Copenhagen (VNA) - National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh paid a working visit to Denmark from September 12–13, engaging with key Danish leaders and corporate executives to nurture bilateral ties and advance sustainable development goals.
Dinh met with Speaker of the Danish Parliament Søren Gade, Deputy Speaker Karsten Hønge, and Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee Steffen Larsen. He also held working sessions with Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Lars Weiss, Chairwoman of the Danish Parliament’s Economic and Trade Committee Louise Schack Elholm, and attended a roundtable with representatives of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) and major Danish corporations.
Speaker Gade praised Vietnam’s socio-economic strides, extensive global integration, and the growing comprehensive partnership and green strategic partnership between the two countries. He described the visit as a concrete step to deepen bilateral and inter-parliamentary relations.
Speaking highly of Vietnam’s strong commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, he pointed to the 2023 establishment of the Vietnam–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership as a milestone for expanded cooperation.
Dinh expressed gratitude for Denmark’s invaluable and effective support during Vietnam’s past struggles for independence and ongoing development. He outlined Vietnam’s recent achievements and ambitions, stressing that Vietnam considers Denmark a model in legislation, public administration, green transition, and digital transformation.
Vietnam values stronger bilateral cooperation across sci-tech, innovation; green, digital and circular economies, artificial intelligence, climate change response, and environment protection, he said.
He proposed increasing exchanges between the two legislatures and their committees, monitoring the progress of existing agreements, considering a cooperation agreement between the two parliaments, and establishing Vietnam - Denmark parliamentary friendship groups. He also conveyed an invitation from NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Speaker Gade to visit Vietnam, which was warmly accepted.
In a working session with Chairwoman Elholm, Dinh affirmed Vietnam’s strong support for Danish investment projects, particularly those in renewable energy and green growth, pledging all possible support for Danish investors.
Elholm highlighted Vietnam Airlines’ planned direct Hanoi-Copenhagen flight, set for December 2025, as a boost for trade, tourism, and cultural ties. She noted the presence of Danish giants such as Lego and Pandora in Vietnam as proof of its promising investment climate, adding that Danish companies are eager to expand operations.
In his meeting with Lord Mayor Weiss, Dinh pitched partnerships between Copenhagen, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City to develop Hanoi’s Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park and biotech zone, as well as Ho Chi Minh City’s International Financial Centre.
Dinh urged Denmark, as the EU’s rotating president in the second half of 2025, to push for the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood exports.
On global and regional issues, Denmark reaffirmed support for settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, the UN Charter, and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Vietnamese leader thanked Danish authorities for supporting the Vietnamese community’s integration while preserving their cultural identity, urging continued assistance.
At a roundtable with executives from Lego, Pandora, Maersk, and other firms, Dinh showcased Vietnam’s investor-friendly environment and addressed business concerns.
Danish companies praised Vietnam’s growth potential and committed to expanding long-term investments. Danish Industry (DI), representing 19,000 firms, announced plans to open a Vietnam representative office soon.
On September 13, Dinh visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark and met with staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community./.
