Chinh affirmed that Vietnam highly values its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Sweden, expressing belief that Dousa’s visit would serve as a catalyst for advancing bilateral ties.

He recalled historic milestones and heartfelt support from Sweden during Vietnam’s struggles for independence and national development, citing the recent Swedish gift of the documentary “Victoria Vietnam” as a symbol of enduring solidarity.

Sweden has so far provided over US$3 billion in non-refundable aid, and helped train many Vietnamese professionals while supporting key infrastructure projects like the Bai Bang Paper Mill and major hospitals in Hanoi and Quang Ninh.

These contributions have played an important role in Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, he noted.

Highlighting Sweden as a key and trusted partner in the European Union, Chinh welcomed the growing bilateral trade, which reached US$1.5 billion in 2024, up 15% from 2023, but noted this figure remains modest compared to both countries’ potential.

He called for stronger delegation exchanges, particularly at high levels, and deeper cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation, green transition, strategic infrastructure, the environment, climate change response, health care, education, and science and technology.

Vietnam, he said, is ready to act as a gateway for Swedish goods into ASEAN, and looks to Sweden as a bridge into the Nordic market. He encouraged Swedish companies to expand investment in key sectors such as digital economy, information technology, and sustainable infrastructure, while highlighting shared values in social policy, equity, and people-centred development.

Vietnam is also drawing on Swedish experience in public housing for workers and cultural industry development, and hopes to boost youth exchanges, he said.

Dousa for his part expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s robust and stable development, especially the country’s GDP growth of over 7% in 2024, its 8% target for 2025, and projected double-digit growth in subsequent years. He reaffirmed that Sweden is a reliable and sincere partner, and shared that Vietnam is widely admired in Sweden and globally.

The Minister agreed with his host’s views on expanding bilateral cooperation and said many Swedish companies are eager to invest in Vietnam in the long term. He pledged to push for faster EU member state ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to advocate within the European Commission for the lifting of the its “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood exports.

Sweden donates unfolded documentary Victory Vietnam on reunification day

VOV.VN - The Swedish Embassy in Hanoi on April 25 handed over Victory Vietnam, an unfolded documentary about Swedish people’s celebration of the April 30, 1975 victory in Vietnam, to the Vietnam Film Institute under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.