnam’s third largest export market in Europe.

Long noted significant untapped potential in industrial, commercial, and energy cooperation, calling on businesses from both countries to fully leverage tariff preferences and flexible rules of origin. He encouraged greater collaboration in services and finance, as well as broader market access for agricultural products, food, and beverages in both markets, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long speaks at the forum. (Photo: MoIT)

The Deputy Minister also outlined Vietnam’s strategic breakthroughs to support national development, particularly in the energy sector. Under the recently revised Power Development Plan VIII, Vietnam targets 117.4 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, requiring approximately US$134 billion in new investment, primarily from private and international sources.

In this context, the Deputy Minister invited UK corporations, banks, and financial institutions to actively participate in Vietnam’s energy transition. Key areas for collaboration include establishing industrial-energy service hubs, developing offshore wind projects, training skilled labor, manufacturing equipment, and providing support services for the energy sector.

During discussions, experienced speakers from both countries focused on trade outlook under the UKVFTA and CPTPP, market opportunities for premium agri-food and beverages, Vietnam’s renewable energy roadmap, and the mobilisation of green finance for large-scale projects.

Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade affirmed their commitment to helping businesses utilise tariff benefits, optimize origin documentation, and access green credit packages under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

As part of the forum, BP Group and T&T Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation in smart mobility and the electrification of transportation in Vietnam. Under the MoU, Castrol, a Taiwanese technology partner, and T&T Energy will work together to launch and operate a battery swapping ecosystem for electric two-wheelers in Vietnam.

Following the forum, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long held a working session with representatives from BP and T&T. He welcomed the tripartite cooperation model that links a lubricant producer, a battery technology company, and an infrastructure developer, and urged the parties to comply with relevant regulations when deploying projects in major urban areas.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring technical compatibility, fire safety, and competitive battery-swapping pricing, to support Vietnam’s goal of reducing emissions in the transportation sector.

Vietnam, Côte d'Ivoire mark 50 years of diplomatic ties with ceremony in Abidjan

A ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Côte d'Ivoire diplomatic ties (October 6, 1975 - 2025) was held in Abidjan city on July 11 night (local time), blending cultural performances, fashion, and cuisine to celebrate a half-century of growing ties.

Co-hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, and the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire’s, the event saw the presence of Vietnamese National Assembly Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh.

In her address, Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Le Kim Quy traced the 50-year journey of bilateral relationship, noting strides in political dialogue, mutual support at international forums like the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and robust economic ties anchored in trade and investment.

She highlighted a unique cultural connection, with thousands of local youths practicing traditional Vietnamese martial arts and a thriving Vietnamese community in Côte d’Ivoire contributing to local life through cuisine, crafts, and services.

Évariste Koffi Yapi, Secretary General of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, lauded the enduring friendship, which has evolved from political cooperation to encompass strong economic ties and, increasingly, rich cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Évariste Koffi Yapi, Secretary General of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

The event captivated attendees with a joint performance by Vietnamese and Ivorian artists, weaving together the ethereal sounds of Vietnam’s Miao flute and monochord with West African rhythms and traditional dances. The performance brought the audience from the misty highlands of Vietnam to the serene Ébrié lagoons of Côte d’Ivoire, blending rural folk dances with vibrant African choreography, reported VNA.

A highlight was a fashion show featuring traditional Vietnamese long dresses designed by Miss Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Han, inspired by the intricate Kim Hoang folk painting tradition. Performed by members of the Vietnamese community in Côte d’Ivoire, the show drew enthusiastic applause.

A photo exhibition, curated with archival images from the Vietnam News Agency, chronicled the 50-year diplomatic journey, captivating visitors with its historical sweep.

The event doubled as a networking hub for the Vietnamese community in Côte d’Ivoire, who shared signature dishes like pho and nem (fried spring rolls) with international guests.

A Vietnamese relic and scenic complex honored as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recognized the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex spanning three localities - Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong – as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Professor Nikolay Nenov, president of the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, struck the gavel to announce the inscription of the relic and landscape complex as a World Cultural Heritage Site, during its 47th session in Paris on July 12.

This marks Vietnam’s 9th UNESCO World Heritage Site, and notably, the second trans-provincial heritage site after Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, which spans Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city.

The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex stands as a unique and extraordinary testimony to Truc Lam Zen Buddhism – a distinctive Vietnamese Buddhist tradition founded in the 13th century by the Tran dynasty kings, especially King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong.

The complex comprises many nationally and specially recognized historical sites, including Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex, Tran Dynasty Historical Site, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Bo Da Pagoda, Con Son – Kiep Bac Historical Site, and An Phu – Kinh Chu – Nham Duong Scenic and Historical Site, VOV reported.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recognized the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex spanning three localities - Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, and Hai Phong – as a World Cultural Heritage Site, at its 47th session in Paris on July 12.

It also encompasses Thanh Mai Pagoda, numerous artifacts, national treasures, intangible heritage, traditional festivals, and the rich natural landscape of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac cultural space.

The 12 heritage clusters of this complex fully illustrate the spiritual lineage and philosophy of Truc Lam Buddhism – from its founding at the sacred Yen Tu Mountain to its systematic teachings inscribed in stele inscriptions, rituals, and religious artifacts.

Nguyen Thi Hanh, vice chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee and head of the heritage nomination task force, said that after years of constant effort, the site has finally been globally recognized. She emphasizved that Quang Ninh would continue implementing preservation and restoration plans to ensure sustainable development and global promotion of this exceptional heritage.

In their remarks, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu and Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong stressed that the nomination is the result of many years of commitment to conserving cultural heritage at both tangible and intangible levels.

The ministries, together with provincial authorities, have undertaken numerous restoration projects, academic research, and international cooperation to successfully identify, preserve, and promote Vietnamese heritage sites.

The UNESCO recognition of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex affirms the persistent efforts, unified commitment, and effective collaboration between local and central governments, international partners, and the Vietnamese people in safeguarding the nation’s spiritual and cultural treasures.

Previously, UNESCO had inscribed eight World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, namely Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park; Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi; Trang An Landscape Complex; Hoi An Ancient Town; My Son Sanctuary; Citadel of the Ho Dynasty; Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago; and Hue Monuments Complex.

Deputy PM, FM Bui Thanh Son meets British Foreign Secretary David Lamy on AMM-58 sidelines

British Foreign Secretary David Lamy voiced his support for British businesses and experts to participate in the development of an international financial center in Vietnam, thereby contributing to strengthening bilateral ties.

Lamy made the above statement during his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11, within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM).

He hailed the impressive development in the bilateral ties across various fields, especially in trade and investment, adding that both sides have many opportunities to further boost trade and enhance cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy and renewable energy.

Bui, for his part, shared Vietnam's plans to develop an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City, emphasizing that it is a major policy of the State with the aim to promote the transformation of the growth model and sharpen national economic competitiveness.

He called on the United Kingdom to share its knowledge and experience in developing financial centers, support Vietnam in training and attracting human resources, and facilitate British organizations and businesses' participation in the development of the financial center in Vietnam, VGP reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (L) meets British Foreign Secretary David Lamy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 11, 2025.

Both sides vowed to increase high-level delegation exchanges, contributing to enhancing political trust and injecting momentum to elevate the strong bilateral cooperation to a new level.

The same day, during the meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission (EC), EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Bui urged the European Union to accelerate the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and soon lift the "yellow card" on Vietnam's seafood exports.

He suggested the EU encourage its businesses to invest in Vietnam's key projects in the fields of infrastructure, renewable energy, green transition, digital transformation, and environmental protection, and called for the advancement of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and EFTA States (including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein).

Affirming that Vietnam is one of the EU's important partners in the region, the EC Vice President agreed that both sides should enhance exchanges, particularly high-level visits, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and fully leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

She also emphasized the need to open markets and make cooperation in science and technology, innovation, green transition, and digital transformation new pillars of the bilateral relationship in the coming period.

Both sides affirmed the role and importance of the United Nations Charter and international law, stating that conflicts and disputes should be resolved by peaceful means via consultation and dialogue.

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