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Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha visits Denmark to strengthen cooperation for green, sustainable future
On November 26, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with Speaker of the Danish Parliament Soren Gade in Copenhagen, during which he proposed the host side promote cooperation in renewable energy, marine economy, green growth, and circular economy, in line with Vietnam’s development priorities.
Speaker Soren Gade said Deputy Prime Minister Ha’s visit contributes to promoting the comprehensive partnership and green strategic partnership between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Ha affirmed Vietnam always attaches importance to its relations with Denmark, adding that bilateral cooperation is developing extensively and effectively in all fields, especially in the strategic fields of climate and the environment, demonstrated through important cooperation frameworks such as the strategic partnership in the fields of climate change, energy, the environment and green growth (2011), the comprehensive partnership (2013), and the green strategic partnership (2023), thus creating an important foundation for bringing the relationship to a new level.
He also suggested the Danish Parliament and Government continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Denmark to play a key role as an important bridge in the friendship between the two countries.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen high-level delegation exchanges, establish a Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, and share experiences in legislative affairs and supervision.
Deputy Prime Minister Ha conveyed an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the Danish Parliament Speaker to visit Vietnam, and the latter gladly accepted the invitation.
The same day, the Deputy Prime Minister had a working session with Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
The Minister highly valued the effective bilateral cooperation in the fields of climate change, the environment, Menergy, and green growth, affirming that Denmark will continue its support for Vietnam by sharing experience and advanced technology, contributing to the promotion of green transition and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
He committed to maintaining and strengthening cooperation with Vietnam within the framework of the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G), while also supporting the Southeast Asian nation in successfully organising the fourth P4G Summit next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Ha thanked Denmark for its official development assistance which has made an important contribution to Vietnam’s sustainable development. He urged Denmark to continue supporting priority areas such as environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and the development of green energy, while praising Denmark’s pioneering role in environmental protection, green energy, and climate change as a model for Vietnam tofollow.
Both sides agreed to encourage businesses to cooperate in technology transfer and invest in areas such as climate change adaptation, greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy transition, and the development of smart infrastructure in Vietnam.
On this occasion, the two sides witnessed the signing of a Joint Action Plan for the 2024-2025 period under the Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Partnership.
Earlier, on November 25, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha held a meeting with Denmark’s Minister for Environment and Gender Equality Magnus Johannes Heunicke on bilateral cooperation, particularly in environmental protection and sustainable development.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including water resource management, waste treatment, environmental protection, and enhancing the resilience of communities vulnerable to climate change. The Danish side committed to supporting Vietnam, particularly the Mekong Delta – one of the regions most severely affected by climate change.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s working visit from November 24-26 not only reaffirms the profound friendship between the two countries but also opens up strategic cooperation opportunities in key areas such as energy transition, green growth, and climate change adaptation.
OTHER NEWS
Sweden exports to Vietnam
| Products | 10M/2023 | 10M/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 800,602,665 | 859,250,378 | 7.3 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 15,343,474 | 18,333,204 | 19.5 |
| Plastic products | 10,296,414 | 17,462,864 | 69.6 |
| Rubber | 353,606 | 518,312 | 46.6 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 18,682,674 | 23,226,928 | 24.3 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 7,608,267 | 7,871,659 | 3.5 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 14,866,135 | 18,055,637 | 21.5 |
| Textiles and garments | 69,590,069 | 80,423,030 | 15.6 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 41,981,664 | 47,751,047 | 13.7 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 3,490,664 | 4,706,326 | 34.8 |
| Ceramic products | 1,033,999 | 1,853,028 | 79.2 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 9,981,825 | 10,038,725 | 0.6 |
| Other metals and products | 405,044 | 771,926 | 90.6 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 71,140,090 | 82,125,352 | 15.4 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | 345,490,561 | 301,903,093 | -12.6 |
| Machinery, mechanical appliances, equipment, parts thereof | 90,687,319 | 94,342,184 | 4.0 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 6,820,301 | 8,733,154 | 28.0 |
Sweden imports from Vietnam
| Products | 10M/2023 | 10M/2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 274,529,303 | 359,854,682 | 31.1 |
| Other petroleum products | 2,317,233 | 2,316,184 | 0.0 |
| Chemical products | 16,617,780 | 9,896,512 | -40.4 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 60,124,050 | 103,819,787 | 72.7 |
| Plastic materials | 2,333,054 | 2,852,045 | 22.2 |
| Plastic products | 6,130,430 | 5,881,089 | -4.1 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 6,546,897 | 4,471,937 | -31.7 |
| Paper products | 29,535,604 | 33,812,321 | 14.5 |
| Iron or steel | 12,433,737 | 11,478,964 | -7.7 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 6,197,178 | 6,892,505 | 11.2 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 2,524,739 | 5,193,966 | 105.7 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | 50,184 | 60,715 | 21.0 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 81,896,986 | 115,967,690 | 41.6 |
Denmark exports to Vietnam
| Products | 10T/2023 | 10T/2024 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 278,957,352 | 360,610,202 | 29.3 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 34,078,835 | 42,048,930 | 23.4 |
| Coffee | 3,218,931 | 3,244,843 | 0.8 |
| Plastic products | 15,492,269 | 21,085,021 | 36.1 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 8,004,133 | 13,550,711 | 69.3 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 3,588,530 | 5,233,368 | 45.8 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 21,118,871 | 25,860,623 | 22.5 |
| Textiles and garments | 48,605,524 | 54,068,093 | 11.2 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 17,236,032 | 18,753,789 | 8.8 |
| Ceramic products | 2,940,681 | 3,531,121 | 20.1 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 18,835,441 | 40,982,395 | 117.6 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 15,113,658 | 16,339,833 | 8.1 |
| Electric wires and cables | 25,447,852 | 27,574,610 | 8.4 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 4,353,404 | 5,205,155 | 19.6 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 13,831,126 | 21,568,214 | 55.9 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 6,108,360 | 4,283,585 | -29.9 |
Denmark imports from Vietnam
| Products | 10T/2023 | 10T/2024 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 179,224,884 | 193,159,662 | 7.8 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 16,247,916 | 7,566,374 | -53.4 |
| Milk and dairy products | 4,827,151 | 4,442,034 | -8.0 |
| Chemical products | 18,729,783 | 22,005,293 | 17.5 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 11,419,288 | 18,574,229 | 62.7 |
| Plastic products | 5,872,697 | 9,032,713 | 53.8 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 95,532 | 296,234 | 210.1 |
| Iron or steel | 79,030 | 138,192 | 74.9 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 3,376,552 | 5,339,417 | 58.1 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 2,807,248 | 4,734,238 | 68.6 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 40,649,385 | 62,888,569 | 54.7 |
| Electric wires and cables | 1,469,151 | 2,088,653 | 42.2 |
Norway exports to Vietnam
| Products | 10T/2023 | 10T/2024 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 194,879,359 | 105,485,453 | -45.9 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 5,573,682 | 8,040,483 | 44.3 |
| Fruits and vegetables | 2,074,384 | 2,639,920 | 27.3 |
| Cashew nuts | 6,687,630 | 6,859,999 | 2.6 |
| Plastic products | 2,586,509 | 2,386,806 | -7.7 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 6,277,216 | 5,862,471 | -6.6 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 3,499,090 | 2,047,515 | -41.5 |
| Textiles and garments | 13,412,495 | 7,968,241 | -40.6 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 11,333,970 | 14,347,525 | 26.6 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 2,490,946 | 1,217,242 | -51.1 |
| Cameras, camcorders and components | 5,003,372 | 3,737,425 | -25.3 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 6,072,522 | 11,022,883 | 81.5 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 106,996,868 | 8,045,269 | -92.5 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 1,098,289 | 1,785,279 | 62.6 |
Norway imports from Vietnam
| Products | 10T/2023 | 10T/2024 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 345,353,223 | 406,280,384 | 17.6 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 224,428,132 | 245,707,565 | 9.5 |
| Chemical products | 4,123,756 | 3,970,626 | -3.7 |
| Fertilizers | 22,555,729 | 35,462,288 | 57.2 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 8,261,162 | 7,854,650 | -4.9 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 40,191,177 | 59,768,222 | 48.7 |
OTHER NEWS
Vietnam Festival in Malmö 2024: A Celebration of Culture and Trade
On November 24, 2024, the Embassy of Vietnam in Sweden, in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and Vietnamese associations, hosted the “Vietnam Festival in Malmö 2024.”
Amid the chilly Nordic weather, the festival brought together the Vietnamese community and local residents in a warm and vibrant celebration of culture and trade.
The event was graced by:
- Ambassador Trần Văn Tuấn of Vietnam to Sweden and his spouse, Phí Thu Hằng.
- Mohamed Yassin, Director of Malmö’s Department of Culture.
- Representatives from Flamman and BID organizations.
- Hundreds of members from Vietnamese associations across southern Sweden.
Showcasing Vietnamese Excellence
The festival featured a lively program of cultural and artistic performances, traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and diverse commercial products, drawing a large crowd from Malmö and nearby regions.
Notably, the Vietnam Trade Office showcased over 50 products currently imported by Swedish businesses from Vietnam. This effort aimed to promote Vietnamese goods and encourage the movement, “Vietnamese prioritize using and trading Vietnamese products.”
Strengthening Community and Connections
The Vietnam Festival in Malmö 2024 not only highlighted the richness of Vietnamese culture but also served as a platform to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the Vietnamese diaspora and the local Swedish community. The event underscored Vietnam’s growing presence in Sweden and its commitment to fostering strong partnerships and a vibrant cultural exchange.
Memorandum of Understanding on Economic, Trade, and Green Development Cooperation Signed Between Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs
As part of Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân’s official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, on November 11, 2024, in Stockholm, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long, on behalf of Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, met with Mr. Hakan Jevrell, State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, to hand over the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Economic, Trade, and Green Development Cooperation between the two ministries.
The MOU handover ceremony was held in a solemn setting at the Prime Minister’s Residence during the bilateral talks between Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Significance of the MOU
This MOU marks the initial step for the two ministries to work together concretely to achieve the objectives outlined in the agreement, thereby fostering stronger bilateral trade growth.
The MOU aims to enhance cooperation in economy, trade, and energy, with a focus on promoting balanced and sustainable bilateral trade in goods and services, encouraging advanced investments, and driving innovation. It serves as a crucial legal framework for the two sides to explore and define specific pillars of economic and trade collaboration based on shared and comparative advantages.
Furthermore, the signing of this MOU underscores the strong, traditional ties between Vietnam and Sweden, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The MOU is expected to facilitate connections among organizations, businesses, and government agencies in high-tech sectors, renewable energy, and innovation, which Sweden seeks to develop in Vietnam. It will also strengthen cooperation in trade in goods, services, and e-commerce.
Vietnam-Sweden Relations: A Strong and Growing Partnership
Over the past 55 years of diplomatic relations, the close bond between Vietnam and Sweden has been continuously consolidated and deepened. Bilateral cooperation has diversified across multiple sectors, making Vietnam an increasingly attractive destination for Swedish businesses and investors.
In today’s challenging geopolitical climate, Sweden has adopted a strategy focusing on investment and trade development in Asia, placing Vietnam as a key partner in its supply chain. Vietnam is Sweden’s largest import partner in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade showing stable and consistent growth over the years.
Sweden currently ranks 29th out of 143 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 111 active projects and a total investment capital of over $743 million. These investments are primarily in the manufacturing, machinery, food processing, furniture, and packaging industries.
Key Highlights of Bilateral Cooperation
- Stable and Growing Trade Relations:
Bilateral trade has steadily increased, reflecting mutual importance in each other’s economies. Vietnam is a critical link in Sweden’s supply chain, underscoring its strategic role in the global trade landscape. - Green and Innovative Development:
The MOU emphasizes a commitment to sustainable and green development, aligning with global trends and Vietnam’s growing focus on transitioning toward a circular and green economy. - Attractive Investment Destination:
Sweden recognizes Vietnam as an increasingly attractive destination for Swedish enterprises, offering opportunities in various sectors with robust trade and investment potential.
The signing of this MOU marks a new milestone in the dynamic partnership between Vietnam and Sweden, paving the way for enhanced economic collaboration, sustainable development, and mutually beneficial growth in the years to come.
Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue 2024: Enhancing Bilateral Relations in Logistics
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, the Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue 2024 marked significant cooperation between the two nations in the logistics sector.
Speaking to Industry and Trade Newspaper, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hoàng Thuý, Director General and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and the Nordic region, shared that on November 12 (local time), during the official visit of Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân to the Kingdom of Sweden, the Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue was held at Ericsson’s headquarters.
Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and Mr. Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, co-chaired the event. The dialogue also saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hoàng Long and Mr. Trần Văn Tuấn, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Sweden and concurrently Latvia.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue
Expansion of the SWAN Service by MSC
At the forum, in the presence of Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân, MSC, the world’s leading container shipping company, announced the expansion of its SWAN service. This maritime transport route, which includes key ports such as Gothenburg (Sweden) and Vũng Tàu (Vietnam), is set to launch in 2025.
The SWAN service will connect Gothenburg and Vũng Tàu directly for the first time, enhancing the flow of goods between the two regions. This new route promises efficient logistics solutions, shorter transit times, and a significant boost to bilateral economic ties.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Gothenburg Port and SSIT Port in Vũng Tàu. The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to deepening connectivity and collaboration in the logistics and maritime sectors, positioning both ports as strategic trade hubs in their respective regions.
The SWAN service expansion is expected to significantly increase trade volume between Vietnam and Sweden, providing an essential impetus for businesses to expand their markets. This development underscores the strategic vision and commitment to innovation of both ports, further strengthening trade cooperation between Northern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Discussion on Digital Transformation for Sustainability
During the dialogue, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long chaired a session titled “Digital Transformation Towards Sustainable Societies and Industries.” The session featured open discussions with representatives from Swedish agencies and enterprises, emphasizing Vietnam’s aspiration to partner with international stakeholders, particularly Sweden, in achieving sustainable development goals, transitioning to green energy, and fostering green growth.
Prominent Swedish enterprises in attendance included Ericsson, Vilja, MSC, Syre, Scienta Envinet, SEB Bank, EPC-ansvarig SEK Bank, Swedfund, Business Sweden, and EKN, among others.
Vietnam-Sweden Relations: A Legacy of Cooperation
Vietnam and Sweden share a 55-year history of friendly and mutually beneficial relations. Over the decades, Sweden has provided invaluable support to Vietnam, both materially and morally, during the nation’s struggle for independence, unification, and subsequent efforts in renovation and international integration.
Since transitioning to an equal and mutually beneficial partnership in 2013, bilateral trade has witnessed positive developments. According to Vietnam Customs, the total bilateral trade volume reached approximately $1.29 billion in 2023. In the first six months of 2024, this figure stood at $695.9 million, reflecting an 11.6% increase year-on-year.
Currently, Sweden is Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Northern Europe, while Vietnam is Sweden’s largest import partner in Southeast Asia.
The Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue 2024 not only reinforced the strong bilateral ties but also opened up new avenues for cooperation, especially in logistics and sustainable development. This event underscores the enduring partnership and shared aspirations of both nations.