UK summer festival takes place in Ho Chi Minh City

The festival followed the anti-submarine frigate’s arrival at Nha Rong on Monday for a four-day friendly visit, its second to Vietnam since 2021.

Attendees included deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration Nguyen Loc Ha, member of the UK Parliament and UK Trade Envoy to Vietnam Matt Western, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, and Commanding Officer of HMS Richmond Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kemp.

In his opening remarks, Western said this was his first visit to Vietnam as a trade envoy.

He emphasized that the presence of HMS Richmond symbolizes the two countries’ shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting support for freedom of navigation, open trade routes, and international cooperation.

Western praised Vietnam’s vibrancy and hospitality, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, and noted that UK–Vietnam cooperation has grown strongly across multiple sectors in recent years.

He highlighted that bilateral trade has surpassed £9 billion (US$12.13 billion), with further opportunities ahead, especially through the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

He added that an increasing number of British companies are investing in Vietnam’s future in areas such as infrastructure, clean energy, digital technology, and financial services, while Vietnamese businesses are also exploring more opportunities in the UK.

British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith reiterated the UK’s strong support for developing international financial centers in the city and Da Nang, affirming that the UK will send leading experts to advise on their design.

Deputy chairman Ha said the city takes pride in its partnership with the UK.

He noted that trade between the southern metropolis and the UK reached more than $390 million in the first half of 2025, making the UK the city’s 11th-largest foreign investor.

Ha expressed hope that, with expanded potential following a recent administrative restructuring, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to attract more British investment and presence.

The UK has won the hearts of Ho Chi Minh City residents through music, film, sports, and language, while also making a strong mark with British university branches, healthcare technologies, urban planning, transport infrastructure, and the involvement of British experts and corporations in the city’s future international financial center.

A memorable moment of the festival came when Consul General Smith, consular staff, and the HMS Richmond crew joined in dancing during a performance by Vietnamese singer Dang Khoi.