The Ambassador said, he was particularly impressed by Viet Nam's bold institutional reforms aimed at streamlining governance, reducing bureaucracy, and improving overall efficiency. In his view, these reforms clearly demonstrate the country's readiness to adapt its institutional framework in support of long-term and sustainable growth.

The diplomat also highlighted the government's strong commitment to accelerating public investment in infrastructure as a key driver of economic development. He pointed to the high-tech sector—especially semiconductors—as an area of growing momentum, underscored by increasing Dutch and international investment.

According to him, Dutch companies have already established state-of-the-art facilities in Viet Nam, while Vietnamese firms such as Viettel, FPT and VSAP LAB are actively pioneering new initiatives and investments. 

To maintain this positive trajectory, he emphasized the importance of continued improvements in regulatory clarity, stronger intellectual property protection, upgraded infrastructure, and the establishment of an effective one-stop shop to support investors from the early exploration stage through full-scale operations.

Ambassador Kees van Baar stressed that both Viet Nam and the Netherlands share a common belief that economic growth is most meaningful when it places people at its center, noting that sustainable and inclusive progress should be measured not only by economic indicators, but also by the quality of life it delivers to citizens.

Viet Nam–Netherlands partnership develops exceptionally strong

Reflecting on bilateral relations, he described the Viet Nam–Netherlands partnership as exceptionally strong. By the end of 2025, the Netherlands had become the largest European investor in Viet Nam, with cumulative investment reaching nearly US$15 billion.

He observed that traditional areas of cooperation remain highly dynamic, recalling that more than 15 years ago the two countries signed a Strategic Partnership Arrangement on water management and climate adaptation, followed by another on sustainable agriculture and food security. These sectors, he said, remain central to bilateral cooperation, particularly as Viet Nam faces increasing climate and water-related challenges.

The Ambassador noted that the Netherlands is currently engaged in discussions with both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City on urban flood control solutions. In agriculture, he highlighted growing excitement around innovative approaches to farming in saline-affected areas. He referred to a Salinity Innovation Mission held in January, which focused on salinization in horticulture and aimed to develop integrated, climate-smart solutions for sustainable food production in the Mekong Delta.

Turning to high-tech cooperation, Ambassador Kees van Baar underscored the rapid growth and vast untapped potential of bilateral collaboration in the semiconductor sector. He explained that the semiconductor industry is inherently global, with products crossing borders many times, making international cooperation essential. The Netherlands, he said, is actively supporting Viet Nam in expanding its role in the semiconductor value chain, contributing to a more diverse and resilient global supply network.

According to the Ambassador, Viet Nam offers compelling advantages for high-tech investment, including a young and cost-effective workforce, a strategic geographic location, and deep integration through multiple free trade agreements. These strengths have already attracted leading Dutch technology companies such as Besi, VDL ETG, NXP, Sioux, Tecnotion and Lucassen Precision Asia, with more expected to follow. 

He added that the Netherlands is keen to work closely with Vietnamese enterprises to help them expand their participation in the global semiconductor value chain, which extends well beyond a handful of multinational corporations.

He also emphasized the importance of talent development and capacity building as Viet Nam strengthens its position in this global industry. While the Netherlands has long partnered with Viet Nam in areas such as water management, climate adaptation, and agriculture, he said cooperation is now expanding into high-tech sectors. This includes connecting Vietnamese students with Dutch industry and academic institutions, an area where he expressed confidence that collaboration could be further deepened. 

Drawing on Dutch experience, he noted that long-term success depends on building cohesive innovation ecosystems in which industry, academia and government work closely together in geographically concentrated hubs—an approach he believes Viet Nam can benefit from, with Dutch support.

From Tet blossoms to strategic ties: Dutch Ambassador reflects on Viet Nam partnership

On a more personal note, Ambassador van Baar shared his fondness for Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. He remarked that what strikes him most is how Ha Noi's usually bustling streets become remarkably quiet during the holiday, transforming the city into an ideal place for cycling and reflection. 

He described Tet as a time when Ha Noi turns into a vast garden, filled with peach blossoms, kumquat trees and vibrant flowers moving through the streets, creating unforgettable scenes for someone from the Netherlands, where flower markets take a very different form. 

He also spoke warmly of Vietnamese cuisine, singling out bun rieu cua as a personal favorite and praising the balance of flavors that he believes reflects the creativity, freshness and harmony of Vietnamese food culture.

Looking ahead, Ambassador van Baar expressed strong confidence that the partnership between Viet Nam and the Netherlands—and between Viet Nam and the European Union more broadly—will continue to grow as Viet Nam deepens its global integration.

The diplomat identified climate-adaptive and smart agriculture, high-tech industries and innovation ecosystems, and infrastructure development—particularly in water management, smart ports and airports, and the circular economy—as promising areas for future cooperation. 

Beyond economic ties, he also reaffirmed the shared commitment to upholding international law and freedom of navigation, principles he described as essential for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

As the Year of the Horse begins, the Ambassador extended his warm New Year wishes to Vietnamese friends and partners, expressing hopes for health, happiness and continued success in the year ahead./.