Quality and brand are recognised as decisive factors for Vietnam’s fruits and vegetables to tap the opportunities from the UK – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and expand export to this highly demanding market, said Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association (Vinafruit).

The export of Vietnamese goods to the United Kingdom (UK) is currently facing several challenges, attributed to both unfavourable international conditions and shifts in the UK’s trade and economic policies.

Vietnamese durian exports to the UK have increased due to high demand for this fruit and the advantages of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

The Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and the Newhaven Town Council inaugurated the renovation of a bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh at the Newhaven Museum on October 25 as part of activities to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the leader’s arrival in the UK (1913-2023) and the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations.

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK on October 24 held a conference on investment-trade promotion between the UK and the city in London.

Representatives from financial and investment organisations, banks, insurance firms, and major businesses of the UK gathered at a seminar in London on October 23 to discuss experiences in developing international finance hubs, and relevant orientations for Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

The trade relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom experienced significant growth in bilateral trade over the past year, according to data released by the UK government's Department for International Trade on October 19.

A trade and investment promotion forum was held in London on October 16 by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the West London Chamber of Commerce (WLCC), bringing together businesses from the two countries.

The West End Musicals was held in the central city of Da Nang on October 16 by the UK Embassy and General Consulate as part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam – UK diplomatic relations.

Students from the Reigate Grammar School (RGS) Vietnam joined their peers at the RGS school in Surrey, UK in a musical performance on the evening of October 12 (local time).