Vietnam News Today (Jun. 29): PM Calls for Breakthroughs in Vietnam–UK Economic Cooperation

	Vietnam News Today (June 27): PM concludes WEF Tianjin 2025 engagement, working visit to China
	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 27): Vietnam Pledges to Play Active Role in UNESCO’s Global Missions: Party Chief

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, UNESCO deepen strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Hanoi on June 28, during which he affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to multilateral cooperation and the organization's role.

Son praised Azoulay’s contributions in enhancing UNESCO’s global influence. He said that Vietnam remains committed to being a responsible member across all five of UNESCO’s key governing bodies, and actively contributing to promoting dialogue, solidarity, and international cooperation, and upholding the role of culture in the post-2030 UN development agenda.

Azoulay expressed her appreciation for Vietnam’s strong engagement, describing it as a trusted strategic partner. She welcomed Vietnam’s proposals for cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and renewable energy, and supported the idea of establishing a regional AI training center and a UNESCO Chair in Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to expand joint efforts in heritage preservation, including support for restoring the Kinh Thien Palace at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and nominating sites such as Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac, and Cu Chi Tunnels for UNESCO recognition, cited VNA.

In recognition of her contributions to promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritage and further strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and UNESCO, Deputy PM and FM Son presented UNESCO Director-General Azoulay with the “For the Cause of Vietnam’s Diplomacy” insignia.

Vietnam seeks to boost comprehensive cooperation with Croatia

Vietnam is committed to deepening its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Croatia, viewing the country as an important partner in the Balkan region.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Croatia Bui Le Thai was speaking during the presentation of his credentials to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic recently.

Thai reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade, investment, education, labor, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Expressing his honor at assuming a new role in Croatia, a country rich in potential in Southeast Europe, the Ambassador pledged to do his utmost to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The Ambassador thanked Croatia for its strong support in the negotiation and early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He called on Croatia to advocate for the European Commission to lift the “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exports and to encourage remaining EU members to ratify the EVIPA.

He also proposed that both sides explore the signing of new cooperation agreements, including those on labor, education, and parliamentary collaboration. The diplomat recommended forming a Vietnam–Croatia Parliamentary Friendship Group and called for deeper engagement in multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Le Thai (R) presents the credentials to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy)

On this occasion, the Ambassador formally delivered an invitation from President Luong Cuong to President Milanovic to attend the signing ceremony of the UN Convention on Cybercrime, set to take place in Hanoi on October 25–26.

Following the credentials presentation, the Ambassador held meetings with Presidential Advisor for Foreign and European Policy Neven Pelicaric, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frano Matusic, and State Secretary for Economic Affairs Vedran Spehar, to outline priorities for cooperation during his term.

The Croatian officials congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and praised Vietnam’s dynamic development and rising international profile. They expressed Croatia’s interest in further strengthening ties, particularly in economic, cultural, and educational fields.

They reiterated Croatia’s willingness to act as a gateway for Vietnamese goods entering the EU market via its ports, and pledged continued support for Vietnam’s efforts to enhance its partnership with the European Union.

PM calls for breakthroughs in Vietnam–UK economic cooperation

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Vietnam and the UK, especially their business communities, to make the most of the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to advance bilateral ties in a more substantive and effective manner.

Strengthened cooperation, he noted, will contribute not only to the development of each country but also to regional and global peace, cooperation, and progress.

Speaking at a meeting in Hanoi on June 28 with the UK business community and enterprises operating in Vietnam, the Prime Minister laid out a vision for long-term cooperation in key sectors aligned with Vietnam’s newly issued “four strategic pillars”. He reflected on the strong foundations of Vietnam–UK relations, especially in trade and investment, and stressed the need for greater efforts to elevate economic collaboration to match the two countries’ friendship, potential and complementarity.

Setting a target of US$10 billion in two-way trade and calling for a similar level of direct and indirect UK investments in Vietnam, Pham proposed six priority areas for breakthrough cooperation. He urged both sides to enhance connectivity between the two economies in a way that is effective, substantive, and mutually beneficial.

He called for stronger collaboration in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation to capitalize on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Pham emphasized the importance of working together on green transition, climate change response, and Vietnam’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Government leader encouraged expanded cooperation in healthcare, education, culture and sports, particularly support for Vietnam's ambition to make English a second language in its schools. He welcomed UK involvement in developing Vietnam's financial services sector, including the establishment of international financial and commercial centers. In addition, he expressed his hope that UK businesses will help Vietnamese companies join global production, supply, and distribution chains and assist in nurturing domestic tech unicorns.

He affirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a business environment aligned with international practices and the laws of both countries. This includes safeguarding the rights and legitimate interests of foreign nationals and businesses in Vietnam, creating long-term, stable policies, ensuring freedom of enterprise, property rights, fair competition, and maintaining political stability, security and safety. He reiterated the Government’s willingness to listen, understand, and work with investors to resolve any difficulties in the spirit of harmonized benefits and shared risks, reported VGP.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the meeting with British business community and enterprises operating in Viet Nam, Ha Noi, June 28, 2025. Photo: VGP

Emphasizing the need for intelligence, decisiveness and collaboration, Prime Minister Pham stated that any challenge could be overcome with determination, proper execution and mutual trust.

At the meeting, representatives from the UK Advisory Council, the British Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (BritCham), and UK businesses praised Vietnam’s dynamic investment environment and acknowledged the Government’s efforts to promote reform, innovation and sustainable growth. Participants discussed Vietnam's plans to establish an international financial center, attract green finance, develop renewable energy and support social sectors such as education and healthcare.

UK businesses expressed a strong commitment to long-term investment in Vietnam. They voiced their readiness to assist Vietnam in building international financial centers, mobilising green capital, and developing legal frameworks for green finance. They also pledged support for the country’s energy transition, digital economy development, and human resources training, while deepening collaboration in healthcare and social welfare.

Delegates discussed UK-Vietnam trade amid global economic challenges, shared concerns faced by UK companies operating in Vietnam, and offered suggestions to address regulatory inconsistencies and facilitate trade and investment under the UKVFTA and CPTPP.

As one of the key pillars of the Vietnam–UK Strategic Partnership, economic ties have grown steadily. The two countries’ shared commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system is reflected in agreements like the UKVFTA and CPTPP.

In 2024, bilateral trade reached more than 8 billion GBP (US$10.9 million), with UK imports from Vietnam totalling 6.8 billion GBP and exports to Vietnam valued at 1.3 billion GBP. By the end of 2023, the UK’s direct investment in Vietnam had reached 1.3 billion GBP, with over 400 UK enterprises operating in the country, from multinationals to SMEs.

Lang Son Geopark receives UNESCO title

The Lang Son Geopark in northern Lang Son province has been awarded the title UNESCO Global Geopark, recognizing its exceptional heritage and traditional culture, while enhancing the promotion of its stunning landscapes and tourism offerings to both domestic and international visitors.

Thanks to its outstanding international values in geology, culture, and landscape along with the determined efforts of local authorities and people, and support from relevant ministries and agencies, the Lang Son Geopark was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in September 2024, and UNESCO formally conferred the title in April 2025.

This recognition marks a significant milestone, officially placing Lang Son in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, which currently includes 229 sites across 50 countries worldwide.

Spanning nearly 5,000 square kilometers, the Lang Son Geopark is home to more than 100 notable geological, cultural, and archaeological heritage sites. Beyond its geological significance, the park also showcases spectacular natural landscapes, revolutionary history, and the rich, diverse cultural identity of local ethnic communities, VOV reported.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, presents the title to the Lang Son leadership at a ceremony on June 28. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Speaking at the award ceremony on June 28, Ho Tien Thieu, deputy secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and chairman of the Lang Son People's Committee, emphasized that this is a historic turning point that opens up vast opportunities for Lang Son to harness its potential and advantages, promote sustainable tourism development and position the province as a growth pole and economic hub of the northern midland and mountainous region.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, noted that Lang Son Geopark offers valuable insights into the evolution of life over millions of years, and that studying its geological history can help nations better understand and respond to global challenges such as climate change.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van stressed that localities should incorporate principles of sustainable development into the management and operation of geoparks to ensure harmony and progress. He affirmed that the UNESCO recognition is a clear testament to Vietnam's ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage alongside intangible heritage such as the Mother Goddess worship and Then singing of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups.

On this occasion, Lang Son announced a comprehensive action plan for the 2025–2030 period to develop the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark. The plan focuses on reviewing and completing conservation and sustainable development planning, as well as improving transport infrastructure connecting heritage sites.

The province will also intensify research, surveys, digitalization, and the systematization of geological, cultural, and ecological values to build an integrated database. In parallel, it will develop unique tourism products reflecting local identity, combining geological, cultural, historical, and culinary values to serve conservation and promotion efforts effectively.

Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is Vietnam’s fourth global geopark, following Dong Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang), Non Nuoc Cao Bang, and Dak Nong Geopark, reinforcing Vietnam’s position on the global geological heritage map.

Vietnam's culinary presence grows in Russian supermarkets

The first “Vietnam corner” in a major Russian supermarket chain officially launched on June 27 at a Magnit Extra store in Moscow, as part of a joint initiative by Vietnam’s Masan Group and Russia’s Magnit Group.

Featuring over 150 Vietnamese products from fresh and processed fruits to beverages, sauces, noodles, and coffee the space aims to introduce Russian consumers to Vietnam’s diverse cuisine and cultural offerings.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi, embassy staff, and local shoppers attended the launch, where visitors sampled Vietnamese food and learned more about the country’s culinary culture.

The diplomat expressed his hope that the new initiative would boost cultural exchange and tourism, encouraging more Russians to visit Vietnam, cited VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi visits "Vietnam corner" (Photo: VNA)

According to Grand Trading Company Director General Vladislava Bakhtenko, the corner serves not only as a retail space but as a cultural bridge. He voiced optimism about expanding the model to other regions of Russia.

Masan’s representative described the launch as a continuation of growing business and cultural ties between the two countries. Earlier this month, a “Russia corner” was opened in Vietnam to showcase Russian food and culture.

The “Vietnam corner” is expected to serve as a cultural and culinary link, helping foster mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries' people.

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