Vietnam values all-around cooperation with Sweden: PM
The Vietnamese Government and people always remember and value Sweden’s sincere and invaluable support during the country’s past struggle for independence and in its current process of development and global integration, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said.
PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa on May 12. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) 🌱– Vietnam always values traditional friendship and all-around cooperation with Sweden, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa during a reception in Hanoi on May 12.
PM Chinh recalled the profound milestones in bilateral relations, highlighting the heartfelt support of the Swedish people, recently reflected through the documentary "Victoria Vietnam", gifted by Sweden on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s national reunification.
The Vietnamese Government and people always remember and value Sweden’s sincere and invaluable support during the country’s past struggle for independence and in its current process of development and global integration, he said.
Sweden’s contributions, including 3 billion USD in non-refundable aid - the biggest sum for Vietnam, professional training, and landmark projects like the Bai Bang paper mill, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, and Uong Bi hospital in Quang Ninh, have played a significant role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, according to the PM.
Sweden is a reliable and important partner of Vietnam in the European Union, with two-way trade hitting 1.5 billion USD in 2024, up 15% from 2023, he noted. Yet, he described this as modest given the potential, urging stronger cooperation in trade, investment, green transition, digital transformation, and strategic infrastructure projects such as railways, airports, and seaports. He also called for collaboration in environmental protection, climate change response, healthcare, education, and sci-tech.
To boost market access, he proposed Vietnam serve as a gateway for Swedish goods into ASEAN, while Sweden could facilitate Vietnamese exports in Northern Europe. He welcomed Swedish investment in Vietnam’s priority sectors, including the digital economy, infrastructure and information and communication technology, and expressed interest in studying Sweden’s approaches to worker housing and cultural industries. Youth exchanges were also a priority, he added.
The meeting between PM Pham Minh Chinh and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa in Hanoi on May 12. (Photo: VNA) (Photo: VNA)
Minister Dousa, for his part, expressed impression with Vietnam’s rapid and dynamic socio-economic development, noting the country’s economic growth of over 7% in 2024, its target of 8% for 2025, and its prospects for double-digit growth in the following years, affirming that Sweden is a reliable and substantive partner of Vietnam, with deep affection from the Swedish people.
He thanked PM Chinh for his support of bilateral relations and wished to intensify cooperation with Vietnam across various sectors. He revealed that many Swedish firms are increasingly interested in the Vietnamese market, with long-term investment strategies already in place.
He agreed with the host that there remains untapped potential in the bilateral ties, and stressed the need for joint efforts to elevate the partnership to new heights.
In support of Vietnam’s broader international engagement, he vowed to advocate within the EU for the swift ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He also committed to working with the European Commission (EC) to push for the removal of the “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports./.
Thang noted that as Vietnam is streamlining its political system, the Party and Government are keen on studying international models of public administration, including Sweden’s. Thus, the HCMA wants to boost collaboration with the Swedish side on administrative reform and public governance against the backdrop of digital transformation.
The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) organised an international seminar themed “55 Years of Vietnam-Sweden Diplomatic Relations" in Hanoi on December 23, drawing a large number of domestic and foreign experts and scholars.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam held a seminar in Hanoi on December 6 to look into achievements and prospects over 55 years of Vietnam - Sweden diplomatic relations.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
