Promote Innovation Connection between Vietnam and Europe
	Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association in Europe Debuts

The conference was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the embassies of six Central and Eastern European countries to Vietnam, including Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria in Vietnam. These countries were among the first in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1950.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha delivers remarks at the conference. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha affirmed that the long-standing and traditional friendship between Vietnam and Central and Eastern European countries had overcome numerous historical challenges. He emphasized that the conference was a valuable opportunity for both sides to revisit their 75-year journey of cooperation, while also shaping future directions and expanding collaboration in complementary areas to promote peace and sustainable development in the region and around the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha expressed appreciation for the valuable, effective, and sincere support extended by the Central and Eastern European countries. This support was not only material but also reflected a deep spiritual solidarity and a shared commitment to peace, independence, and freedom. Numerous hospitals, schools, and factories funded by these countries had become lasting symbols of friendship.

While acknowledging the positive outcomes achieved in bilateral cooperation over recent years, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that such results remain modest in comparison to the full potential of both sides. He proposed five key areas of focus to elevate Vietnam-Central and Eastern Europe relations to new heights. These include enhancing political dialogue to build trust and mutual understanding; promoting economic cooperation with the goal of increasing bilateral trade to USD 15 billion by 2030, and expanding into areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, scientific and technological collaboration, and training and education; continuing to strengthen traditional sectors of cooperation while deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges; intensifying effective multilateral coordination, including through joint initiatives such as the ASEAN-EU Green Cooperation Fund to realize the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to creating favorable policy, legal, and investment environments to support mutual development.

An overview of the conference. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The conference also brought forth numerous specific proposals for cooperation. Czech Ambassador to Vietnam Hynek Kmonicek emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, flexible visa policies, and direct flight connectivity as elements that offer tangible benefits for both sides. He called for the introduction of short-term visa exemptions for all Czech tourists visiting Vietnam and advocated for the opening of direct flight routes between Vietnam and major Czech cities.

Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Quyet Thang, President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology and President of the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association proposed three long-term initiatives. These include promoting people-to-people diplomacy through the expansion of friendship associations; establishing university-research alliances between Vietnam and Central and Eastern European countries; and enhancing business cooperation in sectors such as agricultural processing, value-added products from farm produce, roses, and pharmaceuticals.

He stressed that both Vietnam and Central and Eastern Europe are facing a window of opportunity that must be actively seized to shape a desirable future.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang described the conference as an occasion to reflect on the proud journey of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Central and Eastern European nations. She praised the conference’s achievements in both scope and depth, highlighting that the presentations and discussions had illustrated the dynamic development of relations in various fields.

A musical performance by children from the Vietnam–Bulgaria Kindergarten. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Many participants had proposed practical and innovative directions for expanding cooperation in the current context, including green, digital, and circular economies, innovation, and enhanced connectivity among small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to work closely with Central and Eastern European partners to translate ideas and initiatives into practical and effective cooperation programs that align with the interests and priorities of both sides. She expressed confidence that, based on a strong historical foundation, high levels of political trust, and ever-expanding potential for collaboration, the Vietnam-Central and Eastern Europe relationship would continue to grow in a robust, practical, and mutually beneficial manner.

Exploring Spanish Language at European Day of Languages 2024 in Hanoi The Spanish Embassy in Vietnam hoped the event would inspire many to continue their journey in mastering the Spanish language. The day served as a ...

Strengthening EU-Ho Chi Minh City Cooperation on Green and Digital Innovation Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) People's Committee Vo Van Hoan, held a working session with a delegation of European Union (EU) ...