UK Trade Envoy Matt Western leads a delegation of UK rail companies in a working session with the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways. Photo: British Embassy in Hanoi
During the trip, the delegation held working sessions with the urban railway management authorities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as private corporations to share UK experience in rail design and project implementation.
The Institute of Construction Economics under Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a BIM expertise center for railway projects in Vietnam.
Western emphasized Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and urbanization, noting the urgent need for sustainable, efficient, and integrated transport systems.
He highlighted TOD as a tool not only for mobility but also for shaping urban development, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and fostering vibrant communities.
He reaffirmed that the UK is supporting Vietnam through the Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Program, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to help develop infrastructure that meets international standards while advancing climate and sustainability goals.
Nguyen Cao Minh, head of the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board, said 2025 marked a turning point as new rail lines moved from vision to construction.
He added that the UK’s experience in low-carbon solutions, managing complex projects, and applying BIM standards and digital transformation offers valuable lessons for Hanoi.
During the visit, Western met with Nguyen Van Dung, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, to discuss urban rail development, credit support packages, and cooperation in areas including the International Financial Center, education, healthcare, energy, technology and city-to-city partnerships with Liverpool.
UK Trade Envoy Matt Western (L) meets with Nguyen Van Dung, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, during his working visit to Vietnam from January 19 to 23, 2026. Photo: British Embassy in Hanoi
The delegation also held meetings with Deputy Finance Minister Tran Quoc Phuong and Tran Thi Ngoc Lien, deputy director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City branch, to explore deeper cooperation on developing an international financial center in Vietnam.
Trade pacts such as the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership were discussed with senior officials at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Vietnam aims to become a high-income country by 2045, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City accelerating investment in sustainable infrastructure.
Expanding national and urban rail networks, alongside TOD and BIM, is seen as crucial to improving urban connectivity and quality of life.
The visit was described as a concrete step in implementing the Vietnam-UK comprehensive strategic partnership signed in October 2025 and the 2024-26 bilateral action plan, opening new opportunities in urban infrastructure and sustainable development.
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