Vietnam enhances trade, investment ties with UK, Italy
The Finance Minister's mission in the UK and Italy is expected to unlock new cooperation opportunities across multiple high-potential sectors, contributing to economic and financial cooperation between Vietnam and European countries.
The Ministry of Finance's headquarters in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang is leading a delegation to attend investment promotion events in the UK and Italy from September 14 to 21, aiming at bolstering collaboration in the areas of finance, investment, and trade to develop the Vietnam – Europe ties in a deeper and more substantive fashion.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Thang will have working sessions with financial regulators, stock exchanges, major corporations, and leading international financial institutions. He will also chair and deliver opening remarks at the Vietnam – UK investment promotion conference in London on September 16 and the Vietnam – Italy investment dialogue in Milan on September 18.
The mission is taking place at a time when Vietnam continues to stand out as a bright spot in the regional and global economy. Last year, the country’s GDP grew by 7.09%, ranking among the highest in ASEAN and the world. In the second quarter of 2025, growth accelerated to 7.96%, reinforcing expectations that the country will surpass its target of more than 8% growth for the year.
Additionally, its stock market has ranked among the world's best performers, with total market capitalisation reaching 103.75% of the estimated 2024 GDP, while the benchmark VN-Index surged 33% through August 2025 compared to late 2024 levels. These figures demonstrates that Vietnam is a dynamic, transparent, and sustainable investment destination, the ministry said.
Throughout the trip, the ministry seeks to convey a clear message that Vietnam remains a safe, attractive, transparent, and sustainable investment destination. The Government perseveres with the goals of green growth, innovation, and deep global integration, while staying committed to partnering with international investors under the principles of transparency, fairness, and shared benefits.
The mission is expecteღd to unlock new coo𒆙peration opportunities across multiple high-potential sectors, including green finance, digital economy, circular economy, science and technology, and renewable energy, contributing to the development of the economic and financial cooperation between Vietnam and European countries./.
Italy is currently Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union. In the first seven months of 2025, bilateral trade exceeded 4.3 billion USD, up 5.1% from the same period in 2024. Vietnam’s exports to Italy reached 3.1 billion USD, a 4.5% increase, while imports from Italy stood at 1.2 billion USD, up 6.7%.
Amid global changes, both countries should pay special attention to digital technology, green energy, artificial intelligence, and related fields, while addressing energy balance challenges to ensure sustainable development with minimal environmental impact, said an Italian official.
Vietnam is committed to accompanying and creating the most favourable conditions for international enterprises and organisations, including our partners from the UK, to expand cooperation in semiconductor research, development, production, and business, said an official of the National Innovation Centre.
By aligning regulatory frameworks more closely with international practices, the Vietnamese Government expects to create a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly market environment.
The Vietnam Investment and Finance Association (VIFA) in the UK has successfully organised the event “Financial Insights 2025” in London, aiming to strengthen financial and business ties between the two countries.
Equipped with the state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engine, the A330 aircraft will immediately be put into operation on routes to Australia, Kazakhstan, India, Japan and Europe, offering passengers a modern and comfortable travel experiences.
To deliver on the goal, the document highlighted the need to remove such barriers as pre-funding requirement for foreign investors ahead of trades while the central counterparty clearing (CCP) is being developed. Transparency on foreign ownership limits should be enhanced across all areas, together with streamlined registration procedures for account opening and indirect capital registration.
From September 15, commercial banks and foreign bank branches must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 8%, including at least 4.5% in Tier 1 core capital and 6% in Tier 1 capital.
The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate at 25,216 VND/USD on September 15, unchanged from the last working day of the previous week.
One of the key growth drivers for the paper packaging industry is the boom in e-commerce, FiinGroup reported, forecasting that the size of Vietnam's e-commerce market will reach 60 billion USD by 2030, leading to a massive demand for corrugated cartons used for shipping.
The application integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and is capable of analysing images of wood cross-sections, providing identification results with an accuracy of up to 98.6% in less than one second.
The EU is among the world’s top three importers of farm produce, but Vietnam holds only a 2% share – still modest compared to its agricultural production capacity and potential, which indicates vast growth potential in the EU if backed by a proper strategy.
Vietnam’s stock market has emerged as a key driver of economic growth, serving as a channel for medium- and long-term capital mobilisation and a launchpad for businesses to enhance governance and financial transparency, said insiders.
With clear planning and a complete legal framework, Vietnam could draw private firms’ participation in the project. This is not only about mobilising capital, but also about fostering supporting industries, improving management capacity, and advancing sustainable economic and social development.
The roundtable was regarded as one of the largest international aviation cooperation events held in Vietnam this year. It was positioned as an investment promotion platform, where businesses from both countries - particularly in the fields of aviation and hospitality - had the opportunity to meet, exchange insights, and explore new avenues for cooperation.
State-run Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has proposed establishing an integrated air logistics centre and non-tariff zone at Long Thanh International Airport in Đồng Nai Province with an aim to turn it into a regional cargo gateway.
In the long term, greater transparency in project listings, administrative reform, and synchronised infrastructure investment will help position HCM City as a real estate hub in Southeast Asia. The city has the opportunity not only to attract FDI into real estate, but also to expand into finance, asset management, and associated services.
To fully harness the sector’s market potential, Vietnam’s coconut industry must pivot towards sustainable development. Eco-friendly cultivation methods, climate resilience, and emissions reduction will be vital in the coming phase.
Milk and dairy products contributed 74.8 million USD, down 11.7%, while exports of meat, meat by-products and post-slaughter by-products brought home 137.7 million USD, representing a 30.4% increase.
PM Pham Minh Chinh demanded a more effective fiscal policy to complement monetary efforts, directing the central bank to focus on exchange rates, interest rates and risk management.
WAGO Group proposed building a biomass power plant in Vinh Long where rice husks would be burned to generate steam for turbines, and the remaining ash would be processed into silica.
The Ta Lung – Shuikou international border gate is expeccted to become a highlight of Vietnam-China border cooperation, serving as an important bridge for socio-economic growth and friendship between the two countries.
