Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, named by Forbes as Southeast Asia’s first self-made woman billionaire, opened trading at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Wednesday, July 22. This event is part of efforts by top Vietnamese companies to connect more with international investors and markets.
Dr. Thao, who is also the Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank, took part in the ceremony with Dame Sue Langley, the Lady Mayor of the City of London, and Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, during her visit to this important financial institution.
Following the opening ceremony, London’s benchmark FTSE 100 Index closed 1.24% higher, reaching its highest level in four months.
Dame Julia Hoggett welcomed Dr. Thao and highlighted her role in Vietnam’s economic development. “At the London Stock Exchange, we have the privilege of meeting many outstanding business leaders. Few, however, have played such an important role across multiple sectors of the economy and in connecting nations as Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao,” Hoggett said. “Through her leadership in banking, aviation, technology and investment, she has helped shape an important chapter in Vietnam’s remarkable growth story while strengthening international investor confidence.”
According to Sue Langley, Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and expanding financial sector made it a natural partner for London. “London offers global capital, strong governance standards and a trusted regulatory environment for Vietnamese businesses seeking international financing. I also admire Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao as an outstanding example of female business leadership and believe UK–Vietnam relations will continue to deepen,” she said.
The visit marked Dr. Thao’s second engagement with the London Stock Exchange this year, highlighting Vietnamese enterprises’ efforts to strengthen access to international capital markets.
Addressing guests at the exchange, Dr. Thao said, “We bring with us not only the ambitions of our businesses but also those of a country embracing a new era of innovation, integration and sustainable development. We believe future capital will increasingly flow toward fast-growing economies and companies with strong governance, long-term vision and a commitment to sustainable development. Vietnam is creating new opportunities to realize that vision.”
During the visit, Vietjet, HDBank, and Dragon Capital signed an agreement to boost collaboration in attracting international investment for Vietnam’s infrastructure development. Dame Sue Langley and Dame Julia Hoggett attended the signing ceremony.
Dominic Scriven, Chairman of Dragon Capital, welcomed the growing presence of Vietnamese companies in London’s financial markets. “It is encouraging to see increasing interest from Vietnamese companies in London’s financial center and the LSE. I am delighted to support and encourage these developments,” he said.
The London Stock Exchange, established in 1801, is among the oldest stock exchanges with over 1,700 listed companies and a market capitalization exceeding US$5.5 trillion, also being a major international bond market. Meanwhile, Vietjet is experiencing international growth, particularly in Malaysia, where it operates direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, enhancing tourism and economic exchanges as Malaysia and Vietnam strengthen their bilateral relations.