UK-Vietnam Business Summit discusses two strategic areas

The UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 will discuss the development of the Vietnam International Finance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hua Chung/VNA

The UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 is scheduled to take place on 5 November 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, with discussions focusing on two strategic areas: the development of the International Finance Centre (IFC) in Vietnam and renewable energy.

These are areas of particular interest to both countries and are pillars in the direction of bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

On October 7, at a press conference ahead of the conference, Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the economic relationship between Vietnam and the UK is really flourishing. In the past month alone, the agency has welcomed an unprecedented number of high-level British delegations to Vietnam.

According to Ms. Alexandra Smith, 2025 marks an important milestone as the two countries celebrate 15 years of establishing a Strategic Partnership. The two governments are working closely to maximize the benefits from the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

These agreements have eliminated tariffs on 99% of UK exports to Vietnam, opening up huge opportunities in sectors such as food and drink, healthcare, retail and consumer goods. Bilateral trade has more than tripled over the past decade, now exceeding £9 billion a year.

Ms. Alexandra Smith said that in the future, the development potential between the two countries is considered to be very large as more and more businesses take advantage of these favorable trade conditions. In that context, focusing on areas where the UK has strengths and Vietnam has urgent needs will create new breakthroughs.

Beyond trade, the UK remains deeply committed to supporting Vietnam’s sustainable development goals. From green finance and renewable energy to climate resilience and education, UK expertise is fully aligned with Vietnam’s priorities for an environmentally and socially responsible growth path.

The UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 will focus on highlighting these opportunities for cooperation.

Mr. Matt Ryland, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (BritCham Vietnam) - the host of the conference - said that as a bridge for the business community, BritCham initiated this first summit with the expectation that it will become an annual event.

The conference provides a platform for UK and wider UK businesses to showcase their knowledge and experience; and reaffirms their commitment to supporting Vietnam in achieving its growth targets.

The event also provides BritCham members with the opportunity to promote dialogue and pave the way for effective partnerships, investment and trade between the two countries.

Conference topics include the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City and renewable energy.

For IFC, the conference will explore ways to build Ho Chi Minh City into a regional financial hub, building on a series of high-level dialogues and practical cooperation activities.

Meanwhile, the topic of renewable energy highlighted Vietnam's strong commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at COP26.

In the context of Vietnam's need to ensure energy security for economic development, the conference will be an important bridge, connecting the UK's leading strengths in technology, especially offshore wind power, and green financial models with Vietnam's huge natural potential, thereby promoting the energy transition in a sustainable and effective manner.

Mr. Nirukt Sapru, Chairman of Jardine Matheson Group in Vietnam, said that in the Power Master Plan VIII (adjusted in 2025), Vietnam aims to develop 6,000-17,000 MW of offshore wind power by 2035. This is an ambitious target as each project usually takes 6-9 years to complete. Therefore, it is urgent to remove difficulties and speed up progress.

Jardine Matheson representatives expect the upcoming conference to promote policy dialogue between the Government and businesses. Some issues of particular interest to the business community and international investors include: removing price ceilings to reflect market supply and demand, promoting the development of rooftop solar power and distributed power models, clarifying related fees and costs, as well as improving market access.

The UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 is expected to bring together leading business leaders, government representatives and experts from across a range of sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration in key areas such as trade, ESG and finance.

Through keynote sessions, specially designed networking activities, exhibition areas and tailored B2B meetings, the event helps businesses from both countries establish strategic partnerships and expand growth potential.

Source: VNA/Vietnam+

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202510/hoi-nghi-thuong-dinh-doanh-nghiep-anh-viet-nam-ban-ve-2-linh-vuc-chien-luoc-db24b98/