Viet Nam and Sweden: Building the next chapter together

In his recent interview with VGP, the Swedish Ambassador said, Viet Nam today is a far more influential economic and strategic actor in the Asia–Pacific than it was a decade ago.

Its rapid growth, expanding international partnerships and rising position in global value chains have strengthened its voice — regionally and globally.

"What strikes me most is how much more confident and ambitious Viet Nam has become. It is looking ahead, investing in infrastructure, technology and human capital, while building partnerships with countries and markets around the world", he underlined.

For Sweden, that makes Viet Nam an increasingly important partner in Southeast Asia. The bilateral relationship has a strong foundation with Sweden being the first Western country to open diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1969, and it is a relationship that continues to evolve.

Former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Sweden in June last year marked a turning point. The new sectoral strategic partnership on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation signals a shared commitment to shaping future growth together.

"And that is how I see the relationship today. Viet Nam is a partner with which we can exchange knowledge, develop new ideas and co-create solutions — in both countries and across the wider region", shared the diplomat.

Viet Nam's economic transformation opens new opportunities for Swedish business

Witnessing a remarkable period of Viet Nam's economic transformation, the Ambassador noted that the pace of change in Viet Nam is remarkable, but even more impressive is the ambition driving it.

Viet Nam has steadily climbed global value chains, diversified its economy and strengthened its capabilities in technology, digitalisation, innovation and higher-value production. A young workforce, dynamic private sector and strong inflows of international investment provide a solid foundation for the next stage of development, he underlined.

"I am also encouraged by Viet Nam's growing focus on sustainability. The country is exploring how economic growth can align with a greener transition — an area where Sweden has deep experience, but also where both sides can learn from each other", he shared.

This two-way exchange is visible through Swedish companies operating in Viet Nam. Ericsson supports 5G and digital connectivity; ABB and Hitachi Energy contribute to electrification and automation; Tetra Pak advances sustainable food production; AstraZeneca, Elekta and Getinge strengthen healthcare and life sciences. Companies such as Autoliv, ASSA ABLOY, Atlas Copco, Electrolux and H&M show the breadth of the bilateral engagement.

In total, Sweden have more than 70 companies operating in Viet Nam. What matters is that these companies are not here only to sell products. Many have been in Viet Nam for years, building partnerships, developing local talent, investing in operations and sharing technology and expertise, stated the diplomat.

And the learning goes both ways. Swedish companies gain insights from operating in one of Asia's most dynamic economies, while Vietnamese partners gain access to Swedish experiences and global networks. Long-term success is built by encouraging continuous learning and fostering strong collaboration between industry and education as well as create workplace environments with equal opportunities making innovation flourish.

According to the Ambassador, Sweden is a reliable long-term partner to Viet Nam. Swedish companies are committed to high standards of security, quality, sustainability, transparency and responsible business practices, which helps create confidence among customers, partners and communities alike.

Recent business surveys by Business Sweden indicate strong confidence among Swedish companies in Viet Nam's future, reflected in their continued commitment and plans for further expansion.

"This is what makes the relationship special: it is increasingly about creating value together", he noted.

Viet Nam, Sweden to build a greener, more connected future together

Regarding the biggest opportunities for Sweden and Viet Nam to work together in the future, the Ambassador said, the next chapter should be about moving from cooperation to co-creation — not just doing more together, but developing new solutions together.

The strategic partnership on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation provides a strong platform. Governments, businesses, universities and research institutions can work together on challenges that matter to both countries.

There is enormous potential in areas such as digitalization, clean energy and electrification, advanced manufacturing, smart infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences, and sustainable urban development.

Trade and investment will continue to play a key role. The EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) offers a strong framework, while Swedish companies can contribute technologies that support Viet Nam's goals of higher productivity, greener growth and stronger competitiveness.

Looking beyond traditional trade, the diplomat shared, partnerships are ultimately about people. Sweden has world-class universities and research institutions, expressing hope to welcome more Vietnamese students, researchers and professionals. These exchanges build the skills and networks that shape long-term cooperation.

Tourism is another important bridge — in both directions. More Vietnamese travellers are discovering Sweden, while Swedish visitors are increasingly drawn to Viet Nam's culture, food, history and diverse tourism experiences.

These people-to-people connections may seem separate from business or technology, but they are part of the same story. When people study, travel, work and exchange ideas across borders, they build trust. And trust is the foundation for deeper cooperation.

After more than five decades of friendship, Sweden and Viet Nam have built a foundation of trust, respect and shared ambition.

"Today, we have the chance to turn that foundation into something even more forward-looking — a partnership defined by co-creation. It is about what we can design, innovate and build together", underlined Ndisi.

And that is where the real opportunity lies: two countries, working side by side, shaping solutions for a greener, more connected and more resilient future, told the Ambassador./.