Vietnam and the United Kingdom are moving to strengthen cooperation in railway and aviation infrastructure development, as highlighted in a recent high-level working session held in Hanoi. The meeting reflects both nations' shared ambition to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and technical collaboration, particularly in transport infrastructure.

The session, attended by representatives from Vietnam's Ministry of Transport and the British Embassy in Hanoi, explored avenues for UK companies to contribute technical expertise to Vietnam's infrastructure projects. Notably, discussions focused on human resource development under Vietnam's Global Infrastructure Program and the promotion of modern engineering practices such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and standardised international construction contracts.

The British side expressed readiness to support Vietnam with project management solutions and advanced technologies, especially in the railway sector. This includes knowledge-sharing on high-speed rail development, where the UK has considerable experience, potentially benefiting strategic projects like Vietnam's proposed North-South high-speed railway.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, stated that infrastructure development is vital to bilateral cooperation, adding that British expertise could help Vietnam accelerate sustainable transport development. "We look forward to seeing UK companies bring innovation and efficiency to Vietnam's infrastructure plans," said Frew, as Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

This growing collaboration is anchored by the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK's recent entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These trade frameworks have already bolstered two-way trade and opened new investment channels, according to the UK Department for Business and Trade.

Vietnam's Ministry of Transport affirmed its commitment to exploring priority projects that align with the country's transport masterplan, while welcoming international participation that meets global standards in quality and sustainability.

As both nations seek to deepen ties beyond traditional trade, this initiative underscores infrastructure as a critical area for future cooperation, aiming to boost domestic connectivity and reinforce Vietnam's role in the regional logistics and transport network.