Creating the most favorable conditions for enterprises of both countries to cooperate and invest

Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung described the event as an important milestone, one of the first concrete steps toward upgrading bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during the Slovak Prime Minister’s visit. The presence of a large number of business representatives from both Vietnam and Slovakia reflected strong interest, expectations, and confidence in the potential and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Government leader noted that the Slovak Prime Minister and the Slovak delegation are the first foreign guests to visit Vietnam immediately after the country completed the consolidation of its senior leadership apparatus. This marks an important milestone in the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He added that, in accordance with Vietnamese tradition, such special guests are believed to bring good fortune, development, and closer cooperation in the future between the two countries and peoples.

He assessed that over more than 75 years, the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Slovakia has been continuously strengthened and developed, with economic, trade, and investment cooperation serving as one of the key pillars, making practical contributions to bilateral relations.

With the upgrade of ties to a Strategic Partnership, Vietnam becomes the first Southeast Asian country to establish such a relationship with Slovakia. This, he said, conveys a strong message about the determination of both sides, both governments, and both heads of government to generate new momentum and open a new strategic space, bringing bilateral relations to a higher, broader, and deeper stage of development.

He emphasized that while the contents agreed upon during the visit are highly important, more crucial is transforming determination into action and commitments into reality. “The two governments are committed to accompanying and creating the most favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to cooperate and invest. Enterprises can be assured of strong support from the governments and relevant ministries and agencies of both countries,” Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated.

Expressing satisfaction with positive cooperation results in recent years, the Prime Minister candidly noted that the scale of bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation remains not commensurate with the potential and strengths of both sides. It can be affirmed that there is still significant room for Vietnam - Slovakia cooperation, with many areas that can complement each other and form shared value chains oriented toward regional and global markets.

As an industrial hub of Central and Eastern Europe, Slovakia could serve as a strategic gateway for Vietnamese goods to access the EU market. Conversely, Vietnam stands ready to act as a gateway for Slovak enterprises to expand into the ASEAN region. In particular, the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has opened a broad space for cooperation, creating favorable conditions for businesses of both countries to expand and deepen collaboration and participate more extensively in global value chains.

Sharing with delegates, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said Vietnam is one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia - Pacific region, with a population of over 100 million. The economy ranks 32nd globally with a scale exceeding USD 514 billion in 2025. Vietnam is among the world’s top 20 countries in terms of international trade scale, with total import - export turnover reaching a record over USD 930 billion. GDP growth in 2025 reached 8.02%, among the highest in the region; in the first quarter of 2026 it was estimated at 7.83%. The macroeconomy remains stable, inflation is under control, and major economic balances are ensured. Vietnam is a member of 17 free trade agreements.

Priority directions for Vietnam - Slovakia cooperation in the coming period

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that on the path ahead, Vietnam always welcomes and encourages foreign investors and enterprises to cooperate, invest, and conduct long-term, sustainable business in Vietnam under the most favorable conditions. “We are committed to accompanying businesses, ready to support and protect the legitimate rights and interests of domestic and foreign investors, including Slovak enterprises and investors,” he said.

With that spirit, he outlined several key orientations for future Vietnam - Slovakia cooperation.

First, promoting cooperation in processing, manufacturing, and high technology: strengthening collaboration in areas where Slovakia has strengths such as the automotive industry, precision engineering, automation, and supporting industries, while enhancing linkages with Vietnam’s production ecosystem.

Second, cooperation in energy development and green transition: expanding collaboration in renewable energy, energy efficiency technologies, and sustainable development.

Third, cooperation in logistics and supply chain connectivity: making more effective use of the EVFTA to expand supply chains, enhance connectivity of Vietnamese goods to the EU market via Slovakia, and Slovak goods into ASEAN.

Fourth, cooperation in innovation and digital transformation: promoting collaboration in information technology, artificial intelligence, digital government, e-commerce, and digital services.

Fifth, cooperation in education, training, and human resource development: strengthening training for engineers and high-quality technical experts; promoting linkages between educational and research institutions of the two countries.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that, with the support, determination, and commitment of both governments and ministries, along with the dynamism and creativity of the business communities, Vietnam - Slovakia cooperation will continue to grow strongly, substantively, and effectively in the coming period, commensurate with the potential and strengths of each country.