UK supports the construction of a regional-scale Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center

Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, shared at the press conference on October 7. *Photo: Nguyen Le*

Accordingly, the UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 5. The theme of this year's conference will focus on two key areas: the International Finance Centre (IFC) in Ho Chi Minh City and renewable energy.

The conference will bring together business leaders, government representatives and industry experts to explore collaboration opportunities in key areas.

Trade relations between Vietnam and the UK are on the rise, especially after the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) came into effect. Total two-way trade in goods and services has reached £9 billion (in the four quarters up to the end of the first quarter of 2025), an increase of 30.8% over the same period.

This impressive figure shows the great complementarity and potential between the two economies . In that context, focusing on areas where the UK has strengths and Vietnam has urgent needs will create new breakthroughs.

Regarding the International Finance Centre (IFC), the conference will directly support the Vietnamese Government’s strategic goal of developing Ho Chi Minh City into a regional financial hub. This focus is built on a series of high-level dialogues and practical cooperation activities.

Recent activities such as the UK-Vietnam Summit on IFC in Hanoi; the high-level roundtable in Ho Chi Minh City. The strategic discussions at these conferences show a sustained and continuous collaborative effort to establish the legal frameworks that are fundamental to a successful IFC.

On renewable energy, this theme highlights 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 finance models with Vietnam’s huge natural potential, thereby promoting the energy transition in a sustainable and efficient manner.

toa-thap-saigon-marina-ifc(1).jpg — Saigon Marina IFC Tower - one of the infrastructure components of the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center. *Photo: Anh Tu*

Speaking at a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 7, Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized: “The British Government is proud to be a trusted partner of Vietnam, especially in the era of the country's development. We are realizing our commitment to strengthen the strategic partnership between the UK and Vietnam, promoting bilateral trade relations in areas that Vietnam is focusing on developing, including sustainable development, digitalization, green growth and economy - with the goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045.

These priorities are not only aligned with global development trends but also provide a solid foundation for the shared prosperity of our two countries. UK experts and businesses are supporting Vietnam to unlock transformational opportunities and build a sustainable future through initiatives in education, green finance and the energy transition.”

Matt Ryland, Executive Director of BritCham Vietnam, added: “The conference provides the perfect platform for UK and wider businesses to showcase their knowledge and experience, and reaffirm their commitment to supporting Vietnam in achieving its growth targets. It also provides our members with the opportunity to foster dialogue and pave the way for fruitful partnerships, investment and trade between the two countries.”

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/vuong-quoc-anh-ho-tro-xay-dung-trung-tam-tai-chinh-quoc-te-tp-ho-chi-minh-mang-tam-khu-vuc-718689.html