Former British Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Kent discusses Vietnam-UK Relations
WVR - On June 24, in an interview with The World & Vietnam Report, former British Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Kent reaffirmed his deep affection for the culture, tourism, and cuisine of the S-shaped country.
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| Former British Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Kent. (Photo: Xuan Son) |
Vietnamese Cuisine, English Premier League, and Scottish Whisky
Former British Ambassador Mark Kent expressed great joy upon returning to Vietnam, where he served from 2007 to 2010.
In 2022, transitioning to a new phase in his career, he was appointed Chairman of the UK–Vietnam Friendship Network, a role that parallels the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), focusing on enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. Additionally, in his capacity as CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, Mr. Kent has had numerous opportunities to visit Vietnam, noting that “Vietnamese people have a great appreciation for Scottish whisky.”
“I am truly impressed by how much Vietnam has changed over the past 15 years. From the time I last served here in 2010 to my return in 2023 and now, I can clearly see the country’s economic development, international integration, trade growth, and innovation. These transformations are also reflected in the expanding and deepening Vietnam–UK relationship,” Mark Kent said.
According to him, Vietnam today is much more dynamic and globally engaged. The country possesses considerable soft power and enjoys a positive international image. Vietnam and the UK are cooperating across a wide range of sectors—from climate change and security to migration, trade, culture, tourism, and sports. Among these, promoting people-to-people ties remains a key priority.
He emphasized that beyond government and political relations, the essence of bilateral ties lies in fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He noted that Vietnam’s soft power is particularly evident in its cuisine and tourism. Similarly, the UK leverages its global image through the Premier League and Scottish whisky. Both countries know how to promote positive values while preserving their cultural identities.
“During my tenure as Ambassador, I had the opportunity to travel with Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, then President of VUFO, to several regions of the UK. One memorable moment was watching a football match at Grimsby Town FC, a small local club near my hometown. It was a wonderful experience. Even with a traditional British dish like ‘fish and chips’, it’s interesting to know that much of the seafood used is imported from Vietnam—this illustrates the depth of our connection at all levels,” Mr. Kent recalled.
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| Vietnamese beef pho is listed in the list of 100 delicious dishes in the world in 2024 by the culinary website Taste Atlas. (Source: Ngon Ha Noi) |
The former Ambassador sees tourism and cuisine as two of Vietnam’s greatest strengths. More and more British tourists are choosing Vietnam as a destination, especially for high-end travel experiences. Vietnamese cuisine is also gaining popularity in the UK for its refinement and appeal. In recent years, Vietnamese films, as well as cultural and artistic activities, have become increasingly visible in the UK, contributing positively to Vietnam’s image abroad.
Trusted Partners, Adapting Together
Over the past 10–15 years, bilateral trade between Vietnam and the UK has grown significantly, expanding into new sectors such as high technology, financial services, innovation, and artificial intelligence. Mr. Kent emphasized that education is one of the most enduring areas of cooperation. Many Vietnamese students pursue their studies in the UK, often with the support of scholarships. These individuals not only contribute to Vietnam’s economic future but also serve as vital bridges for mutual understanding.
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| Former British Ambassador to Vietnam Mark Kent during a sharing session with Fulbright University students in February 2023. (Source: Fulbright) |
During this visit, Mr. Kent plans to discuss with Vietnamese counterparts the development of an international financial center, as well as efforts to expand bilateral trade. A key focus is the upcoming meeting of the Vietnam–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) scheduled for July. Notably, 2025 also marks the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam–UK Strategic Partnership—a milestone Mr. Kent hopes will provide an opportunity to elevate the relationship to new heights, in line with its growing substance.
Looking ahead, the former Ambassador highlighted the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement as a catalyst for collaboration in cutting-edge sectors such as high technology, services, and AI. Education and skills development for adapting to new technologies and climate change are shared concerns, and the two countries have been working closely in these areas.
One emerging challenge, he noted, is governance in the modern era—how to ensure that public administration systems effectively meet the needs of citizens. This is an issue faced not only by Vietnam but also by the UK. “In the face of global challenges in technology, trade systems, and security, our two countries need to foster a reliable and resilient partnership to adapt together. We are committed to building a sustainable institutional foundation and sharing experiences to jointly address these new challenges,” he emphasized.
With the perspective of someone who has long been deeply attached to Vietnam, Mr. Mark Kent reflected on his dedicated journey of nurturing the bilateral relationship—a partnership that has spanned over half a century. From the everyday threads of food, football, and education, he has helped weave a living testament to the profound and promising Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.
