The UK Festival in Vietnam will commence this weekend (September 9-10) at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This grand event is organized to commemorate the 50-year-long diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.
| UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew (second, right) during the press conference on September 6. Photo: UK Embassy in Vietnam |
Attendees at the festival will have the opportunity to gain insights into scholarships provided by 20 prestigious universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the event will feature a display of high-quality products and services from leading UK companies in the consumer, healthcare, and financial industries.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness cutting-edge renewable energy projects and technologies, showcasing the unwavering commitment of both countries towards a green and sustainable future.
The festival will provide guests with an exclusive experience to savor the finest of British cuisine. Renowned food blogger Phan Anh will be assisting British Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, as he showcases his expertise in preparing authentic British scones infused with the delightful autumn flavors of Hanoi.
The festival will also include a British-Vietnamese live show featuring the popular boy band 911, a British military band, a children’s orchestra, and Vietnamese artists. The show is anticipated to energize the audience throughout the weekend.
Following its stop in Hanoi, the festival will continue to Ho Chi Minh City on September 16 and will then move to Danang in October.
Ambassador Iain emphasized that the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Vietnam are currently thriving more than ever before.
“The United Kingdom and Vietnam have seen their relationship strengthen significantly, reaching its highest point yet, with great potential for future collaboration,” stated a spokesperson during a press conference on September 6th.
“This remarkable UK Festival in Vietnam serves as a bridge between our two nations, celebrating 50 years of enduring friendship and cooperation,” stated the Ambassador.
The UK Festival in Vietnam is a prominent event that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations on September 11, 2023. This festival holds significant importance and marks a major milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
Over the past 50 years, the two countries have cultivated robust relationships across various sectors, particularly in the areas of economy, education and training, and social development.
In 2022, the two-way trade between the United Kingdom and Vietnam reached £6.9 billion (approximately US$8.7 billion), marking a 29% increase compared to the previous year. This figure represents almost a doubling of trade within a nine-year period. The United Kingdom’s recent participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement have further strengthened the bilateral relationship, leading Ambassador Iain to anticipate continued growth and prosperity between the two nations.
In the field of education and training, the United Kingdom is highly regarded as one of the top destinations for Vietnamese students. This is due to the excellent cooperative efforts between the two countries in sustainable development programs, with a particular emphasis on climate change and renewable energy.
The number of high-level business trips between Vietnam and the UK has increased. In May 2023, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong attended the coronation of King Charles III, while the UK Environment Minister visited Vietnam in April 2023.
