Vietnam and Norway to deepen ties in trade and green transition

These priorities were discussed at a meeting between Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Astrid Bergmål, State Secretary at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Hanoi on October 16.

Bergmål is visiting Vietnam for working meetings and to attend the signing ceremony of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Hang welcomed Bergmål’s first visit to Vietnam in the anniversary year and reaffirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Norway. She spoke highly of the positive development of bilateral relations, built on political trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

Expanding trade and green cooperation

To further deepen bilateral ties, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang called for more exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, as well as political consultations between the two countries’ deputy foreign ministers.

She commended Norway and other EFTA member states for their contributions to the conclusion of negotiations on the Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement after 14 years and 21 formal rounds of talks. She called on the parties to complete ratification procedures promptly following the signing and prepare for effective implementation, helping businesses expand cooperation and access each other’s markets.

Welcoming the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Green Strategic Partnership in April 2026, Hang said the framework and the Vietnam–EFTA FTA would serve as complementary drivers of bilateral cooperation.

She encouraged Norway to share its experience in marine spatial planning, maritime transport, shipbuilding, port development, logistics infrastructure and high-tech aquaculture. She also called on Norwegian businesses, investment funds and financial institutions to expand their activities in Vietnam, support renewable energy development and contribute to the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Bergmål, for her part, said the FTA would facilitate market access for goods and services while providing greater stability and predictability for businesses. She described the agreement as a foundation for companies on both sides to develop long-term partnerships and strengthen economic ties between Vietnam, Norway and other EFTA members.

On the Green Strategic Partnership, she highlighted opportunities to strengthen links among government agencies, businesses and research organisations in the two countries. She expressed a desire to expand the sharing of knowledge, technology and experience in marine management, sustainable aquaculture, green shipping and the circular economy, linking economic cooperation with environmental protection.

In the energy sector, Bergmål highlighted the potential for closer cooperation and called for existing mechanisms and projects in Vietnam to be implemented effectively in support of the green transition. She stressed the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards carbon neutrality while ensuring benefits for both countries.

Strengthening regional and multilateral ties

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang praised Norway’s positive contribution to its relations with ASEAN and affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to continue serving as a bridge in promoting the ASEAN–Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.

Bergmål agreed on the need to implement practical areas of ASEAN–Norway cooperation effectively during 2026–2030, with priorities including the blue economy, energy transition, sustainable development, connectivity and innovation.

Hang also thanked the Norwegian Government for supporting the Vietnamese community in settling into life, integrating into society and making positive contributions to its host country. She hoped that Norway would continue to support the community in strengthening its role as a bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination between their foreign ministries, advance cooperation in priority areas and continue to coordinate closely and support each other at regional and international multilateral forums, including the United Nations. They reaffirmed their support for free trade, respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Fresh impetus for Vietnam-Norway bilateral relations

VOV.VN - Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Doan Anh, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA), led a high-ranking NA delegation to pay an official visit to Norway from September 25 to 27.