Ambassador highlights depth and strength of Viet Nam-Netherlands bilateral relationship

In a recent interview with VGP, the Ambassador said, the year 2024 marked a new chapter in Viet Nam-Netherlands relations, building upon the momentum of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. That year has demonstrated the diversity of the bilateral partnership through achievements across multiple sectors.

The Netherlands' strong commitment to economic partnership with Viet Nam was prominently demonstrated in 2024 through two significant trade missions, one in March on the occasion of the visit of the two Dutch ministers, and one in November during the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition 2024.

According to the diplomat, these successive missions underscore the growing confidence of Dutch businesses in Viet Nam's market potential and both sides' shared vision for sustainable economic development. The extensive participation of Dutch companies, research institutions and CSOs across both events reflects the two nations' strategic commitment to fostering green and inclusive economic growth in Viet Nam through long-term partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Supporting Viet Nam's international trade integration has been a key priority. Through programmes like Ready2Export, the Netherlands provided capacity training for Vietnamese SMEs in agriculture, textiles, garments, and manufacturing sectors, helping them adapt to new EU directives such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Understanding and practicing to comply with these directives are crucial for Vietnamese businesses to unlock new export opportunities.

In the field of agriculture, Viet Nam and the Netherlands are working closely together to prepare Vietnamese agricultural exports, particularly coffee, rubber, and wood products, for compliance with EUDR, with the Netherlands serving as a primary gateway for Vietnamese products into Europe.

Beyond these initiatives, 2024 saw the deepened collaboration in areas where the two countries have longstanding partnerships such as water management, climate, maritime, port developments as well as emerging sectors such as high-tech and circular technology.

The two nations' partnership extended beyond economic ties to include important developments in defence cooperation, human rights, art and people-to-people relations.

The first ever visit of the Dutch Royal Navy Ship TROMP to Hai Phong port in May 2024 symbolised relations in naval cooperation and commitment to international law of the sea.

"I am very happy that the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) cooperation program would be implemented in the phase 2024-2026 where the Dutch Clingendael Institute can work together with Viet Nam's Ministry of Public Security", shared the diplomat.

The revitalised collaboration between the Institute of Social Studies and the Human Rights Institute of Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy demonstrates both sides' shared commitment to advancing human rights understanding and implementation.

Cultural exchange remained vibrant, with the Netherlands being a major supporter of BridgeFest, an inclusive music and community festival showcasing Vietnamese social organisations' participation to the human economy. The meaningful and inspirational workshops of the Dutch disability influencer Eva Eikhout in Ha Noi connected people, bringing inclusive arts and empowerment within Viet Nam's disability community.

In 2025, the Ambassador expressed his hope that the two countries will step up collaboration in high technology, adding that more Dutch companies are interested in investing in Viet Nam in this sector.

Meanwhile, Kees van Baar suggested both sides foster stronger ties in green economy, and clean energy as well as sustainable development and inclusive development so that everybody in Viet Nam can profit from the economic development.

Moving into 2025, the Ambassador looks forward to building upon these successes and further strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

Solid foundation for Viet Nam's continued growth in 2025

According to the diplomat, in 2024, Viet Nam has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in its socio-economic development. The country exceeded its economic growth targets, driven primarily by robust export performance and increased foreign direct investment.

These achievements are particularly noteworthy considering the challenges faced, including the impact of natural disasters such as the superstorm Yagi back in September. This strong economic performance has established a solid foundation for Viet Nam's continued growth in 2025.

The country continued to maintain one of the highest GDP growth rates in the ASEAN region, while its export value has reached another historic milestone in 2024. This economic performance reinforces Viet Nam's position as one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

The inflow of foreign investment in high-technology sectors, particularly in semiconductors and AI, has heightened the need for skilled workforce. Viet Nam's digital transformation efforts in 2024 have been particularly noteworthy. This digital push has facilitated improved efficiency in public services, enhanced business operations, and created new opportunities for innovation and growth.

"Beside economic successes, I can tell that Viet Nam also flourished in its social and cultural developments in 2024. My big congratulations to the national football team with their recent victory in the ASEAN Cup 2024", shared the Ambassador.

On the international front, the country's dedication to international integration, coupled with Viet Nam's growing economic influence, has further solidified its role as an important player in the Asia-Pacific region. Viet Nam's balanced approach to development, combining economic growth with sustainable practices, digital transformation, and international cooperation, positions the country well for continued success in 2025 and beyond, he noted.

I feel wonderful in Viet Nam

Regarding the feeling about the Vietnamese country and people, the diplomat said: "I still feel wonderful here in Viet Nam. I love the work, the food and the people here. I mean it feels like coming home in a country which is so green, so much rain, so much water, and many rivers and delta countries. So is what we have so much in common. And you have a lot of flowers and you love flowers and that is something which makes it very easy for me to feel at home in Viet Nam. I must say, I wouldn't want to leave yet, not at all".

What the Ambassador like even more is the days before Tet, the excitement. And especially the days when the whole city actually, as Tet comes, turns into a park with mobile trees. Because everybody there has trees, there are aqua trees, peach trees and plum trees with the blossoms. They are moving all over the city.

Recalling his memories during the Tet in 2024, Kees van Baar shaed, he went to the fireworks in Ho Tay with his friends and then on the first day of Tet, they drunk coffee and enjoyed Vietnamese food together.

The diplomat said, his favorite dish is "nem ran", "nom", and "banh chung", the sticky rice dish. During the Tet holiday, he could cycle through empty and quiet streets around Ha Noi./.