EFTA parliamentarians visit Viet Nam to support free trade negotiations

The visit took place against the backdrop of the ongoing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between EFTA and Viet Nam, reflecting a shared ambition to deepen economic cooperation and promote sustainable growth through a comprehensive and modern FTA.

Led by Chair Mr Nikolai Astrup from the Norwegian Parliament, the delegation brought together ten parliamentarians from EFTA’s four Member States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). Two representatives from the EFTA Consultative Committee – a forum for trade unions and business associations from the EFTA States – joined the delegation as observers. 

The visit gave parliamentarians a direct sense of Viet Nam’s remarkable economic momentum, driven by bold ambitions, a competitive investment environment and sustained, rapid growth. Experiencing these dynamics on the ground reinforced the urgency of advancing FTA talks. 

From left to right: Mr Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, and Mr Nikolai Astrup, Chair of the EFTA Parliamentary Committee. 

Strengthening dialogue and supporting negotiations

In Hanoi, the delegation engaged in exchanges with members of the National Assembly and senior government officials, including the Vice Minister for Trade and Industry. Discussions focused on the negotiations, global economic uncertainties, and opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and research and innovation. Given the new geopolitical realities, the EFTA delegation emphasised the importance of upholding rules-based trade and close relations with like-minded partners.

A meeting with the Central Policy and Strategy Commission further reinforced the importance of aligning economic ambitions with sustainability goals – an increasingly central pillar of modern trade agreements. Exchanges with the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand brought a broader geopolitical dimension, with discussions touching on global trade dynamics and the CPTPP. Representatives from the International Labour Organization contributed to important discussions on trade and sustainable development. 

Throughout these engagements, parliamentarians emphasised their role in ratifying free trade agreements and their political support for concluding an FTA with Viet Nam. 

Experiencing Viet Nam’s dynamic economy 

The delegation then travelled to Hai Phong to gain first-hand insights into Viet Nam’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Visits included the electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, where the parliamentarians explored the company’s production facilities and discussed its ambitious global expansion plans. 

At the Deep C Industrial Zones, the delegation examined innovative approaches to eco-industrial park development and sustainable infrastructure – areas in which the EFTA countries, particularly Norway and Switzerland, are actively engaged. A roundtable with EFTA-affiliated business leaders provided further perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of operating in Viet Nam’s fast-growing market. 

Expanding cooperation in Ho Chi Minh City

The final leg of the visit took place in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic powerhouse. A meeting with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee focused on urban development strategies, investment priorities, and avenues for deeper collaboration with the EFTA countries. 

Field visits to significant international and EFTA-linked companies – including Jotun, Mowi, Nestlé, SPS Vietnam and VARD – offered additional insights into the breadth of economic cooperation already underway. Importantly, businesses were able to explain how an FTA would impact their operations and future. 

The EFTA Parliamentary Committee.

A clear signal of commitment

The parliamentary visit was timely as it coincided with the latest round of negotiations and sent a strong signal of EFTA’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Viet Nam. By reinforcing parliamentary engagement, supporting ongoing negotiations and laying the groundwork for future ratification, the delegation highlighted the shared ambition to conclude a comprehensive, forward-looking FTA that delivers sustainable economic benefits to all parties.  

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