This was affirmed by VCCI Vice President Nguyễn Quang Vinh at the Vietnam–Slovakia Business Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of April 15.

Delegates from both countries attend the forum – Photo: Đình Đại.

Speaking at the forum, VCCI Vice President Nguyễn Quang Vinh noted that since establishing diplomatic relations in 1950, Vietnam and Slovakia have spent nearly 80 years preserving and developing their traditional friendship built by previous generations.

He emphasized that Vietnam always values and seeks to enhance ties with Slovakia, a long-standing partner in the heart of Europe. Slovakia, in turn, considers Vietnam its most important partner in Southeast Asia. The strong and trustworthy political and diplomatic relationship provides a solid foundation and favorable conditions for expanding bilateral trade and investment.

“Slovakia lies at the center of Central Europe, serving as a strategic bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. Vietnam is also a gateway to ASEAN. We have many advantages to grow together. To further promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation, both sides should leverage their strengths and make better use of opportunities from free trade agreements,” he said.

He also suggested exploring the possibility of launching direct flights and cargo transport routes. At the same time, businesses should be more proactive in seeking cooperation opportunities through platforms such as business forums.

“I believe there is still significant potential, but businesses need to seize opportunities and effectively utilize the EU–Vietnam FTA to achieve better results in 2026, especially following the visit of Prime Minister Robert Fico, and in the years ahead,” he stressed.

VCCI Vice President Nguyễn Quang Vinh speaks at the forum – Photo: Đình Đại.

According to him, VCCI is the national organization representing the Vietnamese business community, with more than 200,000 enterprises and 200 member associations. Each year, VCCI organizes hundreds of activities to support businesses in improving competitiveness and connecting with international partners.

VCCI places strong emphasis on helping enterprises maximize the benefits of free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed, including the EU–Vietnam FTA. These initiatives have received strong support and recognition from both Vietnamese and international business communities.

To further promote trade and investment, VCCI has signed cooperation agreements with nearly 200 trade promotion organizations worldwide. It also plays a leading role in advising the Government and relevant ministries on legal frameworks and policy environments that facilitate business and investment activities.

He reaffirmed that VCCI will continue to act as an active bridge supporting both Vietnamese and international business communities, including Slovakia.

“I firmly believe that with the attention of both governments, the close coordination of relevant agencies, and the efforts of VCCI and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency, bilateral trade and investment between Vietnam and Slovakia will continue to grow, offering more cooperation opportunities for businesses from both sides, just like today’s meaningful event,” he concluded.