A major breakthrough in trade relations between the UK and Vietnam has unlocked up to £250 million in export opportunities for British pharmaceutical companies over the next five years. This follows a significant regulatory change in Vietnam that will make it faster and more cost-effective to export UK-made medicines to the country.
The announcement comes as part of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting held on 14 July, co-chaired by UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Vietnamese Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long. The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral trade, which reached £8.1 billion in 2024, up by £1.2 billion from the previous year, reflecting deepening economic ties.
Vietnam’s updated pharmaceutical regulations now allow for the recognition of drug approvals from international regulators, including the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This change streamlines the process of registering UK medicines and vaccines in Vietnam, eliminating lengthy paperwork and legal requirements for MHRA-approved products from the last five years.
This regulatory reform significantly boosts commercial opportunities for UK pharmaceutical firms by reducing export costs and accelerating market entry. It is expected to improve the competitiveness of British life sciences companies in a rapidly growing Southeast Asian market.
The trade agreement aligns with the UK’s newly launched Trade Strategy, which focuses on agile, sector-specific deals that support high-growth industries such as healthcare, financial services, and clean energy. The UK aims to use these strategic trade wins to fuel job creation, boost innovation, and support its broader Plan for Change agenda.
In addition to pharmaceutical progress, renewable energy cooperation is on the JETCO agenda. Both countries are collaborating to develop Vietnam’s offshore wind industry, with the UK’s sector forecast to support 100,000 jobs by 2030. This partnership will help Vietnam expand its clean energy capacity while promoting UK expertise and technology in renewables.
Discussions also include financial services cooperation. The UK will support Vietnam in developing its first International Finance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, intended to streamline financial regulations and attract international investment. This development is expected to benefit British firms seeking to expand into the Vietnamese market.
The removal of pharmaceutical trade barriers and advancements in energy and financial cooperation underscore the UK’s efforts to achieve targeted economic gains through its Trade Strategy. These actions demonstrate the government’s approach to strengthening international partnerships and supporting key domestic industries by removing obstacles and facilitating new export opportunities.
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