On the afternoon of June 12 (local time) at the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Speaker of the Parliament Andreas Norlen and leaders of major political parties including the Moderate Party, the Christian Democrats, and the Liberals.

Speaker Andreas Norlen warmly welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, expressing belief that the visit would further deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sweden and Vietnam.

Prime Minister Chinh extended greetings from General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Speaker Norlen and Swedish leaders, reaffirming Vietnam’s wish to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Sweden.

Chinh recalled the historical solidarity of Sweden, especially the late Prime Minister Olof Palme’s support during the war, and lauded Sweden’s courageous decision to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam based on justice and conscience. He highlighted Sweden’s non-refundable aid totaling around USD 3 billion - the largest from any Nordic country - used effectively in healthcare, education, and public welfare. Notable contributions include the National Pediatric Hospital, Bai Bang Paper Mill, and Swedish university programs that trained around 200 Vietnamese specialists.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the current visit would serve as a catalyst for enhanced cooperation and new heights in bilateral relations, with both countries acting as bridges to bolster Vietnam-EU and Sweden-ASEAN ties.

In the face of global uncertainties and shared challenges, the two leaders agreed on the need for unity and cooperation based on their longstanding friendship across Party, Government, Parliament, and people-to-people channels to promote multilateralism and international solidarity.

Chinh emphasized that Swedish enterprises still have significant room to expand operations in Vietnam in areas such as AI, ICT, semiconductors, and digital transformation. He outlined Vietnam’s new strategic framework built on four pillars: institutions, science and technology, private sector development, and international integration.

He called on Sweden’s Parliament to help speed up EU member ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and for the European Commission to soon lift the IUU "yellow card" on Vietnam’s seafood exports. Vietnam also welcomes high-tech investments from Swedish firms.

Speaker Norlen reiterated Sweden’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s aspiration to become a high-income developed country by 2045, emphasizing strong parliamentary cooperation and Sweden’s historic role as the first Western country to recognize and establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam.

The two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of shared interest, including the South China Sea. Both affirmed the importance of peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, and adherence to international law - especially the 1982 UNCLOS - in resolving disputes.

Before concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Chinh extended an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man for Speaker Norlen to visit Vietnam, which he gladly accepted.

Vietnam-Sweden business roundtable: creating a new investment climate

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a working breakfast with leaders of major Swedish corporations, including Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of SEB and head of the Wallenberg Group. Representatives from AstraZeneca, Ericsson, and other affiliates discussed investment prospects in energy, finance, technology, and telecommunications.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that despite global uncertainty - from climate change and aging populations to cybersecurity and resource depletion - peace, cooperation, and development remain dominant global trends. He underscored Vietnam’s strategy of independent diplomacy, multilateralism, strategic trust, and its "four no's" defense policy.

He noted that Vietnam has transformed from war devastation and embargo to strategic partnerships with former adversaries through mutual respect, shared interests, and pragmatic diplomacy.

In response to cybersecurity concerns, Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s preference for cooperating with traditional and trustworthy partners like Sweden in digital infrastructure - especially in remote areas. “Trust builds cooperation, and cooperation strengthens trust,” he said.

On Sweden’s inquiries about investment procedures, Chinh shared that Vietnam is implementing institutional reforms aimed at streamlining administrative processes. By 2025, Vietnam aims to eliminate at least 30% of business conditions, shorten administrative procedures by 30%, and cut compliance costs by the same rate.

Vietnam has launched a National Investment Portal and e-Law Portal to digitize procedures and enhance transparency, addressing foreign investors' concerns.

He also revealed that Vietnam will establish international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, supported by superior regulatory frameworks, and is revising its Law on Credit Institutions to better accommodate foreign investment.

Opportunities for Swedish investors in clean energy, semiconductors, and robotics

Vietnam has adopted Power Development Plan VIII and legal reforms to facilitate private-sector investment in electricity and clean energy. It has joined the ASEAN power grid with plans to export clean energy to Malaysia and Singapore - offering huge opportunities for Swedish companies.

In response to Swedish interest in robotics and semiconductor R&D, Chinh expressed strong support and encouraged investment in technology transfer, management expertise, and workforce training.

The Prime Minister stressed that Vietnam’s Party, National Assembly, and Government have enacted policies to drive innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, and ensure legal rights for investors - including protections for property rights and contractual freedoms.

He assured businesses of a “new way of working, new atmosphere, and tangible changes” in Vietnam that will facilitate long-term, mutually beneficial investments.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam and Sweden share many values and a robust traditional relationship. During his official visit, both sides discussed ways to promote practical, effective cooperation - particularly in politics, diplomacy, economy, and innovation, where Sweden’s strengths align with Vietnam’s development needs.

With the spirit of “shared benefits and shared risks,” “say it, do it, commit it, deliver it,” the Prime Minister pledged continued government support for foreign investors, especially Swedish enterprises, to succeed sustainably in Vietnam.

VGP