As dynamic economies with increasingly enhanced positions in the international arena and always aiming for sustainable development, Viet Nam and Finland are determined to expand cooperation in areas such as energy transition, building a circular economy, etc.
Viet Nam and Finland established diplomatic relations in January 1973. Since then, a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries has opened. The Embassy of Finland in Ha Noi was established in 1974, and Viet Nam opened its embassy in Helsinki in 2005.
Finland has considered Viet Nam a priority partner in allocating development assistance in areas of importance to Viet Nam's socio-economic development, such as hunger eradication, poverty reduction, education and training, clean water system construction, etc.
Over time, the relationship between the two countries has gradually transformed from development cooperation to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Viet Nam always appreciates Finland’s role and position in the European Union (EU) and attaches importance to deepening cooperation with Finland in various fields.
Meanwhile, as an active member of the EU, Finland strongly supports the strengthening of Viet Nam-EU relations and promotes the effective implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), in order to bring practical benefits to the business communities and peoples of the two countries. Economic cooperation is a highlight of the Viet Nam-Finland relationship, with increasingly bright prospects.
The two economies have characteristics that can complement each other for mutual development. Finland is a country famous for its technological development and innovation in line with the new development trends of the world economy.
Meanwhile, Viet Nam has an abundant and dynamic young workforce with great potential in technology. In the context of Finland seeking high-quality human resources to meet development needs, Viet Nam has emerged as a potential partner in the field of labour.
In addition, bilateral trade and investment maintained a stable growth momentum, with new developments in areas where Finland has strengths and Viet Nam has needs, such as digital transformation, information and communication technology, agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, etc.
In addition to economics, Viet Nam and Finland also focus on close cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, thereby opening new driving forces for bilateral relations in the era of globalisation.
During the working visit to Finland by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in November 2024, during meetings with Finnish leaders, the deputy PM expressed his wish that the European country would share its experience in helping Viet Nam build a circular economy, increase plastic waste recycling, and develop renewable energy.
Finnish leaders highly appreciated Viet Nam’s efforts in energy transition and climate change response and affirmed that Finland is ready to support Viet Nam in achieving the Net Zero target by 2050.
Viet Nam-Finland relations are also strengthened by the friendship between the people of the two countries. With about 16,000 members, the Vietnamese community in Finland is always united and supportive of each other. Many Vietnamese people living and working in Finland have been successful in the fields of business, science and technology, etc., actively promoting their role as a bridge while promoting understanding and connection between the two peoples.
After more than 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations, Viet Nam and Finland have achieved many proud cooperative achievements. With the potential and strengths of each country, the prospects for bilateral cooperation are still very open.
On the basis of good friendship and constantly strengthened political trust, Viet Nam and Finland are striving to promote the upgrading of bilateral relations to new heights, for the benefit of the two peoples, while contributing to peace and development in the regions and around the world.
