For the past 55 years, Vietnam and Sweden have continuously nurtured, strengthened, and developed their sustainable bilateral relationship, achieving positive results in various fields. In this context, Hai Phong City – as one of the largest economic, industrial, and port centers in Vietnam – has made significant contributions to promoting cooperation between the two countries.
Hai Phong – Sweden Cooperation: Positive Results
Hai Phong and its Swedish partners have collaborated in areas such as investment, trade exchange, import-export, and logistics services. As of November 2024, there are three projects by Swedish investors being implemented in Hai Phong with a total investment of 48.37 million USD, focusing on sectors such as textiles, leather and footwear, battery production, and door handle manufacturing. Swedish companies like ASSA ABLOY, Hestra Matsuoka, and Polarium have established a presence in Hai Phong, bringing advanced technologies that contribute to the city's economic development.
Inauguration of the Assa Abloy Hardware Structure Factory at DEEP C 2B Industrial Park in Hai Phong
Regarding bilateral trade, by the end of 2023, the export turnover through Hai Phong to Sweden reached approximately 50.5 million USD, while the import turnover from Sweden to Hai Phong was about 26.1 million USD. Key import and export items to Sweden include machinery, equipment, electronic components, leather products, etc.
During the visit and working trip to Sweden by a delegation led by Mr. Le Khac Nam – Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee in September, the delegation also surveyed infrastructure and warehouses and attended the Vietnam-Sweden Business Forum. At the forum, the city supported the signing of a cooperation agreement between Saigon Newport Corporation and Gothenburg Port regarding trade promotion, digital transformation, green transition, and collaboration in developing training programs to enhance the quality of human resources in port operations and logistics services. Additionally, efforts were made to facilitate shipping companies in establishing direct service routes from Newport's ports to Gothenburg Port, Sweden, in the near future. During the working trip, the Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gothenburg Port – the largest port in Northern Europe – to promote import-export development and logistics services. Accordingly, both parties agreed to cooperate in developing and expanding logistics activities; promoting import-export, collaborating in exchanging and introducing potential customers in the field of goods import-export and logistics services based on existing relationships; sharing ideas and best practices towards a more sustainable logistics system and further promoting development in the field of logistics digitalization.
The Hai Phong delegation visits Gothenburg Port (Sweden)
Hai Phong City Participates in the Seminar “55 Years of Vietnam-Sweden Relations: Achievements and Prospects”
Towards the Future
In the coming time, Hai Phong City will promote extensive cooperation with Swedish partners in key areas, including cooperation between localities, trade and investment, energy transition, innovation, as well as research and training. Hai Phong aims to connect with Swedish localities that share similarities to exchange development experiences, promote trade and investment, open up opportunities to enhance the quality of education and training, and strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
With its strategic location and modern port system, Hai Phong is proud to be an ideal destination for Swedish businesses seeking opportunities to expand operations in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The city is committed to providing the most favorable conditions for investors, especially those with strong potential in sectors such as automotive, technology, pharmaceuticals, furniture, household appliances, energy, and healthcare. At the same time, Hai Phong encourages local businesses to collaborate with Swedish partners, opening up effective and sustainable development opportunities.
Sweden, known as one of the leading countries in developing green and sustainable energy with effective emission reduction solutions, is an ideal partner that Hai Phong wishes to collaborate with in energy sectors where Sweden has strengths, such as solar energy, waste-to-energy, and wind energy. Through this, Hai Phong not only contributes to achieving the city's sustainable development goals but also promotes energy transition in Vietnam.
Additionally, Sweden is recognized as a world leader in innovation. Hai Phong hopes to collaborate with Swedish partners to develop an innovation ecosystem. Through this cooperation, both sides can share experiences, transfer technology, and implement innovative projects, particularly in areas such as technology, renewable energy, processing and manufacturing industries, logistics and transportation, high-tech agriculture, as well as tourism and services. This will contribute to sustainable development, enhance competitiveness, and establish Hai Phong as a leading innovation center in Vietnam.
Hai Phong aims to connect and learn from the experiences of the city's universities with those of Swedish universities and research institutes to enhance the quality of education, promote scientific research, strengthen startup and innovation projects, and train human resources to meet the increasing quality demands of industries and services in Hai Phong and the region.
As one of the major economic centers of Vietnam, Hai Phong is always ready to contribute to promoting cooperation between the two countries. With the efforts and determination of both sides, the relationship between the city and Sweden promises to continue to develop strongly, bringing practical benefits to both parties.