Ambassador Johan Ndisi: Sweden considers Vietnam a reliable partner, with a shared vision, seeking solutions for the future together

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Susanna Campbell, Chairwoman of Syre Group (Sweden) in April 2025. Syre Group wants to turn Vietnam into the first global center for high-tech, circular textiles. (Source: VNA)

Important milestone

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Sweden marks an important milestone in the long-standing and close relationship between the two countries. Sweden views this visit as both an occasion to celebrate the historic friendship and a stepping stone to promote future cooperation.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi. (Photo: Anh Son)

We look forward to strengthening cooperation with Vietnam in key areas such as sustainable development, innovation and digital transformation.

These are areas where Sweden has global strengths, and at the same time Vietnam is also developing strongly with great determination.

At the same time, the visit also opens up opportunities to expand educational and cultural exchanges, and to cooperate more closely on global challenges such as climate change and inclusive development.

Over the past 56 years, the Sweden-Vietnam relationship has transformed from development assistance to a broader relationship based on commercial cooperation and innovation for common goals.

In 1969, Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in a time of great challenge. This demonstrated our belief in peace, solidarity and open dialogue.

Sweden's early contributions to Vietnam in essential areas such as the National Children's Hospital, the Vietnam-Sweden Uong Bi General Hospital and the Bai Bang Paper Mill (now the Vietnam Paper Corporation) remain enduring symbols of solidarity.

As Vietnam opens up and integrates into the global economy, our partnership has grown as well. Today, this is reflected in growing trade and investment cooperation, vibrant academic exchanges and technological cooperation.

More than 70 Swedish companies such as ABB, AstraZeneca, Ericsson, Electrolux, H&M, IKEA, TetraPak, Hitachi Energy… are operating in Vietnam in the fields of energy, telecommunications, healthcare and infrastructure, promoting innovation and creating jobs.

Sweden and Vietnam are not only partners, but also trusted friends. We work together on many important issues, including sustainable development and digital technology, reflecting our shared determination to find smart solutions for the future.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang received Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi on June 3, 2025. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Wide open potential

Sweden and Vietnam have great potential to expand cooperation in key strategic areas. In the current challenging global context, both countries believe in open and rules-based trade. By continuing to promote cooperation, we can contribute to a stronger, greener and more stable global economy.

Recently, Swedish company Syre announced a major investment plan in Binh Dinh province. This project supports Vietnam’s green development goals and demonstrates how Swedish companies use innovation and sustainability to address environmental challenges while driving economic growth.

Green energy is also a promising sector. Sweden is well placed to support Vietnam’s transition to a low-carbon economy through investment, technology transfer and policy dialogue, particularly in renewable energy, grid modernization and clean technology.

Swedish development finance institutions such as the Swedish Export Credit Company and the Swedish Export Credit Agency are looking into supporting sustainable infrastructure projects.

As one of the few countries with a AAA credit rating, Sweden is in a strong position to support Vietnam’s ambitious infrastructure development plans. Leveraging Swedish financial institutions could significantly reduce Vietnam’s financing costs.

Education and skills development are also important. Sweden is committed to supporting Vietnam through academic exchanges, research collaboration and training programmes that prepare the younger generation for the knowledge economy. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese students, doctors, engineers, journalists and artists have come to Sweden to study, work and exchange ideas over the past decades, bringing back valuable knowledge to help Vietnam develop and strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

All these areas form the basis for a partnership moving forward, bringing practical benefits to both sides and contributing to regional and global development.

Creating value together

Vietnam has made impressive strides in its development journey, transforming itself into a dynamic economy. Its commitment to green growth, digital transformation and its important position in the global supply chain make it a key player in shaping the region’s future.

Thanks to the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), businesses of the two countries have more opportunities to develop and cooperate, helping to plan strategies and reduce trade barriers, promoting economic growth for both Europe and Vietnam.

For example, import tariffs on cars from the EU will be completely eliminated by 2030, down from around 70% when the agreement comes into effect, making Swedish cars more accessible to Vietnamese consumers.

By aligning our cooperation with Vietnam’s national strategies such as the Science, Technology and Innovation Development Strategy and Resolution 68 on Private Sector Development, we hope to contribute to creating a resilient, inclusive and prosperous Vietnam.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated with the Embassy of Sweden to organize the workshop “55 years of Vietnam-Sweden relations: Achievements and Prospects” on December 6. (Photo: Anh Son)

Vietnam has become an important player in regional and global affairs, respected for its proactive foreign policy and multilateral commitments. Vietnam’s active role in ASEAN, its engagement with the United Nations and major trade agreements demonstrate its growing influence and commitment to global cooperation.

In a changing world, diplomacy is more important than ever. This highlights the need for countries like Vietnam, Sweden and others to ensure that their legal frameworks and diplomatic policies are flexible and capable of responding to an increasingly complex and rapidly changing international environment.

Vietnam’s contributions to climate change and economic integration demonstrate its sense of responsibility for inclusive and sustainable development and a rules-based international order. Sweden regards Vietnam as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges.

As Vietnam expands its international role, Sweden is committed to strengthening cooperation, knowledge sharing and innovation, and supporting Vietnam to become a force for positive change. Together, we aim to build a lasting, future-oriented partnership based on shared values and a vision for sustainable, inclusive development.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-johan-ndisi-thuy-dien-coi-viet-nam-la-doi-tac-tin-cay-chung-tam-nhin-cung-tim-giai-phap-cho-tuong-lai-316692.html