This is the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Sweden in seven years which is expected to create breakthrough momentum for the development of bilateral cooperation across multiple fields.

Vietnam and Sweden share a deeply rooted and time-tested friendship, with over 56 years of diplomatic relations. Sweden was the first Western country to recognise and establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1969. It was also among the most vocal opponents of the US-waged war in Vietnam, with widespread protests as early as August 1966.

Between the early 1970s and 2013, Sweden provided Vietnam with a total of US$3.46 billion in non-refundable aid, significantly supporting Vietnam’s post-war reconstruction, poverty reduction, renovation efforts, and international integration.

The year 2019 marked the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Sweden diplomatic relations, during which both sides engaged in frequent high-level exchanges and meetings on the sidelines of various international forums and conferences.

In 2024, Vietnam and Sweden celebrated 55 years of diplomatic ties with a range of high-level delegation exchanges, cultural and artistic activities, and business forums. Notably, on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification this year, the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam gifted a valuable documentary titled Victory Vietnam, directed by Swedish filmmaker Bo Öhlen. The film captured the jubilant scenes on the streets of Stockholm on April 30, 1975, as Swedish citizens celebrated the liberation of Saigon and the end of the war.

Two-way trade between the two countries reached US$1.48 billion in 2024, including US$1 billion worth of Vietnamese exports. Sweden’s main exports to Vietnam include telecommunications equipment, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, while Vietnam’s key exports to Sweden are electronics, footwear, textiles, seafood, furniture, handicrafts, computers, and accessories.

Sweden currently ranks 29th out of 149 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 111 valid projects totaling US$743.39 million in registered capital. These projects are mainly focused on manufacturing, information and communication technology, and hospitality services. Around 70 Swedish enterprises are operating in Vietnam, primarily in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Duong.

In the cultural sector, Sweden has been one of Vietnam’s largest and most effective development aid partners. Its contributions include preserving and promoting cultural heritage, and improving skills and professional capacity in radio, television, and journalism. Sweden has also supported the training of many Vietnamese experts, engineers, and PhDs in fields such as forestry, paper production, energy, biotechnology, medicine, and media.

The Prime Minister’s visit is anticipated to open a new chapter in Vietnam - Sweden relations, bringing fresh and breakthrough opportunities for cooperation and development in diverse areas.

Vietnam seeks to enhance cooperation with Sweden in key sectors

VOV.VN - Vietnam wishes to increase cooperation with Sweden in key sectors such as trade, investment, and green transition, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his reception for Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, in Hanoi on May 12.