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Sweden leads Nordic investment wave into Viet Nam in the first half of 2025
Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape in the first half of 2025 shows strong growth and notable shifts in geographic investment patterns. Notably, Sweden has emerged as one of the top countries with newly licensed FDI projects, marking a clear trend of increased Nordic presence in the Vietnamese market. Denmark is also positioning itself as a strategic investor in clean energy and green industry, continuing its sustainable investment initiatives in Southeast Asia.
FDI Surge – Sweden Among the Top New Investors
According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Finance), as of June 30, 2025, total registered FDI into Vietnam reached USD 21.52 billion, up 32.6% compared to the same period in 2024. Newly registered capital accounted for USD 9.29 billion across 1,988 projects, a 21.7% increase in project numbers. The processing and manufacturing industry remained the most attractive sector, receiving over 54% of total new capital.
Among 72 countries and territories with newly registered investment in Vietnam, Sweden surprisingly ranked third, with USD 1 billion—equivalent to 10.8% of newly committed capital—trailing only Singapore and China. Sweden’s rise highlights the Nordic region’s growing commitment to shifting investment toward Southeast Asia, with Vietnam seen as a strategic destination thanks to its political stability, large market potential, and increasingly modernized manufacturing infrastructure.
Denmark – A Strategic Newcomer in Green Industry and Clean Energy
In parallel with Sweden, Denmark has recently emerged as a noteworthy investment partner, particularly in green transition sectors. Leading Danish corporations such as Ørsted, Vestas, and COWI are ramping up their presence in Vietnam through offshore wind power projects, logistics infrastructure, technical consulting, and sustainable development.
The most prominent project is by Danish group LEGO, worth between USD 1 billion and 1.3 billion, which was officially inaugurated in April 2025 in Binh Duong province. This marks LEGO’s sixth factory globally and its first carbon-neutral facility in Vietnam, set to operate entirely on renewable energy (solar and battery storage) by early 2026.
The project is expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs and lay the foundation for a green and sustainable supply chain. LEGO also plans to establish a distribution center in Dong Nai province to serve the broader Asian market.
According to experts, the shift of capital from traditional European industrial hubs to Southeast Asia—particularly from Nordic countries to Vietnam—reflects post-COVID-19 supply chain restructuring and aligns with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards that Nordic investors prioritize.
Positive Signals from Nordic Investment Flows
Sweden’s leap into the group of top countries by newly committed FDI not only signals growing investment momentum but also reflects a long-term strategic approach by Nordic enterprises in Vietnam. The most attractive sectors include high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, green logistics, financial and insurance services, and digital transformation solutions.
Both Sweden and Denmark are global leaders in innovation, environmental protection, and sustainable development—criteria that are becoming key competitive advantages for Vietnam in attracting high-quality FDI.
Policy Recommendations
To sustain and capitalize on the ongoing investment shift from the Nordics, Vietnam should:
• Accelerate administrative reform, especially in the energy and green infrastructure sectors;
• Develop specialized industrial zones catering to “green” and “digital” investment;
• Strengthen targeted investment promotion in Nordic markets through collaboration with embassies, trade offices, and business associations;
• Advance the regulatory framework for ESG and carbon taxation to support responsible investors.
Vietnam is at a pivotal moment to position itself as a strategic investment hub for Nordic countries in Asia. The strong entry of Sweden and Denmark into the Vietnamese market in 2025 is a clear testament to this trend—opening the door to long-term, sustainable, and effective partnerships between two regions that share common values around green development and innovation.
(Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, concurrently accredited to Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Latvia)
OTHER NEWS
Sweden exports to Vietnam
| Products | 06M/2024 | 06M/2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 512,501,497 | 626,428,777 | 22.2 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 11,789,597 | 16,425,796 | 39.3 |
| Plastic products | 10,120,328 | 9,935,872 | -1.8 |
| Rubber | 232,344 | 377,597 | 62.5 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 13,054,583 | 14,700,756 | 12.6 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 3,927,015 | 4,318,023 | 10.0 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 11,596,622 | 13,964,097 | 20.4 |
| Textiles and garments | 42,079,680 | 74,174,215 | 76.3 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 29,392,802 | 42,889,483 | 45.9 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 2,199,470 | 2,438,073 | 10.8 |
| Ceramic products | 1,596,937 | 605,255 | -62.1 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 4,579,267 | 37,432,509 | 717.4 |
| Other metals and products | 337,466 | 1,605,715 | 375.8 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 48,639,555 | 77,310,063 | 58.9 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | 188,477,609 | 178,504,800 | -5.3 |
| Machinery, mechanical appliances, equipment, parts thereof | 48,218,236 | 63,606,178 | 31.9 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 4,867,395 | 6,496,672 | 33.5 |
Sweden imports from Vietnam
| Products | 06M/2024 | 06M/2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 186,048,959 | 260,216,842 | 39.9 |
| Other petroleum products | 1,702,055 | 2,268,157 | 33.3 |
| Chemical products | 5,454,889 | 7,620,164 | 39.7 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 52,705,376 | 92,346,493 | 75.2 |
| Plastic materials | 1,531,898 | 1,384,351 | -9.6 |
| Plastic products | 3,421,959 | 3,830,891 | 12.0 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 2,353,519 | 3,384,917 | 43.8 |
| Paper products | 18,610,520 | 28,605,803 | 53.7 |
| Iron or steel | 6,682,111 | 40,402 | -99.4 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 4,530,717 | 9,686,039 | 113.8 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 3,290,475 | 7,198,233 | 118.8 |
| Telephone sets, parts thereof | - | 3,965,434 | - |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 60,278,995 | 62,546,688 | 3.8 |
Denmark exports to Vietnam
| Products | 06T/2024 | 06T/2025 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 216,860,749 | 204,320,960 | -5.8 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 26,891,454 | 21,159,038 | -21.3 |
| Coffee | 2,528,408 | 6,492,651 | 156.8 |
| Plastic products | 12,453,461 | 12,370,267 | -0.7 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 7,099,267 | 5,157,989 | -27.3 |
| Products of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet | 3,129,550 | 3,253,680 | 4.0 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 15,122,828 | 15,702,533 | 3.8 |
| Textiles and garments | 28,242,446 | 31,339,260 | 11.0 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 12,666,099 | 14,180,173 | 12.0 |
| Ceramic products | 2,769,030 | 3,126,793 | 12.9 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 21,299,333 | 12,065,894 | -43.4 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 9,728,631 | 16,686,774 | 71.5 |
| Electric wires and cables | 18,363,528 | 15,199,710 | -17.2 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 2,914,667 | 4,114,795 | 41.2 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 14,780,309 | 10,339,888 | -30.0 |
| Toys, sports equipment and parts | 2,094,916 | 3,413,840 | 63.0 |
Denmark imports from Vietnam
| Products | 06T/2024 | 06T/2025 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 103,620,580 | 127,562,898 | 23.1 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 5,400,128 | 13,246,790 | 145.3 |
| Milk and dairy products | 2,578,423 | 3,417,005 | 32.5 |
| Chemical products | 12,732,958 | 11,654,641 | -8.5 |
| Pharmaceutical products | 9,118,880 | 15,070,793 | 65.3 |
| Plastic products | 4,713,542 | 7,489,852 | 58.9 |
| Materials for textiles and garments, and footwares | 73,984 | 418,225 | 465.3 |
| Iron or steel | 90,511 | 85,484 | -5.6 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 3,043,236 | 7,187,934 | 136.2 |
| Computers, electrical products, part thereof | 3,630,846 | 2,631,903 | -27.5 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 30,607,905 | 24,990,597 | -18.4 |
| Electric wires and cables | 1,361,584 | 1,216,005 | -10.7 |
Norway exports to Vietnam
| Products | 06T/2024 | 06T/2025 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 63,513,807 | 77,882,680 | 22.6 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 5,176,996 | 6,668,473 | 28.8 |
| Fruits and vegetables | 1,753,146 | 1,808,237 | 3.1 |
| Cashew nuts | 3,203,142 | 4,501,235 | 40.5 |
| Plastic products | 1,505,816 | 1,436,870 | -4.6 |
| Bags, purses, suitcases, hats, umbrellas | 3,005,657 | 5,314,965 | 76.8 |
| Wood and articles of wood | 1,205,184 | 1,400,223 | 16.2 |
| Textiles and garments | 5,404,014 | 6,427,500 | 18.9 |
| Footwears, parts of such articles | 10,176,622 | 11,418,271 | 12.2 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 997,052 | 788,200 | -20.9 |
| Cameras, camcorders and components | 1,631,021 | 4,210,654 | 158.2 |
| Other machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts | 8,163,141 | 5,788,739 | -29.1 |
| Transport vehicles and spare parts | 4,318,285 | 7,345,712 | 70.1 |
| Furniture products from materials other than wood | 1,423,833 | 1,070,953 | -24.8 |
Norway imports from Vietnam
| Products | 06T/2024 | 06T/2025 | Tăng/giảm (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All products (USD) | 235,886,129 | 314,565,309 | 33.4 |
| Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates | 154,002,133 | 175,253,691 | 13.8 |
| Chemical products | 2,343,267 | 2,550,645 | 8.8 |
| Fertilizers | 19,676,661 | 22,060,759 | 12.1 |
| Articles of iron or steel | 3,131,422 | 3,997,740 | 27.7 |
| Other machinery, equipment. tools and spare parts | 26,937,386 | 78,636,199 | 191.9 |
OTHER NEWS
Opening the gateway to Northern Europe: Port of Gothenburg’s vision for Viet Nam–EU Trade
The upcoming direct shipping route between Gothenburg (Sweden) and Vung Tau (Vietnam), expected to be launched by MSC—the world’s largest container shipping company—is anticipated to be a turning point in trade relations between Vietnam and Northern Europe. Ahead of the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025, Mr. Richard Mellgren of the Port of Gothenburg spoke with the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, sharing strategic insights on the significance of this new maritime link, the Port’s green and digital logistics initiatives, and its commitment to supporting Vietnamese businesses in deepening access to the Swedish and broader Northern European markets.
1. From your perspective, why is the Gothenburg–Vung Tau direct route such a game changer for trade between Vietnam and Northern Europe?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
Over the past decade, trade relations between Vietnam and Sweden have experienced substantial growth. Between 2015 and 2024, exports from Viet Nam to Sweden increased by 37%, while shipments from Sweden to Viet Nam surged by an impressive 127% in terms of metric tons. This upward trend, supported by the benefits of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), presents a valuable opportunity for industries to deepen commercial ties and expand trade between Viet Nam and Sweden, as well as the broader EU market. As trade volumes grow, ensuring efficient and sustainable transport of goods is essential. Although a variety of transport options connect the two countries today, ocean freight continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating this trade. Looking ahead, it is crucial to assess the potential for establishing direct shipping links between the Port of Gothenburg and key Vietnamese ports. One such example is MSC, the world’s largest container shipping company, which has shown interest in a direct service between Gothenburg and Vung Tau. Establishing a direct connection would eliminate the need for transshipment at intermediary ports in Asia or Europe, allowing cargo to remain on the same vessel throughout the entire journey—significantly enhancing both reliability and efficiency.
2. You joined the Sourcing Fair in 2023 — what came out of that experience, and what made you want to come back this year?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
We were very pleased with our participation in the 2023 Sourcing Fair. As an organization committed to facilitating global market access for the industry, it is essential for us to be present on the ground to gain a deeper understanding of local market dynamics. Engaging directly with cargo owners, carriers, freight forwarders, logistics associations, and other key stakeholders provides us with valuable insights. These interactions not only enhance our market knowledge but also enable us to further develop our business portfolio and strengthen the range of services offered by the Port of Gothenburg. From our perspective, the Sourcing Fair serves as a highly effective platform—one that offers meaningful learning opportunities while fostering new and strategic relationships.
3. Railport Scandinavia is a huge asset for exporters. How do you see Vietnamese companies making the most of it to reach inland Scandinavia and Europe?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
Sustainability remains a top priority for many companies, and this is precisely where the advantages of our rail network, Railport Scandinavia, become particularly valuable. Sweden’s access to diverse sources of renewable electricity enables us to power freight trains with green energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, each cargo train has the capacity to carry between 40 and 44 forty-foot containers—effectively removing the equivalent number of trucks from the roads, easing congestion and lowering environmental impact. An added benefit is the ability to operate freight trains during nighttime hours. This allows for a more efficient allocation of rail infrastructure, balancing cargo and passenger traffic.
4. What message would you like to share with Vietnamese businesses and international buyers attending the 2025 fair?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable global marketplace, the value of strong international trade relationships is more important than ever. As you explore new partnerships and opportunities at this exhibition, we encourage you to consider the strategic advantages offered through the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which continues to unlock significant potential for collaboration between Viet Nam and EU member states—including Sweden. The Port of Gothenburg proudly serves as Sweden’s premier logistics hub and a critical gateway into the Scandinavian market. Whether you are a cargo owner, freight forwarder, or logistics partner, we are here to make your access to the Swedish market as smooth and efficient as possible. We look forward to connecting with you, sharing insights, and exploring how we can support your global supply chain ambitions.
5. And lastly — what are some of the cool green or digital logistics initiatives at the Port that you think could really benefit Vietnamese trade partners?
Mr. Richard Mellgren, Port of Gothenburg:
In addition to our Railport Scandinavia network, which was highlighted earlier, we are proud to lead a number of other forward-thinking sustainability initiatives. One such initiative is our longstanding use of Onshore Power Supply (OPS), which allows vessels to connect to the local electrical grid while docked, enabling them to shut down their auxiliary engines. This significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and noise in port areas—contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment. We have been providing onshore power since 2001, demonstrating our long-term commitment to sustainable port operations.
Building on this foundation, we introduced the “Green Cable” earlier this year at our energy terminal—a groundbreaking concept designed to deliver safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective onshore power for tankers operating in hazardous environments. This new system aims to establish a global benchmark for shoreside power solutions in the energy sector. Furthermore, in May of this year, we launched a pilot project utilizing a hydrogen-powered generator to supply electricity to vessels at berth. This innovative approach offers a promising alternative for ports where traditional onshore power infrastructure may not be viable, potentially paving the way for broader adoption of low-emission technologies across the maritime industry.
H&M Group: Viet Nam is a strategic link in the global fashion supply chain
H&M Group affirms Vietnam’s critical role in its long-term development strategy—not only as a key production hub, but also as a growing consumer market. In a discussion with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam during the Vietnam International Sourcing Fair 2025, the company reiterated its commitment to partnering with Vietnamese suppliers who share its values of sustainability and transparency.
As the global fashion industry shifts rapidly toward circularity, sustainability, and greater responsibility, Vietnam is emerging as a highly attractive sourcing destination—thanks to its diverse production capacity, improving infrastructure, and deepening international integration. In a working session with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, a representative of H&M Group shared strategic insights into the potential for Vietnam to strengthen its role in the global supply chain, outlined key supplier selection criteria, and offered practical recommendations for Vietnamese enterprises seeking to engage more deeply with global fashion retailers.
- How does H&M Group evaluate the role of Vietnam in the global fashion supply chain today? Is Vietnam considered a strategic link in H&M Group’s long-term development strategy, both as a consumer market and a production base?
H&M Response: Vietnam is an important production market for H&M Group, with several advantages such as diverse product capabilities, proximity to major sourcing centers and a strong commitment to sustainable growth and competitiveness. Vietnam’s efforts to localize production – particularly in raw materials and inputs – are aligned with H&M Group’s long-term goals of building a resilient and circular supply chain. Moreover, Vietnam’s active participation in key trade agreements such as EVFTA offers relevant market access, especially to the EU.
Furthermore, Vietnam is not only a key production base, but also an emerging consumer market, offering potential for future retail expansion. H&M opened its first store in Vietnam in 2017 and has expanded its presence to 14 physical stores and an online sales channel which serves customers across the country. H&M employs more than 300 employees in its stores, offices and distribution centers. These employment opportunities increase with the addition of each new store.
- As H&M Group continues to expand its global sourcing network, what criteria does the company apply when selecting suppliers? For Vietnamese businesses, what specific requirements does H&M Group set regarding production capacity, environmental and social standards (ESG), quality control systems, and compliance with international regulations?
H&M Response: H&M Group applies a rigorous supplier selection process that prioritizes sustainability, transparency and long-term strategic partnerships. Key criteria include production capacity and capability to meet global quality and volume standards, transparency and traceability across the supply chain to meet company and regulatory requirements, and full compliance with environmental and social standards, including H&M Group’s sustainability commitment that describes our requirements on our business partners regarding healthy workplaces, environment and animal welfare. It also outlines how we want to work together with all our business partners to advance sustainability in our value chain.
- At the Vietnam International Sourcing Fair 2025, what types of products or solutions is H&M Group looking to source from Vietnamese companies? In the context of a global shift towards sustainability and eco-friendly consumption, what expectations does H&M Group have for potential Vietnamese partners—particularly in the areas of raw materials, finished fashion products, or green manufacturing?
H&M Response: At H&M Group, sustainability is deeply embedded in all aspects of our business, including how we source products and work with suppliers. As we participate in the Vietnam International Sourcing Fair 2025, we are particularly interested in exploring partnerships with Vietnamese companies that share our values and are committed to driving more sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
In the context of the global shift towards sustainability and more conscious consumption, we are particularly interested in partners who are taking active steps to improve environmental performance, whether through decarbonization measures, responsible use of materials, innovation in product design, or more resource-efficient manufacturing processes.
We also place high importance on transparency, traceability, and fair working conditions across the value chain. We see collaboration as essential to creating meaningful change, and we believe that working closely with suppliers who are aligned on these ambitions will help us accelerate progress toward a more circular fashion future.
- Based on H&M Group’s experience working with suppliers in many countries, what are the key factors that enable a local business to enter the global market, especially in the fashion sector? What specific advice would H&M Group offer to Vietnamese businesses to improve their ability to access, sustain, and meet the high standards required by international retail chains?
H&M Response: H&M Group’s global sourcing experience shows that successful supplier partnerships are built on strong compliance with international labour, environment and social standards, robust production capacity and ability to scale while maintaining quality, transparency and traceability in sourcing and operations, and an openness to innovation, especially in digital traceability, energy efficiency and circular design.
To succeed in today’s global fashion supply chain, suppliers must combine operational excellence with strong climate and renewable energy performance. Our experience shows that brands and regulators alike are rapidly raising expectations on decarbonization, making climate leadership a decisive competitive advantage.
Vietnamese suppliers that commit early to renewable energy adoption, quantified climate targets, and transparent ESG practices will be best placed to secure long term partnerships with H&M Group and other leading retailers.
We also place high importance on transparency, traceability, and fair working conditions across the value chain. We see collaboration as essential to creating meaningful change, and we believe that working closely with suppliers who are aligned on these ambitions will help us accelerate progress toward a more circular fashion future.
Opening the door for Vietnamese coffee in Northern Europe: Sustainability as a “Passport”
As Northern European markets tighten regulations on sustainable coffee exports, Vietnamese businesses must pay close attention to the standards being enforced.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, Director General and Chief Representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden (concurrently covering the Nordic region), shared her insights with Industry and Trade Newspaper.
Sustainability Standards: A “Survival Factor” for Vietnamese Coffee in the Nordic Market
Q: Northern European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway are known for their high sustainability standards. What major regulations should Vietnamese coffee exporters pay special attention to when entering these markets?
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy: That’s absolutely right. The Nordic region is at the forefront of tightening import standards for agricultural products in line with sustainable development goals. There are three core areas Vietnamese coffee exporters cannot afford to ignore if they wish to retain and expand their market share in this region:
First, compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into effect on December 30, 2025. Under this regulation, all coffee imported into the EU must prove it was not cultivated on land deforested after December 31, 2020. This requires transparent documentation of cultivation areas and clear geolocation maps to prove no harm to natural forests. Markets like Sweden are particularly strict on this matter.
Second, businesses must proactively prepare for two major EU directives on sustainability: the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Although these regulations initially apply only to large companies, they will place pressure on the entire supply chain. Vietnamese businesses need to prepare in advance on issues such as labor practices, environmental management, chemical use, carbon emissions, and governance policies. These are key indicators importers in Northern Europe will use to assess compliance before placing orders.
Finally, labor ethics and social justice are essential. Nordic countries are highly sensitive to child labor, forced labor, and poor working conditions. Starting in December 2027, the EU will officially ban imports of any products linked to forced labor—regardless of company size. This creates an urgent need for Vietnamese exporters to ensure transparency, establish internal codes of conduct, and train workers beginning now.
Investing in Traceability Systems: A Must-Have “Passport”
Q: Traceability has become a hot topic across global supply chains, especially in the coffee industry. How important is this factor when targeting the Nordic market?
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy: Traceability is now a mandatory “passport” for businesses seeking to work with responsible buyers in the Nordics. It goes beyond recordkeeping—it’s about demonstrating accuracy, transparency, and ensuring no environmental harm such as deforestation.
Several countries are already ahead of Vietnam in applying technology to meet these requirements. For example, coffee cooperatives in Kenya are using the TerraTrac app to map cultivation areas at very low costs—about USD 0.30 per farmer. In Europe, platforms like Beyco, Farmforce, Koltiva, Satelligence, Meridia Verify, and Single.Earth are widely used to help businesses comply with the EUDR.
Vietnam, as the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, has every opportunity to learn from these models. I believe investing early in traceability systems not only helps businesses comply with legal requirements, but also reflects social responsibility—an attribute highly valued in markets such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
Act Now: From Farm Conversion to Brand Development
Q: What are your key recommendations for Vietnamese coffee companies to sustainably access and grow in the EU and Nordic markets?
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy: I have three core recommendations that Vietnamese businesses should take seriously:
First, transition cultivation areas toward transparency and forest protection. This can’t happen overnight, so it’s critical to start now. The use of digital mapping tools, satellite imagery, and farmer engagement is essential.
Second, apply digital technologies in supply chain management and in collecting Environmental – Social – Governance (ESG) data. These data not only help businesses meet EU requirements but also boost their competitiveness with Nordic roasters and supermarkets, who prioritize clean, fair, and responsible coffee.
Third, invest in internationally recognized environmental and social certifications such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or even B-Corp. For instance, Sancoffee (Brazil) has become a beloved brand in the Nordics thanks to its ability to transparently measure and communicate its social and environmental impacts.
Additionally, I encourage Vietnamese businesses to collaborate more with responsible importers through specialized trade fairs, trade promotion programs, or by connecting directly with the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden. We are ready to act as a bridge, offering market intelligence, guidance on standards, and insights into consumer trends in the Nordic region.
Today, sustainability is no longer a choice—it is a prerequisite for Vietnamese coffee to remain in high-value markets like the Nordics. The earlier we act, the greater our advantage.
Thank you for your time!
Interview by Phuong Lan