Fico briefed the forum on the results of his talks with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung of Vietnam, during which the two sides agreed on the upgrade of Slovakia-Vietnam relations to a strategic partnership, and voiced hope that businesses would reach important agreements, helping to concretise the new partnership framework.

He reaffirmed Slovakia’s commitment to facilitating the implementation of the strategic partnership framework and expressed appreciation for the Vietnamese community in Slovakia, pledging continued support for their study and living conditions.

The Slovak leader described Vietnam as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with clear development ambitions, noting that outcomes of Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress set both short- and long-term strategic goals supported by strong public determination. Slovakia, he said, seeks to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Highlighting global uncertainties and disruptions to supply chains, he said both sides have identified key cooperation priorities during talks, including specific programmes and projects.

Slovakia hopes to boost exports to Vietnam and sees strong potential for cooperation in nuclear energy, mechanical engineering, machinery production, defence industry, cybersecurity, automotive manufacturing, health care, and other sectors where Slovakia has strengths and Vietnam has demand, said the Slovak leader.

He also welcomed labour cooperation, encouraged Vietnamese investment in Slovakia, and supported the establishment of a direct air route between the two countries. Calling for stronger business-to-business engagement, he expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation between enterprises would further deepen traditional friendship and long-term partnership between the two countries.

For his part, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said the forum demonstrated the shared determination of both countries to concretise the newly established strategic partnership. The upgrade of bilateral relations, he said, sends a strong message and opens a new strategic space for deeper and more comprehensive cooperation.

Acknowledging that trade and investment stay below potential, Hung stressed that significant room for cooperation remains, with many complementary strengths that could help form shared value chains for regional and global markets.

He said Slovakia could serve as a strategic gateway for Vietnamese goods to access the EU market, while Vietnam is an attractive investment destination and a bridge for Slovak businesses to expand into ASEAN. Both governments have committed to facilitating business cooperation and deeper integration into global value chains.

Outlining Vietnam’s development priorities, he said the country is continuing institutional reforms, streamlining administrative procedures, and targeting average GDP growth of over 10% annually in 2026–2030. Key priorities include strategic infrastructure development, human resource training, and administrative reform.

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation have been identified as top breakthroughs to transform the growth model, improve productivity, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy, while promoting green transition and climate adaptation.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to welcoming and supporting foreign investors, including those from Slovakia, and to protecting their legitimate rights and interests.

He urged businesses from both countries to strengthen connectivity and cooperation in areas of mutual strength and need, particularly in manufacturing and high-tech industries such as automotive production, precision engineering, automation, and supporting industries, as well as integration into Vietnam’s production ecosystem.

He also called for expanded cooperation in energy development and green transition, including renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies; logistics and supply chain connectivity, leveraging the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to link Vietnam with the EU via Slovakia; innovation and digital transformation in AI, e-government, e-commerce, and digital services; and education and workforce development, particularly training engineers and high-skilled professionals.

Expressing confidence in Vietnam’s long-term development goals and appreciation for international partners, he thanked Slovakia for its longstanding and reliable support, affirming that with strong leadership and dynamic business communities, bilateral cooperation would continue to grow more substantive and effective.

At the forum, in the presence of both Prime Ministers, businesses from the two countries exchanged seven memoranda of understanding covering manufacturing, technology, health care, finance, infrastructure, real estate, environment, and industrial park development.

People-to-people ties underpin Vietnam-Slovakia relations

VOV.VN - A gathering was held on April 12 in Hanoi between a delegation of the Government of Slovakia and Vietnamese people who hold affection for the country and people of Slovakia, on the occasion of the official visit to Vietnam by the Slovak Prime Minister and his delegation.