Opportunities for Vietnamese SMEs at the UK-Vietnam Business Summit

This will be the first summit between businesses of the two countries, in the context that the UK is actively promoting cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of IFC construction and renewable energy.

Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, and representatives of British businesses answered questions at a press conference ahead of the UK - Vietnam Business Summit 2025 - Photo: NGHI VU

On October 7, the British Business Association in Vietnam (BritCham Vietnam) held a press conference on the UK - Vietnam Business Summit 2025.

UK-Vietnam cooperation in the era of growth

Following a series of visits by high-level delegations and events from the UK to Vietnam, the conference was held to promote and strengthen bilateral economic relations, with two main topics being the International Finance Centre (IFC) in Ho Chi Minh City and renewable energy.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Alexandra Smith - British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City - emphasized that the Vietnam - UK economic relationship is more prosperous than ever, especially after the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) took effect. In the 4 quarters up to the end of the first quarter of 2025, the total two-way trade turnover of goods and services reached 9 billion pounds, an increase of 30.8% over the same period.

With a series of recent high-level dialogues and practical cooperation activities between Vietnam and the UK, Ms. Smith said the British Government is proud to be a reliable partner of Vietnam, especially in the era of Vietnam's rise.

"We are delivering on our commitment to deepening the UK-Vietnam strategic partnership, promoting bilateral trade relations in areas that Vietnam is focusing on, including sustainable development, digitalisation, green growth and economic development, with the goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045," Ms. Smith said.

Opportunities for Vietnamese SMEs

BritCham Vietnam said this is the first summit between businesses of the two countries and is expected to become an annual event. Accordingly, the conference will bring together business leaders, government representatives and leading experts to explore cooperation opportunities in key areas.

Responding to Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Matt Ryland - Executive Director of BritCham Vietnam - said that as a bridge for the business community, in addition to supporting cooperation between parties, BritCham will also strive to share more aspects of experience and knowledge in the green transformation process with Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Unilever representative, Mr. Ankush Wadehra, said that Unilever is also promoting open dialogue and cooperation to open up solutions related to green economy. The Group hopes to share the achievements at the forum with businesses, aiming to create the future with partners inside and outside the industry.

Calling for the participation and cooperation of Vietnamese SMEs, Mr. Bui Khanh Nguyen - Deputy General Director of External Affairs, Communications and Sustainable Development of Coca-Cola Vietnam - said that Swire Coca-Cola is aiming to use 100% renewable energy and understands that the company in this transition process will not be able to go it alone, but needs the companionship of many other businesses.

"In Swire's ecosystem, there are many SMEs, a large enterprise will have to go with SMEs in the ecosystem. Currently, our rooftop solar power system can only provide 20% of the electricity, the remaining 80% we will need a mechanism to buy electricity from renewable energy production enterprises," Mr. Nguyen told Tuoi Tre Online .

According to Mr. Nguyen, the upcoming summit will be an opportunity for businesses to discuss with the Government, providing additional perspectives so that the Government can refer to the roadmap for green business development.

UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025

Taking place on November 5, the UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 is a flagship event to promote and further deepen the trade and investment relationship between the UK and Vietnam.

Throughout the event is a series of diverse activities, including speeches from senior representatives, in-depth discussion sessions, exhibitions introducing products and services...

The conference is expected to be accompanied by many leading enterprises in diverse fields in Vietnam, including British University Vietnam (BUV), Prudential Vietnam Insurance Company, AstraZeneca Vietnam, Swire Coca-Cola, HSBC Vietnam, and many other partners.

NGHI VU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-hoi-cho-SME-viet-nam-tai-hoi-nghi-thuong-dinh-doanh-nghiep-anh-viet-20251007213009267.htm