Minister of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing of Sweden, Andreas Carlson, spoke at a meeting with businesses.

During the Vietnam-Sweden business exchange, Minister Andreas Carlson, from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing of Sweden, noted that businesses from both countries have great potential for cooperation in areas where each side has strengths.

According to the Minister, Vietnam and Sweden have a long-standing tradition of cooperation. Additionally, Swedish enterprises have established their presence in Vietnam over the past several years. Despite facing many challenges ahead, I am confident that together we can overcome them and create a better future for both the people of Vietnam and Sweden.

With a solid foundation for cooperation already in place, the Minister expressed a desire for the business communities of both countries to continue enhancing cooperation in the future. Currently, both nations have ambitious goals of achieving net-zero emissions. According to Carlson, this could create opportunities for cooperation between Swedish and Vietnamese businesses in combating climate change and innovating environmental technologies.

Furthermore, to cope with the increasing pace of urbanization, the Minister believes there needs to be significant investment in smart, safe, and sustainable infrastructure. This is an area of promising cooperation, as Swedish enterprises can support the improvement and exchange of experiences in energy infrastructure, smart cities, intelligent and safe transportation.

Minister Andreas Carlson stated that Sweden is a global leader in the development of smart and sustainable infrastructure. Alongside this, Swedish enterprises are also providing world-leading solutions in wastewater management, digitization, 5G, and waste treatment.

With a population of approximately 100 million people, political stability, and impressive economic growth, Andreas Carlson believes that Vietnam is truly an attractive market with significant potential for Swedish enterprises. The Minister also proposed that the business communities of both nations continue to strengthen information exchange activities, meetings, and contacts to deepen the cooperative relationship, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of VCCI, spoke at the meeting.

Discussing the potential for cooperation between enterprises of the two countries, according to Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), VCCI always closely collaborates with European partners, especially Swedish enterprises, to ensure optimal conditions for market understanding and identifying reliable partners in Vietnam.

Currently, the opportunities for Swedish enterprises to expand their investment and business in Vietnam are significant. The Chairman of VCCI stated that Vietnam has set a goal to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. To realize this ambition, Vietnam needs to maintain an average annual economic growth rate of 5.9% over the next two decades.

Furthermore, Vietnam has committed to developing along a green, sustainable, and comprehensive path, while also committing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Vietnam's economic and social achievements rely on a favorable business environment that is increasingly improved for both domestic and foreign enterprises to operate efficiently.

Chairman Pham Tan Cong also highly appreciates the Minister's visit to Vietnam and expresses the expectation that enterprises from both countries will have effective dialogues and explore new opportunities for cooperation and investment.

From left to right: Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of VCCI; Ms. Ann Måwe, Ambassador of Sweden to Vietnam; Mr. Andreas Carlson, Minister of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing of Sweden.

It is known that Sweden is among the top 10 trading partners of Vietnam within the European Union (EU). As of the end of March 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached over 360 million USD (an increase of 9.4% compared to the same period in 2023). In terms of investment, Sweden ranks 29th out of 140 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 109 active projects totaling registered capital of 733 million USD.

The businesses exchanged views at the meeting.