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HEADLINES
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Arrives in Stockholm, Begins Official Visit to Sweden
Following his official bilateral engagements in the French Republic, at 7:35 p.m. local time on June 11 (12:35 a.m. on June 12, Hanoi time), the aircraft carrying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation landed at Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm, marking the beginning of his official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden from June 12–14 at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Welcoming Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his entourage at the airport were representatives of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sweden Tran Van Tuan, officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy, and members of the Vietnamese community in Sweden.
This is the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Sweden in six years, aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Sweden — one of Europe’s key partners with significant global influence.
During the visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with members of the Swedish Royal Family, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of the Parliament. He will also meet with long-time Swedish friends of Vietnam, chair the Vietnam–Sweden Economic Forum, and hold working sessions with several major Swedish corporations. Additionally, the Prime Minister will visit and deliver a policy speech at one of Sweden’s leading universities.
Sweden was the first Western country to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam during the country’s struggle for national independence and reunification. It also hosted one of the strongest and earliest Western movements in support of Vietnam’s resistance against the U.S. war.
In the period of national reconstruction and development, Sweden continued to provide valuable material and moral support to Vietnam. Numerous key infrastructure and public service projects funded by Sweden have long stood as enduring symbols of the close friendship between the two nations.
Despite this strong foundation, recent years have seen modest levels of cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden, which have yet to match the full potential and aspirations of both sides.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s current visit is expected to serve as a catalyst for renewed momentum and breakthroughs, helping elevate the Vietnam–Sweden relationship to a more substantive and effective level — especially in politics, diplomacy, and economic cooperation. Particular emphasis is placed on fields where Sweden holds global strengths and Vietnam has growing needs: science, technology, innovation, information technology, environment, climate change mitigation, and sustainable energy.
OTHER NEWS
Sweden exports to Vietnam
| Products | 05M/2024 | 05M/2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 436,065,215 | 510,471,629 | 17.1 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 9,294,354 | 13,933,177 | 49.9 |
| Plastic products | 8,279,077 | 7,979,854 | -3.6 |
| Rubber | 197,064 | 343,123 | 74.1 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 9,898,882 | 12,319,150 | 24.4 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 3,516,618 | 3,513,805 | -0.1 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 10,344,652 | 12,774,107 | 23.5 |
| Textiles and garments | 32,563,558 | 55,562,587 | 70.6 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 23,219,890 | 34,603,182 | 49 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 1,535,361 | 2,089,838 | 36.1 |
| Ceramic products | 1,557,717 | 578,881 | -62.8 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 3,735,263 | 32,611,707 | 773.1 |
| Other metals and products | 325,078 | 1,174,175 | 261.2 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 38,894,735 | 63,651,423 | 63.7 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | 167,521,668 | 152,616,431 | -8.9 |
| Machinery, mechanical appliances, equipment, parts thereof | 41,110,575 | 46,710,145 | 13.6 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 4,297,357 | 4,979,089 | 15.9 |
Sweden imports from Vietnam
| Products | 05M/2024 | 05M/2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 157,228,145 | 214,074,442 | 36.2 |
| Other petroleum products | 1,494,303 | 1,606,076 | 7.5 |
| Chemical products | 4,243,607 | 5,500,370 | 29.6 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 43,528,749 | 74,701,566 | 71.6 |
| Plastic materials | 1,243,161 | 1,175,183 | -5.5 |
| Plastic products | 2,839,929 | 2,847,286 | 0.3 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 2,022,434 | 2,627,055 | 29.9 |
| Paper products | 13,563,016 | 24,630,269 | 81.6 |
| Iron or steel | 4,254,898 | 7,570,056 | 77.9 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 4,222,363 | 5,104,750 | 20.9 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 3,184,686 | 2,369,827 | -25.6 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | - | - | - |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 54,543,596 | 53,879,772 | -1.2 |
Denmark exports to Vietnam
| Products | 05T/2024 | 05T/2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 176,363,889 | 170,439,541 | -3.4 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 21,011,734 | 17,262,909 | -17.8 |
| Coffee | 2,351,290 | 5,740,016 | 144.1 |
| Plastic products | 10,295,072 | 10,477,660 | 1.8 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 5,992,400 | 4,263,377 | -28.9 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 2,663,700 | 2,729,887 | 2.5 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 12,714,224 | 13,567,326 | 6.7 |
| Textiles and garments | 19,587,154 | 26,315,344 | 34.4 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 10,404,466 | 12,064,880 | 16.0 |
| Ceramic products | 2,587,454 | 2,958,105 | 14.3 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 16,410,487 | 10,632,049 | -35.2 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 8,693,784 | 13,379,380 | 53.9 |
| Electric wires and cables | 15,348,155 | 10,839,912 | -29.4 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 2,123,702 | 3,093,441 | 45.7 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 13,838,694 | 9,316,856 | -32.7 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 948,052 | 2,120,011 | 123.6 |
Denmark imports from Vietnam
| Products | 05T/2024 | 05T/2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 87,059,990 | 103,184,870 | 18.5 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 4,263,430 | 11,097,178 | 160.3 |
| Milk and dairy products | 1,840,530 | 2,662,844 | 44.7 |
| Chemical products | 10,624,457 | 9,955,328 | -6.3 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 7,809,576 | 9,533,625 | 22.1 |
| Plastic products | 3,768,633 | 6,000,214 | 59.2 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 71,526 | 417,640 | 483.9 |
| Iron or steel | 59,212 | 45,503 | -23.2 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 2,769,100 | 6,839,069 | 147 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 3,374,850 | 2,273,925 | -32.6 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 27,697,010 | 21,456,284 | -22.5 |
| Electric wires and cables | 1,129,604 | 889,811 | -21.2 |
Norway exports to Vietnam
| Products | 4M/2024 | 4M/2025 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 34,791,180 | 49,708,614 | 42.9 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 3,077,824 | 3,666,624 | 19.1 |
| Fruits and vegetables | 1,259,029 | 1,051,597 | -16.5 |
| Cashew nuts | 2,353,237 | 3,230,174 | 37.3 |
| Plastic products | 1,167,402 | 870,797 | -25.4 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 1,353,463 | 3,278,922 | 142.3 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 781,124 | 1,114,506 | 42.7 |
| Textiles and garments | 2,645,490 | 3,399,874 | 28.5 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 5,733,616 | 6,987,753 | 21.9 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 733,477 | 657,944 | -10.3 |
| Cameras, camcorders and components | 941,181 | 3,286,851 | 249.2 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 3,185,779 | 3,433,520 | 7.8 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 953,238 | 4,502,028 | 372.3 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 1,374,684 | 986,820 | -28.2 |
Norway imports from Vietnam
| Products | 4M/2024 | 4M/2025 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 146,299,851 | 200,734,363 | 37.2 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 97,729,696 | 113,847,627 | 16.5 |
| Chemical products | 1,693,055 | 1,789,519 | 5.7 |
| Fertilizers | 9,250,744 | 15,479,872 | 67.3 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 1,998,715 | 1,791,982 | -10.3 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 16,632,127 | 48,559,393 | 192.0 |
OTHER NEWS
Official Visit by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính: A Catalyst for Advancing Trade, Industrial, and Energy Cooperation Between Vietnam and Sweden
From June 11–13, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long accompanied Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on an official visit to Sweden. With its favorable geographic location and transport connectivity, Sweden can be considered a “gateway” for Vietnamese goods into Northern Europe.
This was the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Sweden in six years, aimed at deepening the relationship between Vietnam and Sweden—one of the countries with a significant role and standing in Europe.
During the visit, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long accompanied the Prime Minister in meetings with Swedish leaders and discussions on bilateral cooperation in areas such as science and technology, digital transformation, the green and digital economy, energy, and sustainable trade. In these engagements, the Swedish side repeatedly affirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner for Sweden in Southeast Asia and a key destination for leading Swedish enterprises, thanks to Vietnam’s market size, strategic location, and impressive economic growth.
This is evidenced by Sweden’s active support for Vietnam in the signing of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and being among the first EU countries to ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
In addition to high-level meetings, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long also accompanied the Prime Minister in a series of other activities, including visits to several universities, engagements with the Vietnamese community in Sweden, the nuclear laboratory of the Royal Institute in Blakalla, the Karolinska Institute of Medicine, and—most notably—a series of meetings with major Swedish corporations in the fields of industry, telecommunications, energy, pharmaceuticals, and banking.
These activities featured diverse and in-depth content, spanning strategic and policy discussions to legal framework building and practical implementation. They offered both sides opportunities to gain mutual understanding, align cooperation orientations, and create momentum to further develop bilateral trade and investment relations in sectors where Sweden has strengths and Vietnam has clear needs.
The visit also served as an important platform for leaders of major Vietnamese groups—including EVN, PVN, Viettel, VNPT, and VIMC—and leading Swedish corporations such as the Wallenberg Group, Ericsson, AstraZeneca, Syre, H&M, and Hitachi Energy to engage in direct exchanges and seek new partnership opportunities at a time when global trade and the economy are facing considerable volatility and challenges.
In addition, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long joined the Prime Minister in working with Swedish businesses to promote the implementation of ongoing projects in Vietnam, including those involving H&M, Syre, Ericsson, AstraZeneca, and Hitachi Energy.
H&M and Nordic Delegation to Seek Suppliers at Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025
Global fashion giant H&M will send a high-level sourcing delegation to participate in the Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 event, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in coordination with the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. The event will take place from September 4–6, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). This marks H&M’s first official presence at Viet Nam International Sourcing, alongside several Nordic companies, signaling growing interest and a notable shift toward sourcing from Vietnamese suppliers. It also reflects the rising global profile of Vietnam’s export sector.
Nordic Businesses Continue Their Commitment
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, this year’s Nordic business delegation has again been carefully organized with the Trade Office’s support. The group includes leading names in retail, consumer goods, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing. The participation of H&M, one of the world’s largest fashion groups, is particularly noteworthy, offering new collaboration opportunities for Vietnamese companies in fashion, textiles, and sustainable supply chains.
In previous years, notably 2023 and 2024, the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden also facilitated Nordic business delegations to attend Viet Nam International Sourcing. Companies such as IKEA, the Port of Gothenburg, F&H, and Scanesia joined to explore sourcing opportunities, conduct site visits, and several subsequently established cooperation agreements with Vietnamese businesses.
A Positive Signal for Deeper Trade Connectivity
With its global operations and commitment to building a green supply chain, H&M is considered a pioneer in promoting transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility. Its attendance at Viet Nam International Sourcing not only offers direct business opportunities for Vietnamese suppliers but also helps raise the international image of Vietnamese products and enterprises. It reaffirms the event’s status as a reputable sourcing platform for global brands seeking partners in Vietnam.
Focus on Sustainable Supply Chains
Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 will once again be held at SECC with expanded scale, featuring over 500 exhibiting enterprises and approximately 300 international sourcing delegations. Key sectors include food & beverages, consumer goods, furniture, fashion, raw materials and accessories, and supporting industries.
In addition to the exhibition, the fair will host a series of side events, including thematic seminars, B2B matchmaking, factory and industrial zone tours, and market briefings. These activities will focus on export standards for the European market, green transition, logistics, and international brand development.
Opportunities for Vietnamese Businesses
H&M’s participation this year is a clear testament to the potential of Vietnamese suppliers to meet stringent European standards. The event provides a critical platform for domestic businesses to access major sourcing networks, strengthen their integration into global value chains, and position themselves in high-value sectors.
This year’s edition promises to be more than just a meeting point for supply and demand—it will also serve as a forum for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and discovering effective collaboration models. It comes at a time when Vietnam is becoming more deeply integrated into the global economy and increasingly central to international supply chains.
Syre – H&M and Harald Mix’s Polyester Recycling Venture – Announces First Three Major Customers and Confirms First Industrial Plant in Vietnam
Syre, the joint venture between fashion giant H&M Group and Swedish entrepreneur Harald Mix’s investment firm Vargas, has officially unveiled its first three major customers beyond its founding shareholders. Notably, the partners include two of the largest retail names in the U.S.: Gap and Target.
According to Syre CEO Dennis Nobelius, the first commercial shipments are expected in 2026 following some initial technical delays. Gap has committed to purchasing around 10,000 tons of recycled polyester annually. Target will use Syre’s recycled polyester for selected collections, though no specific volumes have been disclosed. The third customer is Swedish outdoor apparel brand Houdini, which has pledged to source half of its polyester needs from Syre over the next three years.
These customers are not merely buyers but are referred to as “launch partners,” reflecting Syre’s strategy of collaborative material development as it scales up operations.
Polyester — the world’s most widely used synthetic fiber, primarily derived from fossil fuels — is currently recycled at a very limited scale, mostly from PET bottles. Syre’s proprietary recycling technology uses glycol, a more environmentally friendly compound, to break down textile waste into monomers that can be re-polymerized into virgin-quality polyester. The company claims this process reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to traditional polyester production.
Syre is currently finalizing its pilot plant and R&D center in North Carolina, USA, in partnership with Portuguese firm Selenis. The facility will have a capacity of 10,000 tons per year and is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. Syre’s longer-term goal is to build 12 full-scale industrial plants with a combined annual capacity of 3 million tons of recycled polyester. The first of these large-scale plants will be constructed in Vietnam, starting in 2027.
Vietnam – The First Link in Syre’s Global Expansion Strategy
Vietnam has been chosen as the location for Syre’s first industrial-scale plant due to its strategic role in the global textile and garment supply chain, as well as the strong manufacturing presence of H&M in the country. According to H&M Group’s latest sustainability report, Vietnam ranks among the company’s top five sourcing countries, with over 40 supplier factories from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City focused on textiles and garment production.
Preliminary information suggests that the Vietnam plant will have a capacity equal to or even greater than the North Carolina facility. It will follow a modular design that allows for scalable expansion based on demand. The choice of Vietnam also aims to supply both domestic sustainable textile production and exports to major markets like the EU and the U.S., in response to rising demands for transparency and lower emissions across global supply chains.
This move is seen as a strategic step by H&M and Vargas toward restructuring global supply chains in a circular direction, while also positioning Vietnam to play a more advanced role in the global value chain for recycling and sustainable materials.
In 2023, Syre raised SEK 1.1 billion (approx. USD 100 million) from leading investors including TPG Rise Climate (U.S.), Giant Ventures (UK), Norrsken (Sweden), the IKEA-linked Imas Foundation, Volvo Cars, and Volkswagen-backed Leitmotif. While Vargas-backed battery startup Northvolt declared bankruptcy in March 2025, Syre emphasized that this does not affect their operations due to differences in sector and business model.
“We’ve learned a lot from Northvolt — especially the importance of respecting scale, taking one step at a time, and not rushing,” Nobelius said, underscoring Syre’s cautious and methodical approach as it launches its first full-scale facility in Vietnam.