Danish firms urged to take a longer-term view of Vietnam
VOV.VN - A senior Vietnamese leader has called on Danish businesses to look beyond Vietnam as a manufacturing base or consumer market and consider its long-term potential as a regional logistics hub, innovation centre and increasingly important link in global supply chains.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam made the appeal at the Vietnam-Denmark Business Forum in Copenhagen on October 20, attended by King Frederik X of Denmark during the leader’s state visit to the European country.
He noted that the forum is particularly significant as bilateral relations are entering a new phase of deeper and more substantive cooperation. Beyond providing an opportunity for businesses from both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities, it reflects 55 years of friendship since diplomatic relations were established in 1971.
Attracting high-quality investment
According to the leader, Vietnam is entering a new development phase in which rapid growth must go hand in hand with sustainability, underpinned by science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition and higher productivity.
To achieve its centenary development goals and pursue double-digit economic growth in 2026-2030, Vietnam aims to make effective use of all economic sectors, with foreign-invested enterprises playing an important role in the national economy.
Citing Politburo Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW on foreign invested sector development, dated June 8, 2026, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam affirmed Vietnam aims to selectively attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) featuring advanced technology, high added value, strong spillover effects and close links with domestic businesses.
Vietnam seeks not only investment capital but also advanced technology, knowledge, modern management practices, research and development, highly skilled workers and substantive partnerships with Vietnamese enterprises, he said.
He called on Danish businesses to contribute to these goals by drawing on their expertise, resources and reputation. He stressed that investors’ success should go hand in hand with Vietnam’s national interests, public welfare and sustainable economic development.
He encouraged Danish companies to move from investing in Vietnam to investing with Vietnam by strengthening links with domestic enterprises and helping them participate more deeply in global value chains. He proposed a shift from manufacturing in Vietnam to conducting research, developing products and fostering innovation in the country, alongside a stronger focus on green and sustainable growth.
Building long-term partnerships
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged the Danish government and relevant agencies to facilitate long-term investment in Vietnam, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure and logistics, high technology, green transition, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and high-tech agriculture.
He also called for greater Danish support in green finance, technology transfer, workforce training and business connectivity, as well as stronger participation by Danish financial institutions and investment funds in major strategic projects.
Vietnam will continue to improve its institutional framework and business environment, streamline administrative procedures, develop infrastructure and enhance workforce quality, the leader said. The country will also facilitate trade and investment and promptly address legitimate concerns raised by investors.
He expressed hope that the forum would lead to concrete new plans and projects in Vietnam, encouraging Danish businesses to share the obstacles they faced and identify areas for improvement so that investment could expand more quickly and effectively.
In his remarks, King Frederik X said Denmark, one of Europe’s major investors in Vietnam, has considerable potential to expand cooperation, particularly in energy, maritime affairs, logistics, sustainable food, agriculture, biotechnology and healthcare.
He noted stronger business connections and more favourable conditions for trade and investment would create jobs, improve workforce skills and open up new opportunities, particularly for younger generations.
Denmark is one of the top leader’s European tour from October 19 – 25 that will also take him to the European Union and Belgium.
Vietnam looks to innovation and international partnerships for next development phase
VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam has outlined Vietnam’s development vision for a new era, with science and technology, innovation, green transition and human capital at its core, alongside stronger international cooperation to turn these priorities into tangible results.
