Ho Chi Minh City. Demand for infrastructure development, manufacturing upgrades and the energy transition is creating opportunities for Vietnam to attract technology, capital and management expertise from Nordic countries.
Ambassadors from Sweden, Finland and Norway discussed cooperation in technology, green investment, energy and trade at an economic forum. They said Vietnam needs to strengthen domestic technological capabilities and prepare for high-standard markets.
Sweden
Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi said Vietnam's goal of double-digit economic growth and net-zero emissions by 2050 requires growth to be separated from rising carbon emissions. He cited the VinFast factory in Hai Phong, which uses about 1,000 ABB robots, as well as SKF and Atlas Copco's work in Vietnam.
Ndisi said renewable energy needs a suitable power grid, while port modernisation requires electrification, connectivity, monitoring and transport systems. He also stressed the need for English-speaking workers able to participate in global supply chains.
Finland
Finnish Ambassador Pekka Voutilainen said domestic technological and energy capabilities would help Vietnam reduce external dependence. Since July 2026, 18 Vietnamese delegations have visited Finland. Finnish private funds have invested about 1.3 billion EUR, or 1.45 billion USD, in Vietnam.
Finnfund invested 15 million USD with EVF General Finance Joint Stock Company to support long-term finance and small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses. A second 15-million-USD investment with August Energy aims to develop an energy-as-a-service model. Finland also leads an EU-funded circular economy project for 10 industrial parks.
Norway
Norwegian Ambassador Stein Iversen said the Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement and the Vietnam-Norway Green Strategic Partnership support trade, investment, a sustainable marine economy and renewable energy.
He advised businesses to study tariffs, rules of origin and documentation, prepare early for implementation and seek support from the Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway and the EFTA Secretariat. Vietnam's opportunities depend on external resources, stronger domestic capabilities, better product quality and long-term partnerships.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
