The program went beyond traditional trade, expanding into high technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Estonia, known as a global model for e-government and a digital society, is seeking deeper cooperation in the Vietnamese market, while Vietnam is entering a phase of faster implementation of its national digital transformation strategy through 2030.

Estonia’s Ambassador Hannes Hanso addresses the event

Speaking at the event, Hannes Hanso, Estonia’s Ambassador to China and concurrently accredited to Vietnam, said: “Vietnam is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. Estonia is recognized as a global pioneer in technological innovation and e-government. This alignment creates opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.”

According to Ambassador Hannes Hanso, the business delegation’s visit was not only symbolic in diplomatic terms but also aimed at building practical connections, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, smart governance, innovation, and startup development. Estonia also expects Vietnam to serve as an important gateway to the ASEAN market, while Estonia can act as a bridge to help Vietnamese enterprises access the European Union more deeply.

VCCI Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh stressed VCCI’s central role in supporting businesses from both countries in exploring new cooperation opportunities, especially as Vietnam advances two strategic pillars: digital transformation and green transformation. Areas of interest include cybersecurity, smart city solutions, blockchain, data governance, and startup ecosystems, where Estonia has strong practical experience.

He also pointed to significant changes in bilateral trade over more than a decade and said there is still considerable room for cooperation. “Compared with when VCCI and ECCI jointly organized the Vietnam Estonia Business Forum in 2011, bilateral trade is no longer at the modest level of US$10 million in 2010. By 2025, it had grown steadily to more than US$80 million, thanks to effective use of free trade agreements,” he said.

Vietnam exports to Estonia products including agricultural goods, seafood, coffee, cashew nuts, textiles and garments, and wood products, while importing industrial goods from Estonia such as chemicals, processed wood, milk, and dairy products.

The shift in global supply chains is creating new opportunities for developing economies like Vietnam, particularly in deep processing, supporting industries, and international logistics. Meanwhile, Estonia, with strengths in digital management, automation, and smart governance systems, is seeking new destinations in Asia to expand its market.

In its long-term cooperation orientation, VCCI reaffirmed its role in supporting international businesses entering the Vietnamese market, from providing legal information and partner connections to organizing in-depth trade promotion programs. Estonia expressed its willingness to share experience in digital government, smart governance, and innovation ecosystems. These are seen as a foundation for sustainable growth.