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MobiFone and Ericsson Sign MoU on 5G Innovation Cooperation
On October 1 (local time), in Stockholm, Sweden, during a working visit to Europe by the State Capital Management Committee delegation, Vietnam’s MobiFone Telecommunications Corporation and Ericsson signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5G innovation cooperation. This milestone marks a significant step in developing 5G technology in Vietnam. Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Nguyen Ngoc Canh, witnessed the signing ceremony.
The cooperation agreement between MobiFone and Ericsson highlights the commitment of both parties to jointly develop a robust 5G future in Vietnam. This event not only elevates MobiFone’s position in the global telecommunications landscape but also lays a strong foundation for future technological breakthroughs. MobiFone aims to expand research and innovation in 5G, thus accelerating digital transformation and improving telecommunications services, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s digital economy. With the vision of “Creating a Digital Future,” MobiFone continues to enhance technological capabilities and digital solutions, striving to build a leading digital infrastructure and ecosystem for Vietnam to become a technological leader in the region.
According to the MoU, Ericsson will share its global expertise in 5G commercial applications and support MobiFone in establishing and operating a 5G Innovation Center in Vietnam, including consulting on design and service experience solutions. The center will focus on researching and developing 5G-based applications and solutions, assisting individuals and businesses in digital transformation, and promoting R&D in 5G innovation in Vietnam.
Following the signing, the State Capital Management Committee delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Canh, held a working session with Ericsson Group representatives. The delegation included leaders from the Department of Technology and Infrastructure, Department of Agriculture, Department of Industry, MobiFone, and Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC).
Representing Ericsson was Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, along with senior leaders from the group.
At the meeting, attendees discussed 5G technology solutions and Ericsson’s innovation experiences. With a presence in over 180 countries, Ericsson is one of the world’s leading telecommunications technology companies, providing advanced solutions for major global telecom operators, particularly in deploying 5G networks. As a major partner of MobiFone, Ericsson is committed to supporting MobiFone in developing 5G technology and setting the stage for future innovations.
MobiFone, expanding into digital business areas like digital infrastructure, platforms, and content, aims to become Vietnam’s leading technology group by 2030 and a comprehensive digital ecosystem provider by 2035, positioning Vietnam as a top digital nation in the region.
Deputy Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Canh stated that science and technology are a top priority for Vietnam, with the State Capital Management Committee encouraging state-owned enterprises to foster international cooperation in these areas. MobiFone, as one of the committee’s key corporations, has a prominent role in Vietnam’s ICT sector, with over 30% market share in telecommunications.
Deputy Chairman Canh expressed appreciation for Ericsson’s support in developing 5G infrastructure and solutions in Vietnam. He encouraged Ericsson and MobiFone to continue specific cooperation, developing mutually beneficial initiatives that contribute to Vietnam’s growth.
Speaking at the session, MobiFone CEO To Manh Cuong thanked Ericsson for its partnership, particularly as MobiFone accelerates 5G network deployment following the allocation of 5G spectrum. MobiFone aims to rapidly commercialize 5G, with Ericsson as a trusted partner to support the network’s development and innovations. Cuong noted MobiFone’s progress in preparing to deliver comprehensive 5G experiences and testing new services based on 5G infrastructure to offer customers fast, stable, and safe advanced technology.
Rita Mokbel, Director of Ericsson Vietnam, affirmed Ericsson’s commitment to fostering innovation in Vietnam’s digital transformation initiatives. Mokbel pledged to connect MobiFone with global research centers and partners, turning the 5G Innovation Center into a pioneering experience hub, ensuring Vietnam leverages the full benefits of a robust 5G network.
OTHER NEWS
Sweden exports to Vietnam
| Products | 9M/2023 | 9M/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 713,306,294 | 767,820,786 | 7.6 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 13,963,562 | 16,664,385 | 19.3 |
| Plastic products | 9,263,386 | 15,747,258 | 70.0 |
| Rubber | 265,306 | 346,450 | 30.6 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 16,993,975 | 19,673,615 | 15.8 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 6,713,390 | 6,580,308 | -2.0 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 12,631,817 | 15,088,271 | 19.4 |
| Textiles and garments | 64,308,841 | 72,297,844 | 12.4 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 37,265,321 | 40,247,798 | 8.0 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 3,118,244 | 4,109,417 | 31.8 |
| Ceramic products | 975,758 | 1,661,424 | 70.3 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 9,204,529 | 8,435,685 | -8.4 |
| Other metals and products | 399,324 | 679,353 | 70.1 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 62,410,182 | 73,564,484 | 17.9 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | 302,898,856 | 272,636,392 | -10.0 |
| Machinery, mechanical appliances, equipment, parts thereof | 82,866,017 | 84,864,863 | 2.4 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 5,827,248 | 7,725,815 | 32.6 |
Sweden imports from Vietnam
| Products | 9M/2023 | 9M/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 252,516,003 | 308,865,516 | 22.3 |
| Other petroleum products | 2,055,402 | 2,135,607 | 3.9 |
| Chemical products | 15,892,289 | 9,115,325 | -42.6 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 56,119,944 | 91,751,173 | 63.5 |
| Plastic materials | 2,262,456 | 2,229,725 | -1.4 |
| Plastic products | 5,136,320 | 5,461,378 | 6.3 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 6,112,956 | 4,260,852 | -30.3 |
| Paper products | 26,159,725 | 28,971,966 | 10.8 |
| Iron or steel | 11,466,820 | 9,968,980 | -13.1 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 5,590,979 | 6,187,443 | 10.7 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 2,433,786 | 4,648,480 | 91.0 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | 45,822 | 60,670 | - |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 75,708,157 | 104,916,689 | 38.6 |
Denmark exports to Vietnam
| Products | 9T/2023 | 9T/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 250,613,397 | 317,100,969 | 26.5 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 31,036,104 | 37,718,706 | 21.5 |
| Coffee | 2,796,546 | 3,244,843 | 16 |
| Plastic products | 13,649,909 | 18,803,724 | 37.8 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 7,328,661 | 12,298,747 | 67.8 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 3,208,022 | 4,629,193 | 44.3 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 18,785,868 | 22,368,874 | 19.1 |
| Textiles and garments | 45,598,042 | 45,849,758 | 0.6 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 13,903,670 | 17,103,033 | 23 |
| Ceramic products | 2,803,302 | 3,306,244 | 17.9 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 16,209,540 | 34,654,167 | 113.8 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 13,643,994 | 14,467,372 | 6 |
| Electric wires and cables | 22,980,536 | 23,392,794 | 1.8 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 3,864,727 | 4,410,355 | 14.1 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 12,272,098 | 17,618,488 | 43.6 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 5,995,323 | 4,066,749 | -32.2 |
Denmark imports from Vietnam
| Products | 9T/2023 | 9T/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 163,064,180 | 170,479,014 | 4.5 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 15,484,074 | 7,005,564 | -54.8 |
| Milk and dairy products | 4,690,553 | 4,037,943 | -13.9 |
| Chemical products | 16,505,636 | 20,303,903 | 23.0 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 9,785,413 | 12,917,816 | 32.0 |
| Plastic products | 5,560,705 | 8,238,730 | 48.2 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 91,505 | 287,061 | 213.7 |
| Iron or steel | 73,698 | 133,260 | 80.8 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 3,112,300 | 4,777,594 | 53.5 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 2,432,824 | 4,340,008 | 78.4 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 37,930,841 | 55,649,083 | 46.7 |
| Electric wires and cables | 1,292,030 | 1,846,346 | 42.9 |
Norway exports to Vietnam
| Products | 9T/2023 | 9T/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 186,759,756 | 94,535,248 | -49.4 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 4,783,041 | 7,219,864 | 50.9 |
| Fruits and vegetables | 1,873,750 | 2,417,686 | 29.0 |
| Cashew nuts | 5,950,059 | 6,296,504 | 5.8 |
| Plastic products | 2,364,492 | 2,112,753 | -10.6 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 4,838,038 | 4,807,256 | -0.6 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 3,019,842 | 1,778,008 | -41.1 |
| Textiles and garments | 13,074,159 | 7,203,362 | -44.9 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 10,521,668 | 12,896,325 | 22.6 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 2,424,766 | 1,157,651 | -52.3 |
| Cameras, camcorders and components | 4,445,553 | 2,904,224 | -34.7 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 5,986,254 | 10,490,563 | 75.2 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 106,797,079 | 7,757,813 | -92.7 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 1,095,917 | 1,546,486 | 41.1 |
Norway imports from Vietnam
| Products | 9T/2023 | 9T/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 313,397,631 | 360,230,037 | 14.9 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 205,554,479 | 222,029,644 | 8 |
| Chemical products | 3,633,525 | 3,520,543 | -3.1 |
| Fertilizers | 19,332,039 | 28,917,941 | 49.6 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 6,958,982 | 5,456,208 | -21.6 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 35,855,404 | 51,733,954 | 44.3 |
OTHER NEWS
Vietnam State Capital Management Committee delegation meets with Business Sweden
As part of their European mission, on September 30, the delegation from the State Capital Management Committee of Vietnam, led by Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh, held a working session with the Business Sweden. The delegation was received by Ms. Emma Broms, Director for South and Southeast Asia at the Business Sweden.
Also present was Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hoàng Thúy, the Commercial Counselor of Vietnam in Sweden.
The Vietnamese delegation included representatives from the Departments of Technology and Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Industry, as well as leaders from key state-owned enterprises such as Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), and MobiFone.
From the Swedish side, attendees included representatives from the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN), Swedfund, the Swedish Industry Council, ADB Group, LFV Aviation Consulting, and Ericsson.
Ms. Emma Broms, Director for South and Southeast Asia, highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Sweden, established over 55 years, and their fruitful economic cooperation. Swedish companies have been actively contributing to Vietnam’s industrial, technological, and sustainable development sectors. This partnership has fostered not only trade and investment but also the exchange of knowledge and innovation, reflected in the steady growth of bilateral trade and investment.
In 2023, the number of Swedish foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Vietnam increased, with six new investment licenses and 10 additional projects, contributing further capital and equity purchases. Green industry companies from Sweden are particularly exploring investment opportunities in Vietnam, reinforcing the dynamic relationship between the two nations.
Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh acknowledged Sweden as the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on January 11, 1969. Over the past 55 years, the two countries have developed a deep, sustainable bilateral relationship, achieving notable successes in various areas such as diplomacy, economics, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
In terms of trade, bilateral import-export turnover reached $1.288 billion in 2023, with $946.1 million in exports and $341.9 million in imports. Despite Sweden’s prominence in high-tech industries such as electronics, appliances, and IT, the country still imports many essential consumer goods such as clothing, footwear, and coffee, which are among Vietnam’s strong exports.
Regarding investment, Sweden ranks 29th out of 143 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 109 active projects and over $733 million in total investment. More than 70 Swedish companies have offices in Vietnam and continue expanding their investments in IT, telecommunications, power, machinery, automotive, household electronics, packaging, and retail industries.
Sweden is also one of Vietnam’s top 10 trading partners within the European Union, and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), effective since 2020, has further strengthened trade relations. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, trade and investment between the two nations remained uninterrupted and continued to thrive.
Speaking on the importance of bilateral economic cooperation, Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh emphasized the role of the Swedish Trade and Investment Council, a government body representing and facilitating Swedish companies’ overseas investments and trade activities. With nearly 50 offices and over 500 employees worldwide, the council has played a vital role in promoting trade and investment with Vietnamese enterprises in recent years.
As of 2023, Vietnam had 676 state-owned enterprises, including 478 wholly-owned by the government, with total assets of approximately $150 billion. These enterprises control significant resources in terms of capital, assets, and technology, making considerable contributions to the state budget. To improve the performance of state-owned enterprises and separate state management functions from ownership functions, the State Capital Management Committee was established by the Vietnamese government in 2018. It serves as the state’s ownership representative for 19 major corporations operating in 16 economic and technical sectors, including energy, telecommunications, transportation, and agriculture.
In 2023, the combined equity of these 19 corporations was approximately $53.45 billion, with total consolidated assets of around $112 billion. These corporations play a critical role in ensuring economic stability, national security, and the supply of essential goods and services, particularly in areas such as energy, coal, petroleum, and chemicals. Their total revenue in 2023 amounted to $51.62 billion, with a pre-tax profit of $2.42 billion and a contribution of $3.6 billion to the state budget.
“The delegation of the State Capital Management Committee, representing four enterprises in telecommunications, IT, aviation, and maritime sectors, is eager to explore collaboration opportunities with Swedish companies today. I believe that both sides have significant potential for cooperation and development, and I hope today’s meeting marks the beginning of unlocking this potential,” said Vice Chairman Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh.
During the meeting, representatives from both Vietnamese and Swedish companies introduced their strengths and potential areas for cooperation, discussing various partnership possibilities. A dedicated discussion on aviation was also held between ACV, Vietnam Airlines, and Swedish counterparts to explore collaboration opportunities.
Vietnam-Denmark: Strategic cooperation for a greener future
Through partnerships with leading nations in green transition and sustainable development like Denmark, Vietnam has the opportunity to learn from their experiences in policy-making, legal frameworks, resource utilization, and technology. This cooperation will allow Vietnam to adapt these lessons to its own conditions, contributing to the commitments made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).
Denmark’s aspiration, determination, and vision
In Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and largest city, visitors often mention Copenhill, a remarkable architectural achievement that has become a symbol of Denmark’s green transition. Copenhill is a $650 million waste-to-energy plant, inaugurated in 2017, capable of processing up to 560,000 tons of waste annually. It provides electricity to over 50,000 households and heating to 120,000 homes. Additionally, Copenhill achieves zero emissions by employing carbon capture technology and recycles around 100 million liters of water each year. About 90% of the metals from the waste are recovered and reused, and the post-treatment residue produces approximately 100,000 tons of material suitable for road construction.
Copenhill is also a tourism hub, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its artificial grass ski slope (which becomes a snow slope in winter), an 85-meter climbing wall, a fully equipped restaurant, and a unique bar. This iconic project highlights Denmark’s nearly 50-year commitment to the green transition, driven by political will, ambitious policies, and technological innovation.
In its pursuit to reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) and reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Denmark has focused on maximizing resources through public-private partnerships, energy transition, circular economy, smart city development, and international cooperation in green transition.
Effective and strategic cooperation
Vietnam and Denmark have a longstanding partnership in green growth and sustainable development, achieving notable successes. Since 2011, the two countries have had a strategic partnership in climate change, energy, environment, and green growth. In 2013, Vietnam and Denmark upgraded this to a Comprehensive Partnership, where green transition and sustainability have been central in areas such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, education, trade, and investment.
This stable and practical relationship expanded in November 2023 when Vietnam and Denmark established a Green Strategic Partnership encompassing ten broad areas of cooperation. These milestones reflect the commitment of both governments and their people to green transition and sustainable development. This collaboration is not only beneficial for each country but also demonstrates a shared responsibility for global challenges like climate change and environmental degradation.
Among specific outcomes is the Vietnam-Denmark Energy Partnership Program, launched in 2013 and now in its third phase (2020-2025), which has yielded concrete results. The two sides have developed and published Energy Outlook Reports with policy assessments and recommendations that promote clean and renewable energy in Vietnam’s sustainable energy sector.
Other strategic partnerships in fields such as environment, agriculture, healthcare, and education have also been implemented with effective results, focusing increasingly on green, sustainable standards.
Recently, Vietnam has attracted high-quality green investments from Denmark. Examples include Lego’s first carbon-neutral factory in Vietnam, a $1 billion investment, and projects by Scancom, Pandora, Spectre, CIP, and Vestas. These have made Denmark the 22nd largest investor among 141 countries and territories in Vietnam, with nearly $1.8 billion in registered capital.
Vietnam’s youth – A key force for change
The Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership helps actualize the efforts of both governments in promoting green transition, enhancing global climate ambition, and pursuing a fair green transition through multi-sectoral cooperation.
Under this new framework, Vietnam and Denmark will deepen and elevate bilateral relations. In the short term, the two countries will work closely to implement the Joint Declaration on Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and host the Partnering for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Vietnam in April 2025.
In parallel, the two countries will increase cooperation in potential new areas like digital transformation, renewable energy development, green manufacturing, technology transfer, and training human resources to support green growth and sustainable development.
Green transition and sustainable development are strategic, long-term objectives requiring sustained commitment from central to local governments, citizens, and businesses. Vietnam must help its people understand that green transition not only improves quality of life but is a societal responsibility for future generations. Raising awareness on this issue is essential, and efforts to integrate environmental protection and green growth into educational curricula are also recommended.
In my experience working with the overseas Vietnamese community and engaging with professionals and youth in and outside of Vietnam, I see that Vietnamese youth are dynamic, creative, and quick to grasp global trends. Given the opportunity, this young generation can be a crucial force in Vietnam’s green transition and sustainable development journey.
Written by Ambassador of Vietnam to Denmark, Luong Thanh Nghi
Vietnam Trade Office welcomes VCCI business delegation to boost Vietnam-Nordic trade cooperation
On October 8, 2024, at the headquarters of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, Vietnam’s Commercial Counselor to Sweden and the markets of Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Latvia, hosted a working session with a business delegation organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The meeting focused on discussing the Nordic market landscape, export opportunities, and the challenges Vietnamese businesses face in successfully entering this region.
The delegation included representatives from key industries such as seafood, textiles, minerals, construction, engineering, and information technology. During the session, Mrs. Thuy provided a comprehensive overview of the geographic, economic, and consumer trends across the Nordic countries. She highlighted strategic commitments in the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) that benefit several Vietnamese export staples, such as rice, coffee, and seafood.
Furthermore, Mrs. Thuy emphasized the potential for exporting innovative and eco-friendly products to the Nordic market, which, although small, is a trendsetter in adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly consumer products. She pointed out that the Nordic region is pioneering in creating new consumer trends, offering substantial opportunities for Vietnamese businesses if they leverage EVFTA benefits and understand market demands.
Viewing the Nordic market from a new perspective
Traditionally, potential export markets are assessed based on factors such as market size, purchasing power, entry barriers, and competition levels. By these standards, Nordic countries may appear less attractive due to their smaller size, high entry barriers, and intense competition. This perception may lead some Vietnamese businesses, often focused on volume and price competitiveness, to deprioritize the Nordic markets.
However, the Nordics represent “elite” and “trend-leading” markets in various global trends. The region leads in areas such as environmental protection, climate change mitigation, elderly healthcare, promoting high-quality lifestyles, and sustainable development. These countries have cohesive social systems, high welfare standards, and prioritize intelligent consumption. Thus, the Nordics offer promising prospects for high-quality Vietnamese products if businesses can adapt and respond effectively.
For Vietnam’s export growth, the Nordics should be seen not just as “small markets” but as strategically influential markets. Successfully exporting to this region could bring not only economic benefits but also help build a global reputation for Vietnamese goods due to the strong influence of the Nordic market on international consumer trends.
Business connections and trade promotion
During the meeting, businesses discussed products such as seafood, wood, pulp, textiles, OCOP-certified products, and alcoholic beverages. They expressed their desire for support from the Trade Office in connecting with Nordic partners. Mrs. Thuy underscored the importance of utilizing the Trade Office’s online tools, including the vietnordic.com website and the official Facebook page, to stay updated on market information and promote products to potential partners.