British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)Hanoi (VNA) - British Ambassador to VietnamIain Frew highlighted the remarkable progress in UK – Vietnam relations when he chaired the UK Embassy’s September 6 press conferenceon the 50th anniversary of the ties (September 11, 1973-2023) andthe upcoming UK Festival.
At the event in Hanoi, the diplomat noted the anniversary isan exciting time for both UK and Vietnam.
In 2022, the two sides achieved a new record of 6.9 billion GBPin bilateral trade, a 29% increase from the previous year and nearly double the figure in2013. “This remarkable growth really represents the vibrancy and potential ofour economic ties,” he said.
“Earlier this year, the UK has successfully struck a deal tojoin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP), of which Vietnam is a founding member and a strong supporter of the UKmembership. This landmark agreement complements the bilateral Free TradeAgreement (UKVFTA). Together, these deals further boost our growing traderelationship, across sectors including agriculture, finance, technology,healthcare, energy, and education. Our educational collaborations have alsoexpanded, with schools and institutions from both our countries forging strongpartnerships. The UK is proud to be among the top destinations for Vietnamesestudents who wish to pursue their studies overseas.”
UK universities and institutions are providing a range ofscholarships, which help facilitate access to world-class education andopportunities for talented Vietnamese students, Frew said.
He went on to affirm that the relationship is not only abouteducation and trade but also about shared interests and challenges that bothnations are facing together. “We are committed to working together to addressthose global challenges, including climate change.”
“We have been very proud to work with the Vietnamesegovernment on the climate challenges and supporting the establishment of theSecretariat under the Just Energy Transition Partnership and working now on aResource Mobilisation Plan – the next step in making that energy transition areality.”
Mentioning a series of high-level visits between Vietnam andthe UK, including the visit by President Vo Van Thuong to the UK for theCoronation of King Charles III as well as visits to Vietnam by British Minister ofEnvironment, Trade and Defence, the ambassador said he is looking forward toeven more exciting months ahead with important visits and delegations from bothsides to boost their strategic partnership.
According the embassy, to mark the 50th anniversary, it will organise the UK Festival at the Dong Kinh Nghia ThucSquare in the heart of Hanoi on September 9 and 10.
Bringing together more than 60 partners, the UK Festivalpromises an unparalleled experience, inviting all individuals to join incelebrating the rich tapestry of the UK – Vietnam partnership as well as UK cultureand arts.
The event will feature educational booths, wheredistinguished representatives from over 20 renowned British universities andinstitutions will display their education offers. Students and parents willhave opportunity to learn about their available scholarships. Booths at thefestival will also show an array of British products hailing from popularbrands in retail, healthcare, and financial services. Visitors can also findout more information of leading projects and technologies in renewable energythat reflect the commitment of both nations to a greener, more sustainablefuture.
Adding to the festivities, the UK Festival will feature aspecial scone baking session that brings together Vietnamese food blogger PhanAnh and British Ambassador Iain Frew. It will also treat visitors to musicnights headlined by the legendary 911 band all the way from the UK andfeaturing mesmerising performances by renowned Vietnamese singers My Anh andOrange as well as DJs Johnny Hong Mao and MinDaniel.
Furthermore, the festival will culminate in a captivating culture night withorchestra performance and a fashion show, elegantly showcasing the creativeexpressions of Vietnam and the UK.
After its journey in Hanoi, the UK Festival will come to Ho Chi Minh City on September 16 and to central Da Nang city on October 16./.
At the event in Hanoi, the diplomat noted the anniversary isan exciting time for both UK and Vietnam.
In 2022, the two sides achieved a new record of 6.9 billion GBPin bilateral trade, a 29% increase from the previous year and nearly double the figure in2013. “This remarkable growth really represents the vibrancy and potential ofour economic ties,” he said.
“Earlier this year, the UK has successfully struck a deal tojoin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP), of which Vietnam is a founding member and a strong supporter of the UKmembership. This landmark agreement complements the bilateral Free TradeAgreement (UKVFTA). Together, these deals further boost our growing traderelationship, across sectors including agriculture, finance, technology,healthcare, energy, and education. Our educational collaborations have alsoexpanded, with schools and institutions from both our countries forging strongpartnerships. The UK is proud to be among the top destinations for Vietnamesestudents who wish to pursue their studies overseas.”
UK universities and institutions are providing a range ofscholarships, which help facilitate access to world-class education andopportunities for talented Vietnamese students, Frew said.
He went on to affirm that the relationship is not only abouteducation and trade but also about shared interests and challenges that bothnations are facing together. “We are committed to working together to addressthose global challenges, including climate change.”
“We have been very proud to work with the Vietnamesegovernment on the climate challenges and supporting the establishment of theSecretariat under the Just Energy Transition Partnership and working now on aResource Mobilisation Plan – the next step in making that energy transition areality.”
Mentioning a series of high-level visits between Vietnam andthe UK, including the visit by President Vo Van Thuong to the UK for theCoronation of King Charles III as well as visits to Vietnam by British Minister ofEnvironment, Trade and Defence, the ambassador said he is looking forward toeven more exciting months ahead with important visits and delegations from bothsides to boost their strategic partnership.
According the embassy, to mark the 50th anniversary, it will organise the UK Festival at the Dong Kinh Nghia ThucSquare in the heart of Hanoi on September 9 and 10.
Bringing together more than 60 partners, the UK Festivalpromises an unparalleled experience, inviting all individuals to join incelebrating the rich tapestry of the UK – Vietnam partnership as well as UK cultureand arts.
The event will feature educational booths, wheredistinguished representatives from over 20 renowned British universities andinstitutions will display their education offers. Students and parents willhave opportunity to learn about their available scholarships. Booths at thefestival will also show an array of British products hailing from popularbrands in retail, healthcare, and financial services. Visitors can also findout more information of leading projects and technologies in renewable energythat reflect the commitment of both nations to a greener, more sustainablefuture.
Adding to the festivities, the UK Festival will feature aspecial scone baking session that brings together Vietnamese food blogger PhanAnh and British Ambassador Iain Frew. It will also treat visitors to musicnights headlined by the legendary 911 band all the way from the UK andfeaturing mesmerising performances by renowned Vietnamese singers My Anh andOrange as well as DJs Johnny Hong Mao and MinDaniel.
Furthermore, the festival will culminate in a captivating culture night withorchestra performance and a fashion show, elegantly showcasing the creativeexpressions of Vietnam and the UK.
After its journey in Hanoi, the UK Festival will come to Ho Chi Minh City on September 16 and to central Da Nang city on October 16./.
VNA
