Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao opens trading at London Stock Exchange as Vietnam strengthens global investment ties
Chairwoman of Vietjet, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, recognized by Forbes as Southeast Asia’s first self-made woman billionaire, joined senior leaders at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to open trading on Wednesday, as leading Vietnamese companies seek closer engagement with international investors and capital markets.
Dr. Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet and Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank, participated in the opening ceremony alongside Dame Sue Langley, Lady Mayor of the City of London, and Dame Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive Officer of London Stock Exchange plc, during her visit to the historic 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 contribution to 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.”
Dame Sue Langley said 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,” Langley said. “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.”
The visit marked Dr. Thao’s second engagement with the London Stock Exchange in the past year, reflecting the growing efforts of Vietnamese enterprises to strengthen access to international capital markets and expand global investment partnerships. Addressing guests at the exchange, Dr. Thao said Vietnam’s business community is entering a new phase of international integration driven by innovation and sustainable growth.
“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,” she said. “London represents governance, transparency and trust—values that we continuously pursue. 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 realise that vision.”
Further strengthening these efforts, Vietjet, HDBank and Dragon Capital signed a trilateral cooperation agreement aimed to enhance collaboration in mobilising international capital for Vietnam’s infrastructure development. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dame Sue Langley and Dame Julia Hoggett.
“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,” said Dominic Scriven, Chairman of Dragon Capital.
As one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Vietjet continues to strengthen its presence in India and globally. The airline is operating direct flights connecting Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru with Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest metropolises.
