As Vietnam deepens economic cooperation with the Nordic countries, the focus is increasingly shifting towards the broader contribution of international investment to the country's development. Beyond expanding production capacity, long-term investment can generate lasting value by improving productivity, transferring expertise and strengthening local business capabilities.

These priorities were central to discussions at the Nordic-Vietnam Business Summit 2026, held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 29, where Carlsberg Vietnam participated as a strategic partner. Organized by NordCham Vietnam and its partners as part of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, the summit examined how stronger international ties can foster investment, technology cooperation and sustainable growth.

Representing Carlsberg Vietnam, Peter Wachenschwanz, senior director of Integrated Supply Chain, joined representatives from APM Terminals and Phuc Sinh Corporation in a leadership dialogue titled “Turning Momentum into Action for the Next Chapter of Nordic–Vietnam Cooperation.”

As a long-term Danish investor, Carlsberg shared its perspective on how sustained investment in operational efficiency, sustainability and local capabilities can strengthen its business while contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable growth.

Building on the momentum of the state visit

The summit followed the state visit to Denmark by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam from October 19 to 21, which marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Shared priorities in investment, technology and the green transition are providing a stronger foundation for businesses to pursue projects that deliver long-term value.

For Carlsberg, the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm Vietnam’s importance as one of the group’s key growth markets. Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen took part in high-level discussions with Vietnam’s senior leadership and presented Letters of Intent to the chairmen of the People’s Committees of Hue and Danang, setting out the group’s investment and development intentions for 2026-2031.

These include approximately $65 million in intended investment at Phu Bai Brewery in Hue city, focused on modernizing production, advancing digital and green transformation, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening quality, food safety and supply-chain capabilities.

In Danang, the company’s intentions encompass commercial development, digital transformation, operational modernization and more efficient, sustainable logistics, alongside environmental and community initiatives. Subject to relevant approvals, these plans would build on Carlsberg’s established presence in central Vietnam and strengthen its manufacturing and commercial capabilities in the region.

Peter Wachenschwanz, senior director of Integrated Supply Chain at Carlsberg Vietnam, said during the discussion: “Long-term investment creates lasting value when technology, people and partnerships develop together. For Carlsberg Vietnam, the next phase is about building on our expanded capacity to operate more efficiently and sustainably. Combining our global experience with Vietnamese expertise helps us strengthen our business while contributing to Vietnam’s long-term competitiveness.”

Putting Nordic-Vietnam cooperation into practice

Carlsberg Vietnam’s Phu Bai Brewery illustrates how sustained investment can drive production growth while improving operational efficiency.

The nearly $90 million expansion, inaugurated in August 2025, increased the brewery’s annual capacity by more than 50%, making Phu Bai the largest beer production facility in Carlsberg Asia and reinforcing Vietnam’s role in the group’s regional operations.

Alongside the capacity increase, the new brewing line uses approximately 20% less water and 15% less energy than its predecessor. A rooftop solar project is expected to meet up to 10% of the brewery’s electricity needs, supporting its transition to renewable energy.

Real-time performance dashboards enable teams to monitor production-line efficiency and maintain consistent quality. Meanwhile, a fully electric forklift fleet and AI-enabled cameras contribute to cleaner and safer operations.

Creating value beyond the brewery

The discussion also highlighted how the benefits of investment can extend across domestic supply chains. Wachenschwanz emphasized the importance of looking beyond the brewery gates and working with local suppliers and logistics partners to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability.

For Nordic-Vietnam cooperation, these partnerships provide a practical way to combine international technology and operational experience with Vietnamese business capabilities. Knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and skills development can help local partners meet evolving requirements and participate more effectively in global supply chains.

Predictable policies, clear implementation requirements and effective coordination between businesses and authorities are essential to realizing these opportunities. Such conditions help companies turn investment intentions into viable projects and coordinate improvements across manufacturing, energy and logistics.

After more than three decades in Vietnam, Carlsberg aims to build on its established manufacturing presence and long-standing local partnerships through continued investment in its operations, people and partnerships. This approach aligns the group’s growth ambitions with Vietnam’s development goals and brings its purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow to life.