Viet Nam, Sweden aim to advance resilient forward-looking partnership

In a recent interview with VGP, Ndisi said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's upcoming official visit to Sweden marks a significant milestone in the longstanding and strong relationship between the two countries. Sweden views this visit as both a celebration of our historic bond and a springboard for future cooperation.

"We look forward to deepening collaboration in key areas such as sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. These are fields where Sweden brings global expertise, and where Viet Nam is advancing with determination. This also opens the door to expanding educational and cultural exchanges, and to working more closely on shared global challenges like climate change and inclusive growth", shared the Ambassador.

Over the past 56 years, Viet Nam-Sweden relations have evolved from development assistance into a broader relationship built on trade, innovation, and shared goals. In 1969, Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam—during a challenging time.

"This showed our belief in peace, solidarity, and open dialogue. Our early contributions to vital sectors through projects like the National Pediatric Hospital (today Viet Nam National Children Hospital), the Viet Nam-Sweden General Hospital Uong Bi, and Bai Bang Paper Mill (today Viet Nam Paper Corporation), remain lasting symbols of our solidarity", told the diplomat.

As Viet Nam opened up and integrated into the global economy, the partnership evolved accordingly. Today, it is characterized by growing trade and investment, vibrant academic exchange and technological collaboration. Over 70 Swedish companies, such as ABB, AstraZeneca, Ericsson, Electrolux, H&M, IKEA, TetraPak, Hitachi Energy, and many others, are active in Viet Nam across key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, healthcare and infrastructure, driving innovation and job creation.

"Today, Viet Nam and Sweden are not just partners—we are trusted friends. We work together on many important issues, including sustainable development and digital technology. Our cooperation reflects shared values of resilience, teamwork, and finding smart solutions for the future", noted Ndisi.

Viet Nam, Sweden expand cooperation across key strategic sectors

According to the diplomat, Viet Nam and Sweden have strong potential to expand cooperation across key strategic sectors. In a world facing many challenges, the two sides both believe in open and rules-based trade. By continuing to work together, they can help build a stronger, greener and more stable global economy.

Recently Swedish company Syre made an important announcement of a planned investment in the central province of Binh Dinh. This project supports Viet Nam's green development and shows how Swedish companies bring innovation and sustainability to help tackle environmental challenges and grow the economy.

Green energy is also one promising area. Sweden is well positioned to support Viet Nam's low-carbon transition through investment, technology transfer, and policy dialogue, particularly in renewable energy, grid modernization and clean technology.

Swedish development finance institutions, such as the Swedish Export Credit Corporation and the Swedish Export Credit Agency, are also exploring support for sustainable, infrastructure projects. As one of the few countries with a AAA credit rating, Sweden is well-positioned to support Viet Nam's ambitious infrastructure development. Leveraging Swedish financial institutions could significantly reduce financing costs for Viet Nam.

Education and skills development are also vital. Sweden is committed supporting Viet Nam through academic exchanges, research collaboration, and training programs that prepare young people for a knowledge-based economy. For many decades, thousands of Vietnamese students, doctors, engineers, journalists and artists have come to Sweden to study, work, and share ideas. Many have brought back valuable knowledge that helps Viet Nam grow- and deepens the many personal bonds between our countries.

Together, these areas form the basis for a forward-looking, impactful partnership that brings concrete benefits to both countries and contributes to broader regional and global progress.

Viet Nam makes impressive stride in development journey

The Ambassador said, Viet Nam has made impressive stride in its development journey, transforming into a dynamic, economy. Its commitment to green growth, digitalization and importance when for global supply chains positions it as a key player in shaping the region's future.

Thanks to the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), businesses from both countries have more opportunities to grow and work together. This agreement creates predictability and lowers barriers to trade which leads to greater economic growth for Europe and Viet Nam. One example is that tariffs on vehicles from the EU will be completely eliminated by 2030 from around 70 percent when the agreement came in effect; reducing costs for Vietnamese consumers that would like to drive a Swedish car.

"By aligning cooperation with Viet Nam's national strategies, such as science, technology, and innovation development strategy and Resolution 68 on private sector development, we aim to contribute to a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Viet Nam", told the diplomat.

Viet Nam has become a key player in both regional and global affairs, earning respect through its proactive diplomacy and commitment to, multilateralism. It's active role within ASEAN, engagement with the UN and participation in major trade agreements highlights its growing influence and commitment to global cooperation.

In these turbulent times, diplomacy is more crucial than ever. This underscores the need for countries like Viet Nam, Sweden, and others to ensure that their diplomatic frameworks and procedures are agile and equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving international landscape.

Viet Nam's contribution on climate change, and economic integration, reflects its role as a responsible advocate for inclusive, sustainable development and a rules-based international order. Sweden sees Viet Nam as a trusted partner in addressing shared global challenges.

"As Viet Nam expands its international role, Sweden is committed to deepen our collaboration, sharing knowledge and innovation and supporting Viet Nam as a bridge-builder and force for positive change", asserted Ndisi./.