Politics

Vietnam, UK should sign FTA asap: Government leader

Vietnam and the UK should sign a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible to further boost two-way trade, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said when hosting UK Secretary of State for International Trade Elizabeth Truss in Hanoi on December 11.
Vietnam, UK should sign FTA asap: Government leader ảnh 1Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Elizabeth Truss at their meeting in Hanoi on December 11 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam and the UK should sign a bilateral freetrade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible to further boost two-way trade, PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said when hosting UK Secretary of State forInternational Trade Elizabeth Truss in Hanoi on December 11.

Appreciating the significance of Truss’s visit,the PM said it will be a good chance for both sides to seek new measures toenhance relations, as the potential for bilateral cooperation remains substantial.

Vietnam considers the UK an important andfriendly partner and supports it participating in the Comprehensive andProgressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he said.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese Governmentpledges to create the best conditions possible for UK enterprises tosuccessfully invest in the country.

The two countries hold potential in developinggreen energy, Phuc said, suggesting the UK assist Vietnam in this field.

Truss expressed her delight at signing anagreement on the completion of negotiations on the UK-Vietnam FTA, adding thatthis is a new start to beef up bilateral cooperation.

She affirmed her country’s determination to joinhands with Vietnam in promoting trade liberalisation and economic recovery inthe context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK will host the 26th UN Climate ChangeConference (COP26) next year with the goal of bringing gas emissions down tozero by 2050. It hopes to join hands with other countries, including Vietnam,to contribute to this goal, she said.

The UK wants to cooperate with Vietnam inhealth, green technology, finance, digital economy and data, she added.

For COP26, PM Phuc committed that Vietnam willparticipate in the conference actively and responsively and contribute more toglobal climate change response efforts.

He also spoke highly of the UK’s stance ofensuring navigation and aviation security, safety and freedom in the EastSea./.
VNA
#Vietnam #UK #Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc #CPTPP #Vietnam #VietnamPlus #Vietnam News Agency #free trade agreement #UKVFTA #Elizabeth Truss United Kingdom Vietnam
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietnamese, UK firms look to bilateral FTA post-Brexit

Vietnamese, UK firms look to bilateral FTA post-Brexit

An online dialogue on policies and markets held on October 6 offered Vietnamese and UK enterprises an insight into the opportunities and challenges in trade and investment ties between the two nations following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Vietnam-UK trade relations will change

Vietnam-UK trade relations will change

Trade and investment relations between the UK and Vietnam will differ post-Brexit. A number of dialogue forums on policies and markets have been organised by the two countries, helping their businesses gain a clearer and more thorough understanding of the opportunities and challenges to come.

See more

Professor Zhu Chenming, honorary director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian Studies under the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences. (Photo: VNA)

Parliamentary cooperation to drive Vietnam-China relations forward: Chinese scholar

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Beijing, Professor Zhu Chenming, honorary director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian Studies under the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, said the official visit to China by National Assembly (NA) President Tran Thanh Man would promote exchanges between the two legislative bodies and contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

An article on Cambodianess.com (Photo published by VNA)

Cambodian media give heavy coverage to Vietnamese PM’s visit

The Khmer Times reported that the two PMs witnessed the signing of six agreements spanning national security, drug prevention and control, trade, culture and education. Companies also exchanged five economic documents at the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Forum 2026. The newspaper said the visit bolsters political trust and economic integration ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Georgia Nguyen Thanh Le. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnamese Vice President’s visit to boost Vietnam, Georgia’s roles as regional gateways

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s official visit to Georgia underscores the importance Vietnam attaches to its traditional friendship with Georgia and provides an opportunity for the two sides’ leaders to identify priorities, set directions and agree on concrete measures to capitalise on their respective strengths and unleash resources to meet each country’s development needs.

National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man (left) meets with Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning in Beijing on October 11. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China to boost legislative, people-to-people exchanges

To further consolidate the three pillars of political, material and social foundations underpinning ties between the two Parties and countries, NA President Man proposed maintaining exchanges at all levels, strengthening national defence-security ties, and supporting each other’s development and international standing.

NA President Tran Thanh Man (centre) attends an experience-sharing seminar with Beijing’s people’s congresses on October 11. (Photo: VNA)

NA President visits Beijing legislative liaison station

Praising the model of bringing legislative work closer to grassroots communities, voters and the public in Nanmofang and Beijing at large, National Assembly (NA) President Tran Thanh Man said Vietnam attaches importance to legislative work in building a socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people and for the people. That includes listening to experts, intellectuals, businesses, voters and the general public, especially those directly affected by policies and laws.

A building collapses and vehicles are damaged following an earthquake in Penonomé, Coclé province, central Panama, on October 9. (Photo: Xinhua)

Vietnam sends condolences to Panama over serious earthquake

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam on October 11 sent a message of condolences to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino Quintero following an earthquake on October 9 that injured many people and caused heavy damage.

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam pledges to advance rule of law at home, uphold law-based global order at UN

As it updates its legal framework, Vietnam has also put in place rules governing digital technologies, personal data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The country upgraded its National Legal Database and expanded digital platforms to broaden access to legal information, education and aid.

President of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport at noon on October 11 (local time), beginning an official visit to China. (Photo: VNA)

NA President arrives in Beijing, beginning official visit to China

Vietnam–China relations have continued to develop, particularly following reciprocal visits by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping.

National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man leaves Hanoi on October 11 for an official visit to China. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly President departs for official visit to China

The visit aims to further implement the foreign policy set out at the 14th National Party Congress, enhance the effectiveness of cooperation between Vietnam’s National Assembly and the National People’s Congress of China, and reaffirm the pivotal role of parliamentary cooperation in the overall Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Officials pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the fourth ASEAN–China Justice Forum in Da Nang on October 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang hosts fourth ASEAN–China Justice Forum

The forum offers a venue for participants to share experience in handling cross-border criminal cases and civil and commercial disputes, as well as to explore ways for more effective cooperation in line with national laws and international treaties.

President of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (right) and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zhao Leji at the first session of the Cooperation Committee between the two legislative bodies in Hanoi on August 31, 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Top legislator’s visit to step up Vietnam–China parliamentary ties

NA President Tran Thanh Man's visit is expected to mark further progress in cooperation between the two Parties and countries, as well as between their parliaments, helping to further develop the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung leaves Phnom Penh at noon October 10, concluding the wo-day official visit to Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)

PM Le Minh Hung wraps up official visit to Cambodia

PM Le Minh Hung’s first official visit to Cambodia as head of the Vietnamese Government is an important diplomatic activity, demonstrating the high priority that the Party, State and Government of Vietnam attach to relations with Cambodia.