Injecting fresh impetus into Viet Nam-Denmark relations

Speaking to reporters ahead of the visit, Ambassador Nguyen said the visit would mark a historic milestone in the two countries' relations and reaffirm their strategic trust and shared commitment to sustainable development.

The visit comes as Viet Nam and Denmark celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. It will be the first state visit to Denmark by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the only state visit hosted by Denmark this year, the Ambassador noted.

She described the visit as a reflection of the two countries' strategic vision, political commitment and mutual trust, providing an opportunity for both sides to elevate bilateral cooperation and chart new directions for collaboration in trade, investment, energy, high-quality human resources, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and green growth.

Viet Nam and Denmark share a vision of a peaceful, stable and cooperative world based on respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, said the diplomat, adding that both countries attach importance to multilateralism, international cooperation and joint efforts to address global challenges.

The visit is also expected to facilitate exchanges on regional and international issues of mutual concern, strengthen coordination at multilateral forums and contribute to peace, stability and sustainable development.

Overview of 55-year journey

Over the past 55 years, the relations between Viet Nam and Denmark have evolved from traditional development cooperation into an increasingly comprehensive, equal and mutually beneficial partnership. Regular high-level exchanges and contacts at various levels have helped consolidate political trust, deepen mutual understanding and enhance coordination in bilateral and multilateral affairs.

A major milestone was reached by the two countries in November 2023 with the establishment of the Green Strategic Partnership framework, following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013. The framework has placed green transition at the forefront of cooperation, with both sides working to implement its action program.

Denmark has also identified Viet Nam as a priority partner in the Indo-Pacific. Its 2023 Foreign and Security Policy Strategy highlighted the Southeast Asian country as a partner with which Denmark seeks to expand and upgrade relations, reflecting Copenhagen's recognition of Viet Nam's growing economic potential and its role in green transition and sustainable development.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of bilateral ties. Despite volatility in global trade, the two-way trade soars by almost 38 percent in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, while Viet Nam's exports to Denmark rose by around 28 percent.

As of July 2026, Denmark had 179 valid investment projects in Viet Nam, with total registered capital of nearly US$2.5 billion, ranking 21st among 153 countries and territories investing in the ASEAN member country.

Major Danish business giants, including LEGO, Maersk, Pandora, Vestas and Novo Nordisk, have established or expanded their presence in Viet Nam in manufacturing, logistics, seaports, energy, pharmaceuticals, green technology and other high-value-added sectors.

Bilateral cooperation is also expanding into healthcare, life sciences, innovation, digitalization and technology, reflecting the complementary strengths of the two economies and the potential for deeper business engagement.

Green transition remains a distinctive area of bilateral collaboration. Viet Nam offers a dynamic economy, a market of more than 100 million people and substantial potential in renewable energy, innovation, science and technology, and global supply chains. Denmark, meanwhile, has strengths in clean energy technologies, environmental solutions, sustainable food production and the circular economy.

These complementary advantages offer opportunities to attract investment, strengthen business connections and develop sustainable value chains that generate mutual benefits.

Connectivity between the two countries has also improved following the launch of Viet Nam Airlines' first direct service between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen in December 2025. The route has shortened travel times and created favorable conditions for trade, investment, tourism, business cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Thanh highlighted science and technology, innovation, energy transition and sustainable development as areas with considerable potential for expanded cooperation.

Denmark possesses advanced capabilities in renewable energy, life sciences, green technology, maritime industries and automation. Viet Nam, in turn, offers a large market and workforce, expanding manufacturing and innovation capacity, and an important position in regional production and supply chains.

Viet Nam is transitioning towards a growth model driven by science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in line with Politburo Resolution No. 57, while prioritizing the development and gradual mastery of strategic technologies.

Combining the two countries' strengths and development priorities could facilitate joint research, technology development and application, the creation of new products and solutions, wider market access and deeper integration into global value chains.

Energy cooperation has a solid foundation, with the two countries working together on energy transition since 2013. Under the Viet Nam-Denmark Energy Partnership Programme for 2026-2030, cooperation focuses on long-term energy planning, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency and the exchange of experience in policies and mechanisms for offshore wind power.

Building on these achievements, both sides have opportunities to expand cooperation from policy development and planning towards investment in renewable energy projects, technologies and supply chains. Greater business participation in research, manufacturing, equipment supply and services could help foster green industries and develop energy markets.

Science, technology and innovation are also expected to become important drivers of bilateral growth. Viet Nam is prioritizing strategic technologies, including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, biotechnology and advanced biomedicine, areas in which Denmark has considerable expertise.

The ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening links among enterprises, universities and research institutes. Joint research, technology development, high-quality workforce training and the commercialization of research outcomes could help both countries enhance innovation capacity and develop competitive products and solutions for domestic and international markets.

Healthcare, life sciences and biotechnology offer further opportunities. Denmark has a well-developed pharmaceutical industry and a strong life sciences ecosystem linking universities, hospitals, research institutes and businesses. Viet Nam has a large healthcare market, an extensive network of hospitals and research institutions, and a growing pool of medical professionals and scientists.

Closer collaboration could support joint projects in smart hospitals, digital healthcare, biotechnology, precision medicine and advanced medical solutions, improving healthcare quality while creating opportunities to develop and apply new technologies.

Maritime transport, logistics and green supply chains are additional areas with strong potential. Denmark's expertise in shipping, logistics and sustainable technologies complements Viet Nam's strategic geoeconomic position, seaport network, manufacturing capacity and growing role in regional supply chains.

Closer business ties and cooperation in infrastructure, logistics services and sustainable value chains could enhance competitiveness and strengthen economic resilience amid global changes.

With 55 years of diplomatic relations, a strong foundation of political trust and complementary economic strengths, Viet Nam and Denmark are well positioned to deepen their partnership and unlock new sources of growth.

The upcoming state visit is expected to provide fresh momentum for bilateral cooperation, making the relationship more substantive, far-reaching and sustainable, the Ambassador concluded./.