Scottish Secretary Alister Jack will visit Vietnam this week to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties. He will be joined by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) to boost Scotch whisky exports to Vietnam, a priority market that has seen significant growth.
During his visit, Jack will meet with senior Vietnamese officials, including Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister Phung Duc Tien. He will also visit a Coats factory in Ho Chi Minh City and meet with Chevening Scholars at the British University Vietnam (BUV).
Jack’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam. He expressed his enthusiasm for building on these ties.
The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in 2021, presents opportunities for Scottish businesses in Vietnam. Currently, nearly 200 Scottish companies export goods worth £83 million annually to Vietnam. The number of Chevening Scholars from Vietnam studying in the UK has also increased significantly.
Alister Jack’s visit aims to strengthen the UK-Vietnam relationship, boost trade, and deepen cultural and educational ties. It is a positive step toward enhancing collaboration between the two countries.
