Swedish Ambassador: “Hanoi people are very friendly, hard-working”
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation (October 10, 1954 – 2014) and 45th anniversary of Vietnam Sweden diplomatic relations, Swedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander gave an interview to Economic and Urban Newspaper.
Camilla Mellander shares her thoughts on potential areas that Swedish and Vietnamese partners/businesses can team up with each other in the future and also talk about the feelings and impressions of Hanoi - City for Ppeace and the Hanoi people. 2014 actually marks 45th anniversary of Vietnam Sweden diplomatic relations, what have been major achievements of the two countries during the last 45 years?
Sweden and Vietnam have a special reason to celebrate throughout 2014 since this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. We are very proud that we were the first western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1969, when there was still a war going on. Long-standing friendship and our support to Vietnam’s most critical development period and Đổi Mới, have laid a strong foundation for a unique and special relationship. Sweden was the second largest ODA donor of Vietnam in the 70’s, the largest in the 80’s and ranked fourth in the 90’s. Among projects built from Swedish ODA, Bai Bang Paper Mill and the National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hanoi are outstanding examples of joint achievements which last till presence. Over 4 decades, Sweden provided over 3 billion dollars for Vietnam, and according to an independent research by Sida in 2012, has contributed to improving the health and education and overall development levels of millions of Vietnamese citizens – a major achievement.
The relations between Vietnam and Sweden are potential in many areas. What should the two countries focus on to intensify and enhance cooperation in the near future?
I see a huge potential for future cooperation and especially within the commercial sector and through bilateral trade. Sweden is ranked as the fifth most competitive economy in the world and we have built a lot of that wealth based on knowledge and innovations.
The Swedish government’s goal is to increase trade with Vietnam. The last 12 months have witnessed several high level visits from Stockholm to Hanoi, particularly the visit headed by Gunnar Oom, Vice Minister for Trade that was a great success when he came with Swedish companies wanting to trade or expand business with Vietnam.
We think that by boosting trade ties with Vietnam, we can transfer our technology and exchange business solutions that will promote a culture of creativity and inspire Vietnamese innovations. Important sectors identified are urban transport, health care, clean tech, banking and ICT. The cooperation and sharing of ideas within these sectors have an enormous potential. As an example, we can help Vietnamese companies in thinking green which is a big comparative advantage, especially if you turn to the European market.
In general, the European buyers and consumers prefer products that are produced in a manner, which takes the environment and working conditions of the laborers into consideration. Swedish companies promote these values and have the ability to work together with Vietnamese firms in implementing them in the Vietnamese market as well. Of course, we also welcome Vietnamese companies to invest in Sweden. We are also looking forward to the finalisation of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and Vietnam this year, which will undoubtedly enhance trade going in both directions.
As a positive note, two-way trade volumes between our countries reached 1 billion USD for the first time last year and it is on increasing trend. The Swedish Embassy, together with Business Sweden, is actively supporting Swedish companies that are already here or wish to enter the market. We will keep working closely with trade promotion agencies from the Vietnamese side. Exchange of business delegations, participation in trade fairs in Vietnam and Sweden, and other match-making forums will be continued in the future, bringing businesses and companies from our two countries together. Sweden now has over 70 companies established in Vietnam. Many of them are very successful models in the local market, namely ABB, AtlasCopco, AstraZeneca, Electrolux, IKEA, SKF and TetraPak.
Sweden has much more to offer beyond Afred Nobel and ABBA. During 10-30 November, 2014, the Swedish Embassy will organize the flagship event of the Jubilee year called “Innovative Sweden” in Ho Chi Minh City. This is where we will showcase and share some of the cutting edge innovations that Sweden has to offer for Vietnam’s economic development.
For policymakers, innovators, businesses, mass media or young people that may have interests, I kindly invite you to please sign up and follow our Facebook at where we will make interesting posts about upcoming events as well as relevant information about Sweden.
I must say, Vietnam is a wonderful country with beautiful landscapes and young workforce. Since arriving in Hanoi two years ago, and I am enjoying my time here very much. The culture is rich with the old quarter and historical places around the city; cuisine is great with truly Hanoians food such as Pho and Bun Cha that I love trying from time to time. I like to dress in Áo Dài at special occasions and I would love finding out more about Vietnamese culture during the coming months. The most important, I believe, is that the people here are very friendly, hard-working and committed in whatever they have planned to do. The Embassy has received important support from Hanoi People’s Committee and different departments whenever we have a business delegation or an activity with the city, and I think overall it’s been very cooperative and fruitful to date.
Knowing that 10 of October, 2014 is the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi - the City for Peace, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the city for its past achievements, wish the leaders and people of Hanoi all the best and success for the future.
Thank you so much!
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