The United Kingdom and Vietnam recently took big steps to work together on railways, finance, and technology. A British group headed by by Matt Western, the UK Trade Envoy to Vietnam, visited Vietnam from January 19 to 23, 2026 to improve relations between both countries.
During their visit, the British team met with many Vietnamese officials and experts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. One of the main goals was to help Vietnam improve and modernize its transport systems, especially city train system. Vietnam plans to build new train networks and better city transport to help people travel easily and quickly. The UK experts shared their experience in designing and building railways and discussed how British companies can help.
One important step of the visit was the signing of a agreement of cooperation to create a BIM center for railway projects. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling, which is a digital way to plan and manage large building and railway projects. This center will help Vietnamese engineers learn new digital skills and use better tools for railway construction.
On January 23, 2026, Matt Western met with Nguyen Van Dung, an official from Ho Chi Minh City, to discuss about the city’s railway development and possible financial help from the UK. They also discussed working together in other fields, such as education, healthcare, energy, and technology.
The British group did not only focus on transport. They also discussed with Tran Quoc Phuong, Vietnam’s Minister of Finance, and other financial leaders about building an International Financial Center. They discussed about how to make finance systems stronger and how to improve trade between both countries.
Vietnam and the UK have already been working together on trade for many years. Both countries signed a free trade agreement (UKVFTA) that has helped grow trade and investment between them. In 2024, the UK was a top European partner for Vietnam in trade and investment, showing the long-term cooperation between both countries.
The visit also included workshops like “Urban Railway Technology and TOD Model: UK-Vietnam Cooperation”, where UK railway experts shared practical solutions for modern transport and city design. Vietnam plans to use these ideas to build modern transport systems that are safer, faster, and better for the public.
The partnership also includes working together on financial technology and digital finance. Officials from the UK’s financial industry, including fintech companies, met with Vietnam’s State Bank leaders to talk about funding for environment-friendly projects and improving digital banking systems. This teamwork helps Vietnam move toward becoming a regional financial hub.
Officials from both sides liked the improvements. They said these steps show that the relationship between Vietnam and the UK is growing stronger in many fields, including trade, transport, technology, and finance.
Vietnam hopes that working with the UK will help its plans to improve infrastructure and connect cities with new advance rail systems. Officials also say that better transport systems and financial cooperation will bring jobs, improve quality of life, and help Vietnam to grow economically.
This partnership reflects the plans of both countries to build long-lasting relation. The UK brings expertise and investment, while Vietnam offers a fast-growing market and strong plans for future growth.