Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora Van Nieuwenhuizen (L) and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan

The Netherlands was one of the first western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in April, 1973. This is the first official visit of Vietnam’s top legislator to the Netherlands.

Outstanding achievements

Over the past 45 years Vietnam-Netherlands cooperative relations have progressed in all sectors. They became strategic partners in climate change response and water management in 2010 and food security and sustainable agriculture in 2014. The cooperative results were the continuation of trade relations dating back 400 years, when Dutch vessels docked in Hoi An port to trade rice, pepper and other goods.

NA Chairwoman Ngan spoke highly of businesspeople’s contributions at a meeting to mark 45 years of Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic ties. “Dutch businesspeople have promoted dynamism with the Netherlands affirming its role as Vietnam’s leading European investment and trade partner with famous brand names like Heineken, Damen, Unilever, Fiesland Campina and Philips. Together with Vietnamese partners, Dutch businesses have contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, international integration, and public interests.”

The Netherlands is the largest import market for Vietnamese products in the European Union. Import and export turnover totaled 7.8 billion USD in 2017. The Netherlands is one of the top EU investors in Vietnam. The average value of a Dutch project is 27 billion USD, which is twice the average for foreign investment projects in Vietnam.  

Vietnam and the Netherlands have created new cooperative frameworks in marine economy, infrastructure, agriculture, defense, and education.

A congress to establish the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association for 2013-2018 term.

Cooperative prospects

Based on reliable friendship, political determination, potential, demand for cooperation, and mutual economic interests, bilateral relations should continue to flourish. Cultural and art exchanges and trade and investment promotion activities this year will move Vietnam and the Netherlands closer to each other.

 At meetings in the Netherlands, National Assembly Chairwoman Ngan will introduce Vietnam’s current socio-economic situation and policies on external relations, investment, and trade, and will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties toward a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Parliamentary leaders will exchange opinions on legislative work and cooperation at multilateral parliamentary forums such as IPU and ASEP.