Hanoi (VNA) – The UK and Vietnam are nowcloser to each other than ever with their relations at an all-time high and boasting muchpotential for the years to come, according to UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew.

Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the twocountries’ diplomatic ties (September 11, 1973 - 2023), he told the media on September 6 that people-to-peopleconnectivity is one of the most important factors helping nurture theirfriendship.

The two countries have recorded fruitful cooperationin such fields as economy, defence, education, climate change response, andinnovation. In terms of culture, cooperation has been carried out not only atthe Government level but also between artists, academic, and cultural establishmentsof both sides, he noted.

Frew highlighted tourism links,elaborating that the number of Vietnamese visitors to the UK has grownimpressively after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mentioning culturalconnectivity via sports, the diplomat said he has seen the passion Vietnamese fansgive to the football teams of Vietnam as well as England at the FIFA Women’sWorld Cup 2023, adding that sports have a crucial role to play in connecting thetwo peoples.

To step up cultural exchanges, heperceived that cooperation between the two Governments should be furtherpromoted. Besides, it is necessary to boost visa granting to facilitate the mobilityof tourists, students, and experts.

The Vietnamese Government should alsoissue tax incentives and investment funds to support cultural and innovationindustries so that British enterprises and organisations will subsequentlyreinforce partnerships with Vietnam, he added.

The ambassador went on to say that he has witnessed the dynamic developmentand huge potential of economic cooperation. In 2022, bilateral trade hit arecord of 6.9 billion GBP (8.6 billion USD), rising 29% from the previous yearand almost doubling the figure in 2012.

Earlier this year, the UK reached adeal on joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-PacificPartnership (CPTPP), he noted, describing it as a supplement to the UK - VietnamFree Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

Frew held that these agreements willfurther promote the two countries’ flourishing relations in agriculture,finance, technology, clean energy, and education.

Henoted there will be numerous common challenges in the future, including theglobal issues of post-pandemic supply, environmental pollution, and greengrowth. Vietnam also faces challenges related to infrastructure, energytransition, and educational development to secure a skilled workforce.

Not only the UK but otherinternational partners are also ready to assist Vietnam, he said, adding thathis country pledges to cooperate with Vietnam to weather global challenges,including climate change./.