The Vietnamese Government encourages capable and experienced foreign enterprises to run long-term, stable operations in the country, particularly in energy infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (right) and Thomas Mitchell Little, President and CEO of UK-based Jadestone Energy Plc. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang hosted a reception in Hanoi on July 24 for Thomas Mitchell Little, President and CEO of UK-based Jadestone Energy Plc, who will oversee his company’s operations in Vietnam.
Hang reaffirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its Strategic Partnership with the UK and highly values the robust development of bilateral ties, especially since the two countries issued a Joint Statement marking the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership (2010–2020), with a shared vision to further elevate relations in the coming decade.
She noted that bilateral trade between Vietnam and the UK reached 8.5 billion USD in 2024, up 18% from 2023. In the first half of 2025 alone, the trade volume exceeded 4.3 billion USD, representing a year-on-year increase of nearly 10%. The UK currently has 587 valid investment projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital of nearly 4.5 billion USD, ranking 15th among the 150 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.
Mitchell expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Government for its continued support and facilitation of Jadestone’s operations, affirming that Vietnam is a strategic market in the Asia-Pacific, with significant potential for natural gas development. He also provided updates on the progress of the company’s projects at the Nam Du and U Minh gas fields and expressed a strong interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnamese partners in the future.
Hang welcomed the company’s business plans in Vietnam and reaffirmed that the Vietnamese Government encourages capable and experienced foreign enterprises to run long-term, stable operations in the country, particularly in energy infrastructure.
She stressed that the Government will continue to create favorab💮le conditions for foreign investors, including Jadestone Energy Plc, to operate efficiently and sustainably in Vietnam./.
Over the past decade, trade and investment relations between Vietnam and the UK have made remarkable strides. On trade, the two countries have implemented the UKVFTA for more than four years, and most recently, the UK’s accession as the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has further strengthened bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting in Hanoi on June 28 with the UK business community and enterprises operating in Vietnam, outlining a vision for long-term cooperation in key sectors aligned with Vietnam’s newly issued “four strategic pillars”.
An official of the UK Department for Business and Trade identified green technology, fintech, health care, and many others as promising areas for deeper collaboration between Vietnam and the UK.
The ambassador highlighted Vietnam’s prominent and active contributions to the ASEAN community-building process, especially during the bloc’s transformation from a loosely structured regional organisation into a rules-based community.
The ambassador emphasised that Vietnam has not only accompanied but also played a key role in bridging differences and fostering consensus among ASEAN member states and between ASEAN and its partners, thus reinforcing unity and the bloc’s central role in a volatile world.
Prof. Hill said that ASEAN membership opened the door for Vietnam to learn and engage with the region, and more importantly, Vietnam knew how to combine regional integration with domestic reforms, noting that the Doi moi (renewal) process launched in 1986 laid a foundation for Vietnam to effectively seize opportunities brought by ASEAN.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s participation in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, along with his bilateral activities in Switzerland, underscore Vietnam’s steady policy of advancing the Vietnam - Switzerland comprehensive partnership.
With its substantial and meaningful activities, the NA Chairman's official visit to Senegal concluded successfully, opening a new chapter in parliamentary cooperation and injecting fresh momentum into the Vietnam - Senegal relations for the shared development and prosperity of both nations.
At the end of the session, the leaders of the two audit agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for cooperation in a wide range of fields.
Writing in the museum’s guestbook, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed his delight at visiting this remarkable cultural symbol, which honours the proud historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the African continent.
Addressing the committee’s first national meeting on disaster prevention and control, and search and rescue efforts on July 24, PM Chinh warned of increasingly complex and destructive natural disasters, urging a strategic shift from passive reaction to proactive prevention and long-term preparedness.
The most important thing at this time is that the two sides exercise utmost restraint, refrain from the use of force, avoid further escalation, and manage their differences peacefully and satisfactorily in accordance with fundamental principles of international law.
Deputy Auditor General Bui Quoc Dung highlighted the French Court of Accounts' expertise in public finance, anti-corruption and international audits - priority areas for Vietnam. He emphasised the importance of direct dialogue and professional exchange in deepening bilateral cooperation.
The Party leader urged relevant authorities to keep updating and enforcing preferential policies more effectively, proactively address proposals and legitimate aspirations of beneficiaries in a way that is both emotionally compassionate and legally sound, and streamline administrative procedures to ensure smooth delivery of financial support.
Indian Navy ship INS Delhi, led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Commander of India’s Eastern Fleet, docked at the Tien Sa Port, Da Nang, on July 24 morning, beginning a four-day coutersy visit to the central city.
Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man had a meeting in Dakar on July 23 afternoon (local time) with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who affirmed that the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader since the establishment of diplomatic ties marks an important milestone in further promoting the good relationship between the two countries.
Vietnam has reaffirmed its steadfast support for multilateralism and collective action under United Nations leadership, while calling on all countries, regardless of size or power, to fully comply with international law and the UN Charter.
Vietnam serves as a key driver of ASEAN’s cooperation policy, which is based on self-reliance, respect for shared interests, and adherence to international law, said Prof. Chu Hoang Long from the Australian National University (ANU).
Leaders bowed in remembrance of heroes and martyrs – the nation’s finest sons and daughters who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for national liberation, reunification, socialism, and noble international duties.
