Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi is optimistic about Vietnam - Sweden economic cooperation in 2025 when there is much space for economic development and investment.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam - Mr. Johan Ndisi had a spring conversation with Industry and Trade Newspaper about the prospects of economic and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden.
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| Currently, there are more than 70 Swedish companies operating in Vietnam. Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam |
- The year 2024 has ended with many positive results in bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden, in which the economic and investment fields have recorded many outstanding achievements. On the occasion of the new year 2025, what would you like to share about economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden over the past year ?
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi: Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Over the past 55 years, our partnership has developed well. Looking back at 2024, although the past year brought both opportunities and challenges for the global economy, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden remained strong and stable.
Total bilateral trade in 2024 is expected to reach more than $1.1 billion. The long-term trend in bilateral trade is clear, with trade increasing by 29% between 2018 and 2023. However, bilateral trade only tells part of the story of our economic relationship, as Swedish companies export globally from Vietnam.
Swedish investment in Vietnam has also increased significantly in the past few years, especially in 2023. Currently, Sweden has invested in 109 projects, with a total registered capital of 733 million USD. Investment areas include energy, manufacturing and healthcare.
In particular, while many long-standing companies such as ABB and Ericsson celebrate their 30th anniversary in Vietnam, there is also a growing interest from Vietnamese businesses in Sweden. For example, FPT Software has expanded its operations in Northern Europe with a new office in Sweden and a strategic partnership with Swedish banking platform Vilja Solutions. This sustainable cooperation underlines the strength and potential of our economic relationship, paving the way for further joint development.
While Sweden and Vietnam can be proud of the growing trade between our two countries, I believe that we can achieve much more. Many Swedish companies manufacture in Vietnam and export globally from there. They create jobs, growth in Vietnam and contribute to the country’s global exports. As Vietnam’s impressive economic growth continues and Sweden develops technological solutions, there are many opportunities to expand and deepen our trade relationship.
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| Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi. Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam |
- Can you mention the outstanding economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden?
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi: Swedish companies have been actively making significant investments in important sectors and projects.
Ericsson’s partnership with Viettel and VNPT to expand the 5G network is a notable example of our technological collaboration. This project not only enhances Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure but also helps the country become one of the leaders in digital transformation in Southeast Asia.
In addition, AstraZeneca has reinforced its commitment to healthcare in Vietnam, making significant contributions to local health and sustainable development. Its initiatives include expanding access to essential medicines and supporting public health programmes, which have had a profound impact on improving healthcare outcomes in Vietnam.
Tetra Pak’s announcement of its expansion of its manufacturing facility in Binh Duong is also a testament to the strong economic ties and investment in the region. The expansion is expected to increase production capacity and create more job opportunities, contributing to the development of the local economy.
Our development cooperation has fostered people-to-people links and knowledge exchange, yielding positive results in education and health. Innovation centres and research collaborations have further strengthened our economic ties and contributed to sustainable development. As our two countries celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, we can be proud of our achievements and look forward to continued shared prosperity.
- Based on the economic and investment cooperation milestones in 2024, what do you predict about economic and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden in 2025?
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi: I am optimistic about economic cooperation in 2025, there is a lot of room for growth in both bilateral trade and investment. Our two countries can benefit from each other's strengths. For example, when it comes to diversification, Swedish businesses can take advantage of Vietnam's growing manufacturing capabilities and Vietnam can benefit from Sweden's advanced technological solutions in many areas.
Furthermore, the effects of the implementation of the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will be activated and allow for stronger growth as the relative competitiveness of exports in both directions is increasing. This agreement is expected to boost trade and open up new avenues for cooperation.
In addition, the announcement of a direct sea route connecting Vung Tau Port and Sweden’s Gothenburg Port will boost two-way trade in the coming period. This development will significantly increase logistics efficiency and trade volume between the two countries. With Vietnam’s strong economic growth and Sweden’s technological advances, there is plenty of room to expand and deepen our trade relationship.
- Do you have any further comments on the future of bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Sweden this year?
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi: This year has been a milestone in our relationship. It has been marked by high-level visits and meaningful new agreements, demonstrating our shared commitment to deepening the relationship. This commitment was highlighted during the visit of Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan to Sweden in November 2024, during which she had fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the President of the National Assembly and other important representatives. During the visit, our governments signed two Memoranda of Understanding, reinforcing our commitment to political consultations and promoting economic, trade and green growth cooperation.
Building on these achievements, I would like to move towards a Sectoral Strategic Partnership in innovation, technology and education. Sweden and Vietnam should also continue to cooperate at the regional and global level. Multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEM and ASEAN-EU will be important in promoting peace, security, stability and development.
- To promote economic and investment relations between Vietnam and Sweden , what specific programs does the Swedish Embassy plan to implement in 2025 , sir?
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi: Sweden places a special focus on Asia in its work to promote trade. Vietnam, as one of the fastest growing economies in the region, is of course at the heart of this effort. Innovation as well as the digital and green transformation are key concepts that we want to promote in this work.
Sweden’s priorities are clear, we want to be Vietnam’s preferred partner in the digital transformation towards digitalization and environmental sustainability. Sweden has strong expertise in energy transmission, 5G, waste management and sustainable urban development.
Swedish companies rely on innovation and international trade to remain competitive. Today, there are more than 70 Swedish companies present in Vietnam, including ABB, AstraZeneca, Ericsson, IKEA, H&M, Volvo, SKF, Tetra Pak, Hitachi Energy and Electrolux. These companies are well established and ready to support Vietnam in its green and digital transformation. This reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainability and the strong economic relationship between our two countries.
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Vietnam in 2024, the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam has published the “Sweden-Vietnam Business Footprint”, a comprehensive guide introducing Swedish businesses in Vietnam, support organisations and financial solutions. The guide provides detailed information on market entry strategies, the legal framework and available support services. I hope that this guide will be useful for the Swedish business community as well, and serve as a resource to facilitate greater trade and investment between the two countries.
Thank you Ambassador!
| Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi: Sweden places a special emphasis on Asia in its work to promote trade. Vietnam, as one of the fastest growing economies in the region, is of course at the heart of this effort. |
Source: https://congthuong.vn/viet-nam-thuy-dien-nhieu-khong-gian-hop-tac-kinh-te-371697.html
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