Viet Nam–from growth milestones to global stature
VGP - According to British Ambassador to Viet Nam Iain Frew, what truly impresses about Viet Nam over the past decades is its steady pace of economic development and growth, with the prospect of becoming a high-income country by 2045.
British Ambassador to Viet Nam Iain Frew - Photo: VGP
In his remarks to the Viet Nam Government Portal, the Ambassador expressed particular admiration for Viet Nam's GDP performance in the first half of 2025, which grew by 7.52 percent year-on-year—the highest level recorded during the 2011–2025 period.
"Alongside growth, we can see the development of key sectors of the economy—from manufacturing and processing to education and healthcare, as well as the booming tourism market," he noted.
He emphasized that it demonstrates Viet Nam's comprehensive development, which is crucial in improving the living standards of its 100 million citizens and creating opportunities for families to enhance their quality of life.
Viet Nam holds increasingly international role
The Ambassador held that Viet Nam is playing an ever more important role on the international stage. Beyond its successful terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the nation has also taken on significant responsibilities in other UN bodies.
These roles, he stressed, uphold the principles of the international system while making positive contributions to addressing pressing global challenges, including international security, sustainable development, and the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
At the regional level, Viet Nam's voice within ASEAN is growing even more influential. The country is helping to shape a positive and sustainable future for Southeast Asia, with its role becoming increasingly active and prominent.
Viet Nam–a magnet for investors
Frew highlighted the close connection between international integration and sustainable development. Viet Nam, he noted, has signed and implemented 17 bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, giving businesses and consumers preferential tariffs and boosting investor confidence.
At the same time, the country's strong commitments to green growth and its net-zero target by 2050 further reinforce international business confidence.
The diplomat highlighted that Viet Nam's stable business environment, young and dynamic population, good education, and strong aspirations are the factors that make it an attractive destination for global investors—including British businesses, which remain highly optimistic about Viet Nam's prospects.
British Ambassador to Viet Nam Iain Frew emphasizes that Viet Nam's future lies in the hands of its people who are investing and dedicating themselves to the country's growth - Photo: VGP
Viet Nam–UK Relations: 15 years of strategic partnership
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Viet Nam–UK Strategic Partnership. Over this period, ties between the two countries have deepened and expanded across multiple fields.
He expressed his delight to see the bilateral cooperation extending from trade and investment to climate action, as well as joint efforts to maintain peace and security both regionally and globally. This partnership is increasingly underpinned by trust, sharing, and innovative collaboration.
"As we celebrate 15 years, we are not only reflecting on what has been achieved, but also recognizing the tremendous potential ahead," Frew remarked.
Bilateral trade, he highlighted, has surged from £3.9 billion in 2015 to £9.1 billion in 2025, a very rapid trajectory of growth, which reflects UK consumers and businesses benefiting more from Vietnamese exports, while Vietnamese consumers are increasingly interested in British goods and services.
People-to-people exchanges are also expanding, with more than 350,000 British tourists expected to visit Viet Nam this year, and around 12,000 Vietnamese students studying in the UK. The Ambassador saw these links as vivid proof of a multi-layered connection, spanning trade, education, and culture.
Looking ahead, he expressed strong confidence in the potential for cooperation in new areas, especially the green transition, renewable energy, semiconductors, and international finance. With a series of initiatives already underway, he is confident that the Viet Nam–UK partnership will continue to deliver major achievements, moving toward a sustainable and prosperous shared future.
Message on Viet Nam's 80th National Day
On the occasion of Viet Nam's 80th National Day, Ambassador Frew conveyed his joy and emotion in joining the Vietnamese people in reflecting on the country's journey since the Declaration of Independence in 1945. For him, this is an opportunity to honor the nation's development achievements and reaffirm its resilience and aspirations.
He emphasized that Viet Nam's future lies in the hands of its people who are investing and dedicating themselves to the country's growth. Looking ahead to 2045, he expressed his firm belief that Viet Nam will be a nation transformed, with this transformation rooted in the tireless efforts of its people./.
