Vietnam and UK Seek New Growth Drivers in Technology, Logistics, and Finance

The Vietnam-UK High-Level Conference 2026 was held in Hanoi to boost cooperation between the two countries in areas offering new growth potential, including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, crypto assets, commodity derivatives markets and logistics.

British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation as Vietnam - UK relations have been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that technology, finance, innovation, and digital transformation are opening up new opportunities for cooperation, enabling businesses from both countries to connect, share experience, and explore investment and business opportunities.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang noted that bilateral trade and investment ties have continued to grow. She said two-way trade reached a record high of nearly $9.4 billion in 2025 and nearly $6 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 14.5 percent year on year.

The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have expanded market access, strengthened supply chains, and created conditions for businesses from both countries to pursue long-term investment. Vietnam aims to develop a modern, transparent, and competitive financial ecosystem aligned with international standards and serving the real economy.