The Inaugural UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025: Pioneering a new era of shared prosperity

Co-hosted by BritCham Vietnam and the British Embassy, the inaugural UK-Vietnam Business Summit marked a milestone in bilateral relations, convening senior leaders to advance trade, finance, and sustainable growth under the UK–Vietnam Strategic Partnership. 

Ho Chi Minh City, 05 November 2025 – On 5th November 2025, the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham), in partnership with the British Embassy, convened the inaugural UK-Vietnam Business Summit at the New World Saigon Hotel. Set against the backdrop of the 15th anniversary of the UK-Vietnam Strategic Partnership, this landmark event served as a high-level platform to fortify bilateral economic ties and chart a course for sustainable growth in an “Era of progress.” 

Pictures: Delegates attend the morning conference session of the UK–Vietnam Business Summit 2025 

A Strengthening Alliance 

The Summit arrived at a pivotal moment. Following the implementation of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), total trade between the two nations reached a historic £9 billion, which marks a remarkable 30.8% increase year-on-year. 

Picture: HM Consul General Alexandra Smith shares insights during the morning conference 

In her opening remarks, HM Consul General Alexandra Smith reaffirmed the UK’s role as a “trusted partner,” noting that British expertise is uniquely positioned to assist Vietnam in its transition to a high-income developed nation by 2045. Matt Ryland, Executive Director of BritCham Vietnam, echoed this sentiment, describing the Summit as a “perfect platform” for UK businesses to reaffirm their long-term commitment to Vietnam’s ambitious growth objectives. 

Picture: A panel of industry leaders speaks during a discussion on energy 

Strategic focus: Finance and Energy 

The day’s deliberations were centred upon two critical pillars essential to Vietnam’s future: 

• The International Financial Centre (IFC): Building on high-level dialogues chaired by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the Summit explored the necessary legal frameworks and common law foundations required to establish Ho Chi Minh City as a regional financial hub. 

• Renewable Energy: Highlighting Vietnam’s COP26 commitment to Net Zero by 2050, discussions focused on bridging British world-leading technology in offshore wind and green finance with Vietnam’s vast natural potential. 

Picture: Engaging with expert insights during a session 

Heartfelt thank you to our partners and visionaries 

A sincere gratitude is extended to our Platinum Sponsors, Jardine Matheson and Unilever Vietnam, whose leadership was instrumental in realising the Summit’s vision. We also tip our hats to the senior representatives from Prudential, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Swire Coca-Cola, and British University Vietnam (BUV) for their invaluable contributions to the thematic workshops. 

Picture: Attendees raise their glasses in a celebratory toast 

Relive the Summit 

Did you miss a session or want to share the experience? 

Watch the summit video recap: Morning conference | Gala dinner 

Access the detailed strategic objectives and official statements in our Press Release: PRESS RELEASE: BritCham Vietnam UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 

Media coverage: Vietnam Today, Vietnam Today Interview, Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCMC (ITPC) 

Stay Updated 

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All official information will be regularly updated on our official website.