PM hails former UK Prime Minister’s contributions to bilateral ties with Vietnam

During the reception, the Government leader voiced his hope that the former UK PM, who is also executive chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), will maintain contributions in a bid to help deepen both nations’ ties in multiple fields in the context that they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

PM Chinh congratulated the UK on joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), while affirming Vietnamese support and readiness to actively co-ordinate with the nation to accelerate the effective and efficient implementation of the trade deal.

Showing his expectation on Vietnamese development potential, the British guest stated that his country always places importance on its strategic partnership with Vietnam and believes that bilateral ties will continue to grow and flourish in the time ahead.

The two sides also showed their elation at great strides being made in co-operation between the TBI and some Vietnamese agencies after their meeting in March.  

During the course of Blair’s visit, the institute is destined to sign a co-operation agreement with the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment on attracting high-quality foreign investment and developing a financial centre in Vietnam.

The TBI has initially supported Vietnamese ministries and sectors to connect with potential foreign enterprises and investment funds that are keen to invest in Vietnam, as well as considering  opening a representative office in the nation.

At the meeting, both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern, especially trends of Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, the rise of protectionism, and strategic competition.

The Vietnamese cabinet leader underlined the necessity of ramping up  collaboration as a means of grasping and  capitalising on opportunities and overcome difficulties and challenges.

He also suggested the TBI enhance the linkages of foreign partners and investors in Vietnam, including investment funds and corporations from Europe and the Middle East, as well as assisting the country in attracting resources for green growth, emission reduction, climate change response, and boosting digital transformation.

Blair agreed with the Vietnamese Government chief’s view on the need to reinforce international solidarity and uphold multilateralism when dealing with global and universal issues, especially in responding to climate change and disease-related challenges.

He went on to affirm that his institute will always accompany and support the Vietnamese side and continue to work with its relevant agencies to carry out specific co-operation activities, programmes, and projects in the future.