Vietnam and Norway have a long history of diplomatic and economic cooperation. From your perspective, what are the key areas where the two countries can further strengthen their collaboration?

Norway and Vietnam have numerous opportunities in the years ahead to deepen cooperation, particularly in areas of shared priority, such as climate action and sustainable ocean management. Both countries are committed to combating climate change while ensuring that their oceans remain clean, healthy, and productive.

A key sector for collaboration is renewable energy, including the entire value chain for solar, wind, and hydropower. As Vietnam transitions towards a greener economy, Norwegian expertise in these areas can contribute significantly to its energy goals. Additionally, aquaculture presents immense potential, building on the strong foundation of agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Another promising area is green shipping. Over the past year, interest in sustainable maritime solutions has grown, both from Norwegian companies exploring opportunities in Vietnam and from Vietnamese stakeholders seeking advanced technologies and expertise from Norway. This trend signals exciting prospects for collaboration in decarbonizing the maritime sector and fostering innovation in shipbuilding and logistics.

How can Vietnam and Norway collaborate more in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and especially the maritime industry?

Norway and Vietnam already have several exciting collaborations in these areas. One key initiative is Norway’s support in developing marine spatial planning; a fundamental framework that helps governments and industries make informed decisions about ocean resource management. This approach integrates environmental considerations with the needs of various ocean industries, including fisheries, tourism, defense, and offshore wind, ensuring sustainable resource utilization while minimizing environmental impact and carbon footprint.

Another major area of cooperation is the circular economy, particularly in waste management and plastic pollution prevention. Norway and Vietnam have worked closely to address the growing challenge of marine plastic waste, which severely impacts marine life, fisheries, and ocean-based industries such as tourism. Reducing plastic leakage into the ocean is a shared priority, as it directly affects both environmental sustainability and economic sectors that depend on healthy marine ecosystems. Strengthening our partnership will be crucial for advancing international efforts to protect our oceans.

Norway is known for its expertise in sustainability and environmental governance. How can Norway support Vietnam in achieving its green growth and net-zero emissions targets?

Vietnam has set highly-ambitious green growth and net-zero targets, and Norway is on a similar path. This creates a strong foundation for collaboration, allowing both countries to exchange experience and strategies for a successful green transformation. While each nation must tailor its approach to fit its unique industrial profile and natural resources, there are several key areas where Norway’s experience can offer valuable insights.

One of the most critical factors in Norway’s transition has been a strong, coordinated government approach. Effective green transformation requires inter-ministerial cooperation, ensuring that all relevant agencies align their strategies and policies to create a unified national roadmap. This holistic approach has been instrumental in driving sustainable industrial development.

Another key success factor in Norway has been the close collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and research institutions. This partnership ensures that policies are not only informed by the latest scientific and technological advancements but are also practical and aligned with the needs of businesses. By fostering such cooperation, Norway has been able to develop precise, actionable policies that support innovation and technological progress in the green economy.

Vietnam and Norway share many similarities in their sustainability goals. By strengthening collaboration in these areas, both countries can accelerate their transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.

What makes Vietnam an attractive partner for Norway in the journey to green growth?

Norway and Vietnam share many commonalities that make us natural partners in green growth. Both have long coastlines that play a crucial role in their economies as well as open economies that are highly dependent on international trade. Most importantly, we share a strong commitment to combating climate change and preserving our oceans, ensuring they remain clean, healthy, and productive for future generations. This shared vision provides a solid foundation for collaboration across various sectors, particularly in ocean-based industries.

One of the most exciting areas of cooperation is sustainable ocean industries. Both Norway and Vietnam have extensive experience in fisheries and aquaculture, and these sectors are undergoing significant transformations as we work towards more sustainable practices. Norway has been a leader in developing technology-driven, environmentally-responsible aquaculture, and we see great potential in sharing our expertise with Vietnam to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Beyond traditional industries, Vietnam’s growing focus on offshore wind and renewable energy aligns closely with Norway’s strengths. Norway has been a pioneer in offshore wind and green maritime solutions, and there is immense potential for knowledge exchange in these fields. Norwegian companies increasingly view Vietnam as a strategic partner in offshore wind development, given Vietnam’s favorable conditions, including strong wind resources and existing expertise in offshore industries from its oil and gas sector. By working together, we can accelerate Vietnam’s transition to clean energy while fostering innovation and investment.

Furthermore, regulatory cooperation between our governments will be key to ensuring a smooth transition to green growth. Norway has developed comprehensive frameworks for environmental governance and sustainable industry practices, and we see opportunities to share insights with Vietnam as it strengthens policies to attract green investments. Establishing clear, transparent regulations will be crucial in boosting business confidence and enabling private sector-led solutions.

Ultimately, while governments set the framework, businesses will drive real change towards a greener future. Norwegian companies entering the Vietnamese market bring not only technical expertise and innovative technologies but also a strong commitment to sustainability and knowledge-sharing. They are eager to collaborate with local partners to develop solutions tailored to Vietnam’s needs, creating long-term value for both sides.

In short, Vietnam’s dynamic economy, strategic location, and commitment to sustainability make it a highly-attractive partner for Norway in the journey to green growth. With continued collaboration at the government, industry, and research levels, we can work together to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

From your experience working in Vietnam, what aspect of Vietnam’s green transformation has impressed you the most?

First and foremost, I am deeply impressed by Vietnam’s commitment to setting clear and ambitious goals for its green transformation. The strong and consistent message from the Vietnamese Government about moving toward a greener, more sustainable future is highly encouraging. Vietnam is demonstrating a serious effort to align its development with global sustainability standards, and that level of commitment is commendable.

Additionally, Vietnam’s proactive approach to attracting international investment and technology in the renewable energy sector is remarkable. There is growing interest from global energy players, including Norwegian companies, in partnering with Vietnam to develop green technologies, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainable infrastructure projects. This openness to collaboration and knowledge exchange will be crucial in ensuring the success of Vietnam’s green transformation.

Overall, Vietnam’s combination of clear policy direction, technical expertise, and willingness to embrace innovation positions the country as a key player in the global shift towards sustainability. I believe that with continued effort and strong international partnerships, Vietnam can become a leader in green energy development in the region.