The UK is willing to share its experience to help Ho Chi Minh City develop into a financial hub in the Southeast Asian region, UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew said during a meeting with Ho Chi Minh City chairman Phan Van Mai on Tuesday.

He expected that 2023, which marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK, will witness the strong development of cooperation between the two countries in many sectors.

He shared that the UK will focus on cooperating with Ho Chi Minh City in three key aspects this year, including trade, education, and sustainable development.

As for trade, the UK ambassador said the two sides have a solid cooperation foundation with their bilateral free trade agreement.

The UK is also completing procedures to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to which Vietnam is party.

Some UK delegations will visit Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam to boost their cooperation in the coming time.

In addition, the UK hoped to foster the collaboration with Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular in education.

Regarding sustainable development, Frew said the UK will work with Vietnam in energy transition to head toward clean, green development and carbon neutrality.

In response, Ho Chi Minh City chairman Mai said that the city is building a plan to turn into a financial center and it is in need of the support of other countries, such as the UK.

The city always welcomes and creates favorable conditions for foreign citizens to live and work here.

Moreover, the city pays a lot of attention to further cooperation with the UK in education and sustainable development.

Ambassador Frew also shared a plan to celebrate the two countries’ diplomatic ties in September this year.

Mai affirmed that Ho Chi Minh City is willing to participate in events held by the UK Embassy in Vietnam.

On the same day, patrol vessel HMS Spey of the British Royal Navy arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, commencing a five-day friendship visit to the city.

Frew said the visit proved the cooperation commitment between the two countries in national defense, marine security, and the East Vietnam Sea.

Chairman Mai said the visit by HMS Spey is a milestone to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bilateral ties between Vietnam and the UK.

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