The King expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s achievements in economic reform and development, as well as the strong progress of the Vietnam - U.K. Strategic Partnership.
Ambassador Hung expressed his honor in assuming the role of Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.K. at a time when the Vietnam - U.K. Strategic Partnership is flourishing.
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Ambassador Do Minh Hung presents his credentials to King Charles III (right) at Buckingham Palace on February 20. |
The diplomat updated King Charles III on Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, highlighting its dynamic and open economy, which achieved GDP growth of over 7% last year. He highlighted sound development in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and investment, education and training, and defense and security. He pledged to do his utmost to further deepen the Vietnam - U.K. relationship.
At a reception later hosted y the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.K. for diplomatic representatives and overseas Vietnamese in the U.K., the ambassador reviewed the steps of important development in the Vietnam - U.K. Strategic Partnership and the potential for further cooperation, particularly in energy transition, finance and banking, and high technology.
Victoria Busby, Director Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, commended the ambassador’s commitment and contributions to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the U.K. and Vietnam since assuming office last July. She emphasized that the presence of the Vietnamese Ambassador in the U.K. reflects the desire to deepen the already strong bilateral relationship. She expressed her belief that the partnership and friendship between the two countries will continue to grow during Hung’s tenure.
Busby noted the potential for enhanced cooperation in environmental protection, climate change, and green energy, particularly as Vietnam aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Vietnam and the U.K. established diplomatic relations in September 1973 and signed a Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership in September 2010 with seven priority areas of cooperation. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a higher level over the next decade.
Economic and trade cooperation remains a key highlight of the bilateral relationship. In December 2020, the two countries officially signed the U.K. - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA). Since 2021, bilateral trade has continuously grown, reaching 8.4 billion USD in 2024, surpassing the 8 billion USD mark for the first time and reflecting an 18% increase from 2023. Vietnam’s exports to the U.K. also exceeded 7 billion USD for the first time, totaling over 7.5 billion USD, up 18.9% year-on-year.
Regarding investment, the U.K. ranks 15th out of 140 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 569 projects and a total registered capital of 4.37 billion USD as of mid-2024.
Source: VNA