Business

Vietnam pledges favourable conditions for UK businesses

Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang noted that free trade agreements such as the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have expanded opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang holds a meeting with the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Matt Western. (Photo: VNA)
Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang holds a meeting with the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Matt Western. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang has affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to improving its investment environment and creating favourable conditions for foreign enterprises, including those from the United Kingdom.

The statement was made during his meeting in London with the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Matt Western as part of his recent working trip to the UK and Italy.

At the event, the two sides discussed the state of bilateral cooperation, with Thang stressing that the UK is a strategically important partner for Vietnam, particularly as economic, trade and investment ties have continued on a positive growth trajectory in recent years.

The minister noted that free trade agreements such as the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have expanded opportunities for businesses in both countries. In customs, he said the two governments are working towards the signing of an agreement on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance.

Thang expressed confidence that the meeting would lay an important foundation for strengthening bilateral ties, thereby contributing to socio-economic development in both nations. He also highlighted the significance of 2025, which marks the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam–UK Strategic Partnership (2010–2025). He voiced his hope for the elevation of the two countries' ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening broader and deeper avenues for cooperation.

For his part, Trade Envoy Matt Western welcomed the robust growth in bilateral economic, trade and investment relations and praised Vietnam’s efforts in institutional reform, financial market development and international integration.

He affirmed the UK’s readiness to share expertise, provide technical assistance and cooperate with Vietnamese agencies in establishing an international financial centre, upgrading the status of Vietnam’s stock market and facilitating stronger international capital flows to enhance investor confidence.

The UK currently has 606 valid investment projects in Vietnam with total registered capital of 4.65 billion USD, ranking 15th among 152 countries and territories investing in the country./.

VNA
#UK businesses #UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement #Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership #Vietnam-UK bilateral relations United Kingdom
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Do Minh Hung (centre), embassy staff and VBUK members (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Business Association in UK sets 2025 agenda

The Vietnamese Business Association in the UK (VBUK) has announced plans to reshape the landscape of Vietnam-UK trade relations, focusing on driving business community forward, fostering its unity and strengthening connections with their Vietnamese partners both at home and abroad.

See more

Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho (first, left) and other participants in the conference in Seoul on July 14 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK strengthen investment links at Seoul conference

Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho said bilateral relations are currently enjoying the best conditions, underpinned by what he described as the three key factors of “favourable timing, geographical advantages, and strong public support”.

Electricity generation is monitored at the plant of the Hai Phong Thermal Power Joint Stock Company. (Photo: VNA)

Energy security “shield” must be built in layers: Expert

In an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Dr Nguyen Van Tu, General Director of the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI), said petroleum reserves are a critical line of defence, but a genuine energy security “shield” must be built in layers.

Reducing emissions is not only essential for tackling climate change but also brings tangible benefits to farmers and businesses. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam steps up low-emission farming to support green growth

Vietnam is among the world's leading producers and exporters of agricultural products, including rice, coffee and a wide range of fruits. However, key export markets such as the US, the European Union (EU) and Japan are tightening sustainability requirements for agricultural products, making the transition to low-emission farming increasingly important.

Fresh fruit products of Vietnam are introduced to German customers. (Photo: VNA)

"Live data" paves way for Vietnamese farm exports

Achieving Vietnam's target of more than 74 billion USD in agricultural, forestry and fishery exports in 2026 will require stronger traceability systems, initially focusing on key export commodities, high-value products and major markets such as the EU, the US and China.

An enterprise in the southern province of Dong Thap invests in modern technologies and machinery for production. (Photo: VNA)

Broadening financing channels key to unlocking SME growth

As the private sector takes on a more central role under the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW, experts and business representatives say Vietnam needs a more comprehensive approach to supporting SMEs. This includes improving institutions, making financial support tools more effective and reshaping the financial system to better suit the characteristics of SMEs.

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Tan Thuan Wind Power Plant in Tan Thuan commune, Ca Mau province, have a combined installed capacity of 75 MW, comprising 18 wind turbines. (Photo: VNA)

Energy storage unlocks renewable power potential, cuts emissions

Energy transition is not simply about replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar power. It also requires building a sustainable energy ecosystem in which clean power generation, energy storage, smart grids and material recycling chains develop in parallel. Such an integrated approach will improve energy efficiency, further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Vietnam achieve green growth and net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

Vietnamese food is increasingly diverse in varieties and packaging, meeting domestic demand. (Photo: VNA)

Government urges vigilance as inflation pressures mount in H2

The Government's inflation target remains within reach despite mounting headwinds. Several forecasts suggest inflation can stay below 4.5% this year if international oil prices continue to retreat. Extending domestic fuel tax incentives through year-end, along with stable electricity prices, healthcare fees and exchange rates, would offer additional relief.

Construction is underway at the Tu Lien Bridge project in Hanoi. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Public investment drives Hanoi’s growth momentum

In the first half of 2026, Hanoi disbursed 64 trillion VND (2.4 billion USD) in public investment, equivalent to more than 53% of the annual plan assigned by the Prime Minister – the highest mid-year disbursement rate recorded in many years.

Representatives of relevant parties at the sponsorship signing ceremony on July 13, 2026 (Photo: Vietjet)

Vietjet, Vikki Digital Bank named official partners of ASEAN United FC events

As the Official Airline Partner of the ASEAN United FC events, Vietjet connects fans and destinations across Southeast Asia through the region's leading football competitions, kicking off with the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026, the jewel in the crown of ASEAN football and the region's biggest sporting event.