From trade to investment partnerships

As part of the 2026 trade promotion programme, a delegation of Nordic businesses will participate in Viet Nam International Sourcing 2026 (VIS 2026). Among them is The Daeg International Trade SIA, a Riga-based company specialising in international trade as well as the wholesale and retail distribution of food and Asian consumer products. This marks the company's first participation in the event.

Speaking with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy, Director General of the Viet Nam Trade Office in Sweden, which also covers the Nordic market, said the company is not only looking to source products for import and distribution but also seeking Vietnamese partners to explore investment opportunities in establishing food production facilities in Latvia. Its participation in VIS 2026 opens up a new avenue for cooperation, enabling Vietnamese products and manufacturing capabilities to become more deeply integrated into European supply chains.

In its next stage of development, the company aims to expand beyond import and export activities in Latvia and the European Union to become a stronger trade bridge between Viet Nam and Europe. It is looking for Vietnamese manufacturers, exporters and strategic partners interested in expanding into the Latvian and broader EU markets.

A key objective for The Daeg International Trade SIA is to identify capable Vietnamese food companies to jointly explore the establishment of a food manufacturing plant in Latvia. The goal is to develop production facilities that meet EU standards while serving the European market, creating more favourable conditions for Vietnamese ingredients, recipes, processing technologies and products to become part of regional supply chains.

This approach goes beyond conventional import activities. Rather than simply exporting finished products, businesses from both sides would have the opportunity to co-develop products, establish local production in Latvia and tailor products to the preferences of European consumers.

New opportunities for Viet Nam's food industry

According to the Viet Nam Trade Office in Sweden, which is also responsible for the Nordic region, The Daeg International Trade SIA is seeking partnerships with producers of processed foods, agricultural products, seasonings and beverages, as well as companies with competitive raw materials, proprietary recipes or advanced food processing technologies.

Potential partners should have stable production capacity, robust quality management systems and well-defined cooperation proposals. Discussions may cover raw material sourcing, production technologies, equipment, branding, investment capital, operating models and roadmaps for meeting EU standards.

VIS 2026 will provide an opportunity for both sides to assess compatibility, exchange development strategies and identify the next steps for project evaluation and implementation.

The participation of The Daeg International Trade SIA demonstrates that VIS is not only a platform for securing export orders but also a gateway to long-term partnerships in investment, manufacturing and market development. By combining Viet Nam's manufacturing strengths with the Latvian company's distribution network and market expertise, discussions at the event could lay the foundation for a new cooperation model, enabling Vietnamese products to gain a stronger presence in Europe's food value chain.

Previously, representatives of H&M told Industry and Trade Newspaper that 2026 marks the company's second consecutive year participating in VIS. The positive outcomes achieved during the previous edition have reinforced its decision to continue supporting the event. Participation has further strengthened H&M's view of Viet Nam as an important partner within its global sourcing network.

An H&M representative said: "VIS serves as an important bridge connecting Vietnamese businesses with international buyers. The event provides an opportunity for companies to engage directly, build relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving expectations of global markets."

VIS 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 3 to 5, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. The event will feature exhibitions, seminars and business matching activities connecting Vietnamese companies with international importers, distributors and business partners.