Polish Ambassador impressed by Viet Nam's ambition and resilience

Viet Nam - 80-year impressive journey

How would you assess Viet Nam's development in recent years, particularly as the country marks the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2?

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: As Viet Nam celebrates the 80th anniversary of its founding, it is a good time to reflect on the country's remarkable achievements and its dynamic path forward.

I have been following Viet Nam's development with great interest, and I am impressed by the country's ambition and resilience. The government's goal of achieving high and increasing GDP growth reflects not only economic determination, but also a clear vision for the future aimed at fostering innovation, building human capital, and moving toward a knowledge-based economy.

This transformation reminds me of the path taken by my own country, Poland, as we have experienced similar challenges in the process of socio-economic reforms and rapid development over 30 years ago. Both our countries share experiences in navigating economic transition, especially in creating jobs that add greater value in global supply chains, and ensuring that students and young professionals are equipped with the skills needed in a competitive world.

Hightlights of Viet Nam-Poland 75-year relations 

How would you evaluate Viet Nam–Poland relations after 75 years of diplomatic ties?

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: Viet Nam–Poland relations, established 75 years ago, have grown into a strong and multifaceted partnership based on mutual respect, trust and friendship. Poland was among the first countries to support Viet Nam after independence, and thousands of Vietnamese students, engineers, and workers were trained in Poland, creating a foundation for lasting people-to-people ties.

Today, our countries enjoy robust trade relations—Poland sees Viet Nam as its most important partner in Southeast Asia, and both sides are working to further expand economic cooperation under the EVFTA. Cultural and educational exchanges continue to thrive, with a vibrant Vietnamese community in Poland and initiatives to promote Polish language and heritage in Viet Nam.

The friendship has stood the test of time, evolving with the changing world. We are proud of what has been achieved, however now it is time for even more outcomes that bring real benefits to both societies. Poland looks forward to continuing our partnership with Viet Nam as it pursues its development goals, and to deepening the relations between our two countries.

Could you brief outstanding cooperative projects between the two countries over the past time?

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: Our most valuable asset in Poland–Viet Nam relations is undoubtedly the people. The deep relations over decades, through education, remain at the heart of our cooperation. Thousands of Vietnamese students came to Poland to study at our universities, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of them went on to become leading figures in Viet Nam's government, military, science, and industry. Their continued affection for Poland is deeply touching and can still be felt today through organizations like the Viet Nam–Poland Friendship Association, whose members speak fluent Polish and maintain an active interest in our country.

Beyond education, another highlight of our relations lies in shared political history. Poland played a key role in the International Control Commissions established after the 1954 Geneva Accords and the 1973 Paris Peace Agreement. Between 1954 and 1956, the Polish ship Kiliński assisted in the transportation of more than 80,000 people and large quantities of equipment from South to North Viet Nam.

Poland is also proud of its role in preserving Vietnamese cultural heritage, including the restoration of UNESCO sites in My Son, Hue and Hoi An. Our co-operation in architecture and monument conservation has the face of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski, a Polish architect and conservationist who devoted nearly two decades of his life (1980–1997) to the preservation of Viet Nam's cultural heritage. In Viet Nam, he was affectionately called by the name Kazik". His passion and devotion for Vietnamese heritage are a lasting legacy, and his name remains cherished both in Poland and Viet Nam.

In healthcare, the Viet Nam–Poland Friendship Hospital in Vinh (now the Nghe An General Hospital), remains a symbol of our cooperation. Built with Polish support in 1963, the hospital has served millions of patients across Nghe An province and continues to benefit from Polish–funded medical equipment. Donations of spirometers, ventilators and incubators in recent decades have directly helped thousands of mothers and children at the hospital. More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland stood in solidarity with Viet Nam, donating 1.4 million vaccine doses, along with personal protective equipment and medical supplies. It was not only the support in a time of need but also a gesture of friendship and mutual care.

Finally, our relations are also reflected in the vibrant Vietnamese community in Poland. Numbering in the tens of thousands, they are well-integrated and contribute significantly to Polish society—as doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and restaurateurs. Vietnamese cuisine has become a beloved part of urban life in Poland, particularly in cities like Warsaw, where it draws locals to explore the rich flavors of Viet Nam.

We are proud of what has been achieved and look forward to building even stronger connections in the future.

Key pillars of future ties

How do you see the prospects and potentials for Viet Nam–Poland cooperation in the years ahead?

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: The prospects for Poland-Viet Nam cooperation in the coming years are promising and multidimensional. As two dynamic economies that have experienced rapid, uninterrupted growth over the past decades, we are well-positioned to deepen our collaboration across a broad spectrum of fields.

We identify the areas of mutual interest such as energy transition, digitalization of public services, and green technologies. These fields offer space for sharing experiences and developing joint projects. Poland stands ready to support Viet Nam in areas such as e-government, renewable energy, water treatment, and digital services, some of which have already gained international recognition, such as Poland's UN-awarded e-health platform.

We have a long tradition of academic exchange, particularly in engineering and technical fields. Today, we observe and support growing cooperation in new technologies and knowledge-based economy. We are working to expand Polish language teaching in Viet Nam, and we see real potential in establishing Polish studies programs at Vietnamese universities. This would be a major step toward building sustainable cooperation.

Cultural exchange is also a strong connector. We have seen great interest in Polish literature and classical music in Viet Nam, and knowledge exchange in museum studies are being planned. Recently we have organized a study visit for the directors of some leading museums in Viet Nam to learn more about how Polish museums work in the fields of preservation and digitization of collections, art education and modern methods of expositions' organization.

Beyond education and cultural cooperation, there is also strong potential for deepening investment cooperation. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Viet Nam in 2024, cumulative Polish FDI value in Viet Nam from 1988 to the end of 2024 reached US$473.82 million. Especially over the last two decades, one notable example is a leading Polish pharmaceutical company, which has become the largest Polish investor in Viet Nam and is working toward positioning the country as a center for high-value production in the region.

In order to see even more initiatives, investments, and institutional ties developing between our two countries, we need more cross-cultural experts on both sides. We encourage more Vietnamese students to explore Polish language and culture, helping to create a new generation of translators, scholars, and cultural bridges. While Vietnamese is already being taught at some Polish universities, we are working to expand access to Polish language education in Viet Nam through Polish courses and studies, with the support of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).

Could you please give some advices for the Vietnamese Government to perfect the business and investment environment in the "Era of Nation Rise"?

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: Rather than offering advice, I would like to express my appreciation for the remarkable development Viet Nam has achieved in recent decades. We have been witnessing Viet Nam's dynamic transformation with great respect—from a country rebuilding itself to one that is now playing an increasingly important role regionally and globally. The concept of the "Era of Nation Rise" reflects the ambition, determination, and energy that define modern Viet Nam. Poland, having gone through its own complex transition and modernization process, understands many of the challenges and milestones along the way.

How do you comment the positive outcomes of the Government's Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP dated August 8, 2025 on visa exemptions for citizens of 12 foreign countries including those from Poland?

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: The decision to extend visa exemptions to citizens of 12 countries, including Poland is a very welcome and strategic step.

We have already seen that Polish tourist arrivals to Viet Nam have grown significantly in recent years. According to the General Department of Tourism of Viet Nam, in the first seven months of 2025 alone, 40,441 Polish tourists visited Viet Nam, a 44.8 percent increase year-on-year. For Polish citizens, this move opens up greater opportunities to explore Viet Nam's rich heritage, culture, and dynamic economy. For Viet Nam, it brings concrete benefits, in terms of people-to-people exchange, of showing Viet Nam's openness but also in terms of profits for the hospitality business. 

While this policy currently only applies to tourist travel, we believe it would also lay the foundation for a broader engagement. We hope that Viet Nam will continue to expand its visa facilitation policies to include business people, making it easier to unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation in business and innovation. These areas can directly support Viet Nam's long-term development priorities.

Please send a message for Vietnamese people on the special anniversary!

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek: On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Government and the People of Viet Nam. Viet Nam has a remarkable journey from gaining its independence to becoming a dynamic and forward-looking economy.

As the Embassy is located near Ba Dinh Square, I've been witnessing first-hand the excitement and pride of the Vietnamese people in preparation to this special day. From the early hours to late night we have seen families, students, and visitors gathering to take photos, waving flags, and assisting at the preparations with enthusiasm. This has shown the love Vietnamese people hold for their country and history.

I wish all Vietnamese people continued prosperity, peace, and success for today and for many generations to come!