As Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City accelerate their digital transformation and healthcare modernization journey, the UK stands ready to share its expertise in medical innovation, digital health, and workforce development, Marcus Winsley, British Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, said at the Health Innovation Business Forum in the city on Monday.

He reaffirmed the UK's strong commitment to deepening healthcare partnerships with Vietnam, adding that the two countries have a long-standing history of collaboration in healthcare, spanning policy dialogue, research partnerships, and trade. 

Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, said the forum was not only an opportunity to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in healthcare innovation in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as a whole, but also a driving force to promote digital transformation in the healthcare system. 

The event also strengthened the two sides’ cooperation and was a milestone marking new advancements in the partnership between Ho Chi Minh City and partners from the UK in the healthcare sector.

During the event, UK healthcare organizations and companies also presented their services and products. 

A key highlight was the discussion on 'Innovation, Investment and Partnerships: Unlocking Vietnam’s Healthcare Potential,' where British experts shared insights from successful models in UK cities like Liverpool. 

Matt Biagetti, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s cluster lead for healthcare & life sciences, highlighted the value of international cooperation, saying, “In Liverpool City Region, we have seen how public-private partnerships and collaborative research drive breakthrough innovations in healthcare. Ho Chi Minh City’s ambitious vision for a health innovation hub presents an exciting opportunity for knowledge-sharing, investment, and technological advancements that can improve patient outcomes and healthcare access.” 

The forum also addressed digital transformation in the health sector, medical innovations and R&D, and how to increase operational efficiency and workforce development to build capacity for healthcare innovation. 

The Health Innovation Business Forum, a key event in the Health Innovation Trade Mission to Vietnam, was organized by the UK government, in collaboration with HealthcareUK, KPMG, and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Vietnam.

The forum brought together over 165 Vietnamese and UK healthcare leaders, policymakers, researchers, and businesses to explore cutting-edge innovations in digital health, medical technology, and life sciences.

With the UK being home to world-leading institutions in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and digital health, the Health Innovation Business Forum marked an important milestone in fostering stronger UK-Vietnam partnerships to enhance healthcare innovation and improve public health.

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