UK and Vietnam expand financial cooperation for new international center

The 2026 UK-Vietnam High-Level Conference on Financial Services, held in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted expanding cooperation between the two nations to support the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC).

UK Export Finance has committed at least $6.5 billion to support potential projects in Vietnam. The partnership focuses on three primary areas: expanding access to finance, mobilizing capital for the green transition, and strengthening the foundations of the financial system. British Ambassador Iain Frew noted that the relationship has evolved into a long-term partnership involving the sharing of expertise and innovation.

Ho Chi Minh City officials, including Vice-chairman Nguyen Cong Vinh, emphasized the strategic importance of the VIFC in connecting international capital flows with domestic development needs, such as transport infrastructure, digital transformation, and green transitions. Financial institutions like HSBC and Standard Chartered are also actively working with Vietnamese partners to expand trade and supply chain finance solutions.