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Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa was reveived by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 12. (Photo: VNA)
Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, has begun an official visit to Vietnam aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and boosting Swedish engagement in the country’s green and digital transformation.
On May 12, at the Government Office headquarters in Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Mr. Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, at a reception whare Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of valuing its relationship with Sweden.
Highlighting the goodwill between the two peoples, the Prime Minister mentioned the Swedish documentary “Victoria Vietnam,” a symbolic gift presented to Vietnam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. The film serves not only as a commemorative gesture but also as a vivid testament to the profound and enduring affection the Swedish people have for Vietnam.
The Prime Minister expressed sincere gratitude for Sweden’s generous assistance in the past, particularly in the form of non-refundable aid, as well as for its practical cooperation in various fields today. He underscored the importance of iconic projects with Swedish involvement, such as the Bai Bang Paper Mill, the National Pediatric Hospital in Hanoi, and Uong Bi Hospital in Quang Ninh. All seen as enduring symbols of friendship and effective collaboration.
For his part, Minister Benjamin Dousa conveyed his strong impression of Vietnam’s rapid and robust development. He praised the country’s stable political environment, sustainable development strategies, and impressive economic growth targets over 7% in 2024 and a projected 8% in 2025. He noted that Vietnam continues to attract international attention and goodwill, including from Swedish investors and enterprises.
Substantive Cooperation for Comprehensive Development
During the meeting, both sides agreed that Vietnam and Sweden share many common values, especially in development policies that prioritize people-centered approaches, social welfare, reducing inequality, and sustainable progress. The Prime Minister noted that Vietnam is actively studying Sweden’s experience in areas such as cultural industry development, affordable housing policies for workers, urban planning, and environmental protection.
He emphasized the significant potential for further cooperation between the two nations, particularly in key sectors like digital transformation, green transition, science and technology, healthcare, education, and strategic infrastructure. Vietnam, with its strategic location in Southeast Asia, is well-positioned to serve as a gateway for Swedish goods to access the ASEAN market – a dynamic region with over 600 million people. In return, he called on Sweden to act as a bridge to help Vietnamese goods reach the Nordic market more effectively.
In terms of trade and investment, bilateral trade turnover in 2024 reached USD 1.5 billion, up 15% from the previous year. However, the Prime Minister noted that this figure remains modest compared to the full potential of the two economies. He proposed intensifying high-level exchanges, promoting investment cooperation, expanding market access, and fostering stronger business-to-business connectivity. With existing foundations, he stated, the relationship between the two countries could be elevated to a strategic partnership in the near future.
Minister Dousa agreed with the Prime Minister’s assessment and affirmed that many Swedish companies are highly interested in the Vietnamese market, particularly in areas where Sweden has strengths including renewable energy, clean technologies, logistics, healthcare, and smart manufacturing. He emphasized Sweden’s desire to establish a long-term cooperation strategy with Vietnam, grounded in mutual trust and shared values.
Political Commitment and Multilateral Engagement
Beyond bilateral ties, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Sweden to actively promote the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by EU member states, providing a solid legal and political foundation for increased European investment in Vietnam. He also requested Sweden’s support in urging the European Commission to lift the “yellow card” under the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing regulations currently applied to Vietnamese seafood – a critical export sector that sustains the livelihoods of millions of coastal workers.
In response, Minister Dousa reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting the ratification of EVIPA and stated that he would work with relevant EU bodies to remove regulatory barriers and create more favorable conditions for bilateral and EU-wide cooperation with Vietnam.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed on the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges, especially among the younger generations, to lay a solid foundation for long-term friendship. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh concluded: “The Vietnam – Sweden relationship is a model of trust, sincerity, and effectiveness. Vietnam always welcomes partnerships with nations that share our vision and development values.”
Minister Dousa will also speak at the ‘Enhancing Vietnam-Sweden Healthcare Cooperation’ conference, co-hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and Team Sweden — a network of Swedish public agencies and businesses promoting international trade and investment. The conference is expected to include prominent Swedish companies such as AstraZeneca, Getinge, and Ericsson.
The minister’s itinerary also features a visit to the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, a symbol of long-standing Swedish support to Vietnam, as well as participation in the Sweden-Vietnam Infrastructure Investment Dialogue. This event will highlight collaboration in areas such as green energy, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, mining, and semiconductors.
“Vietnam is a key partner in Southeast Asia with great potential for increased cooperation,” said Minister Dousa. “This visit is an opportunity to promote Swedish solutions and explore future-oriented partnerships in infrastructure, healthcare, and sustainability.”
Vietnam remains an important trade partner for Sweden and the European Union. For Swedish businesses, the country offers growing market opportunities and a strategic role in global value chains.
Sweden was the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1969. Between 1973 and 2013, it provided around USD 3 billion in aid, supporting major projects including the Bai Bang Paper Mill, the Vietnam-Sweden Hospital in Quang Ninh, and the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi.
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