State Secretary Sara Modig of Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise works with leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade during a recent visit to Vietnam. (Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi)

Bao Tram: Thank you, Ms. Sara Modig, for taking your time with us. Your visit to Vietnam this time focused on railway development—especially the North–South high-speed rail project—and greener seaports. How can Sweden help Vietnam move forward in these areas?

Sara Modig: Swedish companies such as ABB and Atlas, Copco, Ericsson, Volvo, SKF, and many others are already contributing to Vietnam's industrial modernization and port infrastructure. Sweden continuously ranks number 2 in the Global Innovation Index, highlighting or strengthening research sustainability and technology, so we can offer extensive experience in safe and efficient people-centered infrastructure, including high-speed rail, urban mobility, and smart cities. And I think, by building these partnerships together, we can help Vietnam develop a low-carbon, digitally connected, globally competitive transport system that can support the green transition.

Bao Tram: During the visit, you met with Swedish businesses operating in Vietnam. What makes Vietnam an attractive destination for Swedish investors?

Sara Modig: Swedish companies see Vietnam, not only as a promising market, but as a long-term partner in innovation and sustainability and value creation. Your country's skilled workforce and expanding industrial base make it a good, dynamic environment for green and high-tech investments. Trust and openness between Swedish and Vietnamese partners are the key to expanding business collaboration.

State Secretary Sara Modig of Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise works with leaders of Hai Phong city. (Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi)

Bao Tram: Sweden and Vietnam are both working toward green, inclusive growth. Sweden has managed to reduce emissions while maintaining strong economic performance. What lessons from that success might be useful for Vietnam?

Sara Modig: I definitely think it's possible to combine the two. Sweden has shown that growth and emission reduction can go hand in hand. Since 1990 we’ve doubled our GDP, and at the same time, we’ve reduced our emissions. I think that success was driven by predictable policies like carbon pricing, green procurement, and long-term climate targets like you've had. And I think the triple helix model that we work with – a collaboration between the government, academia, and business – helped to turn innovation into action. I think investing in education, research, digital infrastructure, and technology kept the pace in this transformation, and Sweden is ready to share our experiences and co-develop solutions to support Vietnam’s green and digital transformation.

Bao Tram: Thank you, Ms. Sara Modig, State Secretary of Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, for spending this time with VOV24/7.

Sara Modig: Thank you.