On the sidelines of the Viet Nam International Sourcing (VIS) Fair 2025, with the support and coordination of the Viet Nam Trade Office in Sweden, a delegation from Gothenburg Port (Sweden) visited and worked with the VARD Shipyard in Vũng Tàu and Suntex Garment Co., Ltd. in Bình Dương.
VARD is one of the world’s leading specialized ship design and shipbuilding groups, headquartered in Norway with eight strategically located shipyards, including one in Viet Nam. The VARD Viet Nam shipyard currently employs about 1,100 local and international workers and has impressively completed and delivered 36 vessels on schedule, achieving occupational safety targets for three consecutive years.
During the working session with Mr. Sivert Skarn, General Director of VARD Viet Nam, the Gothenburg Port delegation explored the shipyard’s production processes, raw material supply, import operations, and management solutions. Notably, most shipbuilding materials are currently imported from Northern Europe and China, while Viet Nam supplies only a small portion, such as life jackets and lifebuoys. Both sides also discussed maritime transport methods and logistics solutions to strengthen the supply chain and expressed their desire to promote cooperation toward establishing a direct shipping route from Gothenburg Port to Viet Nam in the future.
The delegation then visited Suntex Garment, a major Hong Kong–owned garment manufacturer operating in Viet Nam that specializes in producing apparel for many international brands. With strengths in high-quality human resources, competitive costs, and advanced capabilities in processing synthetic fabrics for sportswear and outdoor products, Suntex has affirmed its position in the global fashion supply chain. Beyond production capacity, Suntex is committed to sustainable development by adhering to international labor and ethical standards such as Amfori BSCI and SA8000. The factory is currently a key manufacturing partner of Didriksons, a long-established Swedish outdoor clothing brand known for durable and eco-friendly products.
During the meeting, Gothenburg Port representatives learned about Suntex’s import-export operations, particularly the shipment of goods from Viet Nam to Northern Europe. The delegation also heard the company share insights on recent challenges in maritime transportation, the impact of U.S. tariff policies, and its strategic direction for expanding markets in the EU and Nordic region.