Trade growth is one of the tangible achievements in the 50 years of the Vietnam-UK relationship, Phan Van Mai, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said at a ceremony on Thursday to mark the 50th milestone of the diplomatic ties.

“After officially elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership, many important frameworks and mechanisms for cooperation between Vietnam and the UK have been opened up, such as the Strategic Dialogue, the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, and the Defense Working Group,” he said at the event.

Meanwhile, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Emily Hamblin emphasized the shared goals of both countries, including the commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and collaborating on global climate change response.

"Today we are cooperating on a range of important global issues reflecting the breadth and depth of our shared interests," Hamblin said.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City chairman, the signing of the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) in 2020 and the UK's joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in July 2023 are bright spots in the economic relationship between the two countries.

Hamblin also shared information about the close collaboration between the UK and the southern Vietnamese city, specifically in efforts to support the development of the financial and professional services sector, the deployment of smart city technologies, and the establishment of a health innovation hub.

Besides the economic sector, education is another crucial pillar in the Vietnam-UK relationship.

In 2023, Vietnam and the UK celebrate two historical milestones in educational cooperation: the 30th anniversary of the British Council's operation in Vietnam and the 30th anniversary of the Chevening Scholarship program in Vietnam.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK relations, the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will launch the UK Festival on downtown Le Loi Street in District 1 on Saturday.

British cuisine, art, and culture will be introduced to local people on this occasion.

Besides, there will be music performances by popular bands such as 911, Chillies, that under the British Army and singer Vu Thanh Van.

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