Sweden accompanies Vietnam on the path of sustainable development and innovation

From November 2-4, Ms. Sara Modig, State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Business, led a Swedish business delegation to visit Vietnam with a focus on promoting cooperation in the field of sustainable infrastructure.

The visit demonstrates Sweden's strong commitment to accompanying Vietnam on the path of sustainable development, innovation and green transformation in the infrastructure sector.

Ms. Sara Modig, Secretary of State for Climate and Business, Sweden. (Source: Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam)

This visit inherits important cooperation results from the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Sweden in June 2025, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation in science , technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Together we promote green transformation

With the theme “Building green ports and modern railways”, the delegation of leading Swedish businesses and experts will have working sessions with many ministries, branches, agencies, technical partners and private investors of Vietnam.

Discussions focused on cooperation opportunities in railway development, including the North-South high-speed railway project, as well as green transformation in the seaport system and new port development.

During the visit, Ms. Modig will also meet with representatives of more than 70 Swedish companies operating in Vietnam – a testament to Sweden’s increasingly important role in supporting Vietnam’s modernization and green transition.

“Vietnam is a dynamic and visionary partner for Sweden in the region. From smart infrastructure to digital innovation, we see many opportunities to work together to develop green, competitive and inclusive solutions.

Sweden and Vietnam have great potential to jointly shape a sustainable, resilient and knowledge-based future," said Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi.

Innovation ecosystem and academic collaboration

In Hanoi, Ms. Sara Modig introduced the Swedish innovation ecosystem at the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe Day event organized by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to the Global Innovation Index 2025 published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Sweden ranked second out of 130 economies – affirming its leading position in the world in innovation.

Ms. Sara Modig speaks at the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe Day event in Hanoi. (Source: Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam)

Within the framework of the program, education exhibitions were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to attract Vietnamese students to study in Europe with the participation of nine Swedish universities.

Sweden and Vietnam have a long tradition of cooperation in academic exchange, student mobility and joint research. For example, Karolinska Institutet has signed four memoranda of understanding with Vietnamese institutions and supported 65 Vietnamese PhD students to successfully defend their theses.

In the fall of 2025, 300 Vietnamese students were admitted to Swedish universities; among them, 11 students received the Swedish Institute Global Professionals (SISGP) Scholarship, 8 female students were awarded the Female Pioneers in STEM Scholarship, and many other scholarships in climate technology and entrepreneurship programs.

Strategic bilateral activities

During the working trip, Ms. Sara Modig will also visit Hai Phong city, work with the city People's Committee, meet Swedish businesses investing in the locality, and visit the VinFast electric car factory.

Several Swedish companies are now important partners in VinFast's supply chain. ABB has supplied more than 1,000 industrial robots, Atlas Copco provides air compressor solutions and SKF supplies bearings.

These partnerships demonstrate the confidence and high technical capabilities that Swedish companies bring to Vietnam's rapidly growing manufacturing sector.

Ms. Sara Modig, State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, spoke at the Erasmus and Horizon Europe event promoting research and postgraduate education exchanges between the EU and Vietnam on the morning of November 3 in Hanoi:

"This is my first visit to Vietnam, and although I haven't had much time to explore, I had a chance to walk around Hanoi yesterday and was really impressed with the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

First of all, let me share that Erasmus+ is one of the pillars of Sweden's education internationalization strategy.

Ms. Sara Modig, State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Enterprise at the event. (Source: Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam)

The programme strengthens cooperation between educational institutions, improves quality and reinforces Sweden's role as an active and dynamic member of the EU. Erasmus+ also helps Sweden expand educational cooperation beyond the EU.

Horizon Europe is the world’s largest civil research and innovation programme. It connects Swedish researchers and innovators not only with neighbouring countries, but also with partners around the world – including Vietnam. Through this, we can work together towards scientific excellence and solve global challenges.

Sweden aims to be one of the world's leading countries in research and innovation. This year, Sweden continued to hold second place in the Global Innovation Index (GII).

One of the key factors behind Sweden’s innovation success is the close collaboration ecosystem between academia, industry and government. This connection enables the seamless transfer of research results to practical applications and commercial startups.

As a result, Sweden has produced many successful startups and businesses, contributing to the country's reputation as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Collaboration in research and innovation is vital for universities, businesses, research institutes, the public sector and other stakeholders. The green transition is a key driver of innovation that can help build more resilient societies and promote sustainable growth within the limits of our planet."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuy-dien-dong-hanh-cung-viet-nam-tren-con-duong-phat-trien-ben-vung-va-doi-moi-sang-tao-333196.html