This is not only a time for Vietnam and the UK to look back on the path of cooperation over the past half-century, but also an opportunity for the two sides to look forward to a future of strong connection.
After 50 years of cooperation and development, Vietnam and the UK have stood side by side to build bridges of close linkages. The two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2010.
In September 2020, the two sides issued a new Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership with seven priority areas of cooperation and affirmed their goal to raise the relations to a higher level in the next 10 years.
In December 2020, Vietnam and the UK officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the principle of inheriting the Vietnam-EU FTA (EVFTA), creating a framework for comprehensive, long-term and stable economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
With the efforts of generations of leaders and people of the two countries, the Vietnam-UK friendship and cooperation have reaped many fruitful results.
Assessing the progress in Vietnam-UK relations, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew affirmed that the bilateral relations are going through a very exciting time.
The UK is currently Vietnam’s third-largest trade partner in the European market. In 2022, Vietnam-UK trade turnover reached about 6.8 billion USD, an increase of more than 3% compared to 2021. Vietnam’s main export products to the UK are textiles, footwear, iron and steel, cashew nuts, coffee, and pepper, while imports from the UK include machinery, equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and cars.
Vietnam is also an attractive destination for British investors as the UK ranks in the top 20 countries with foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam.
Regarding education, UK universities and organisations are providing many scholarships to Vietnam, creating conditions for talented students to get access to one of the world’s most high-quality educational systems. The two countries are also cooperating to address global challenges, including climate change.
Besides a close bilateral relationship, Vietnam and the UK also actively support each other at international forums. The two sides coordinated closely and effectively, while Vietnam was a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 and 2020-2021 terms. Both sides were also members of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term.
Vietnam backed the UK’s request to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN and actively supported the UK in the negotiation process to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Meanwhile, the UK supported Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
A series of vibrant and meaningful cultural exchange activities will be organised on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, including the UK Festival, held in major cities of Vietnam in September and October 2023.
The cultural beauty of both Vietnam and the UK is spread in simple ways but leaves a deep impression in the hearts of the people of each country and international friends.
The UK Festival provides an opportunity for people to learn about the deep connection between Vietnam and the UK. Booths at the festival display typical commercial products of the UK. Guests also have a chance to learn about cooperative projects in the field of renewable energy, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to building a greener and more sustainable future.
Although located on two continents, there always exists a sincere affection and a strong connection between Vietnam and the UK, nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. A new journey awaits, promising to mark brilliant cooperative achievements, bringing practical benefits to both countries.
