Green strategic partnership - major milestone in Viet Nam-Norway relations

In her recent interview with VGP, Syrstad held that it was rooted in long-standing collaboration in blue and green sectors, reinforcing shared climate and economic commitments while providing a framework to translate cooperation into concrete actions.

The new partnership would help create jobs, promote sustainable growth, improve competitiveness, and contribute to long-term economic development, she said, adding that the this framework, together with the upcoming Viet Nam-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement, would create a more favorable environment for trade, investment, and business cooperation.

Regarding the key priority areas, the Green Strategic Partnership covers both existing cooperation and future potential areas related to climate and environment, circular economy, and the sustainable ocean economy.

According to Syrstad, specific activities and initiatives could be agreed upon between Viet Nam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote these agendas.

The partnership would facilitate more frequent meetings and provide a platform for cooperation, enabling the exchange of technological expertise, boosting investment and trade, and supporting green, low-emission economic growth, she added.

Regarding the importance of the Green Strategic Partnership in the context of the existing cooperation, she noted that this would serve as a platform for more specific initiatives and projects in the identified areas of priority.

She pointed out Viet Nam's adoption of carbon credit systems and emphasized the importance of marine spatial planning, particularly as global warming increasingly affects the oceans.

Both economies had much to share in protecting nature while expanding trade, leading to mutually beneficial economic growth, told Syrstad.

Highlighting the role of Norwegian businesses, she said, the climate crisis and environmental challenges made partnerships of this kind essential, adding that businesses would play a key role through investment and technological exchange, supported by both the free trade agreement and the partnership, which together could boost green and blue sectors in both countries.

On how Norway would support Viet Nam's sustainable growth, she stressed that while regulators could provide solutions, the private sector also need to play an active role. She emphasized the importance of helping businesses connect, fostering local partnerships, and encouraging investment and trade to achieve tangible results.

She noted opportunities in areas such as marine spatial planning, circular economy practices, and carbon markets, asserting that reducing resource use through reuse, protecting forests, and aligning land use with climate goals were crucial for sustainable growth.

Both countries shared mutual interests in these areas and could further strengthen cooperation for long-term benefits, she emphasized./.