Hanoi (VNA) – The upcoming official visit to Finland by Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, from October 20 to 22, is expected to strengthen the Vietnam- Finland traditional friendship and open up new opportunities for strategic collaboration between the two sides.
This is the first official visit by a Vietnamese Party General Secretary to Finland since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973. The visit demonstrates Vietnam’s consistent policy of treasuring its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Finland.
Sound partnership
Finland has long been a trusted friend and partner of Vietnam. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 25, 1973, Finland has supported Vietnam during its struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in national reconstruction and development.
The two countries have maintained close cooperation in various fields, particularly politics, diplomacy, trade, development cooperation, and education. Finland identifies Vietnam as a priority partner in Southeast Asia under its 2015 Action Plan for the region.
High-level visits and meetings have been regularly maintained. The two sides also maintain a regular mechanism for political consultations at the deputy minister and department director levels.
Vietnam and Finland have also supported each other at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations and ASEAN–EU framework. Finland views Vietnam as a gateway to Southeast Asia, and both share common stances on global peace, stability, and free trade.
Effective cooperation across sectors
Economic, trade and investment cooperation remains a key pillar in bilateral relations. Two-way trade reached 337.4 million USD in 2020 and increased to 422 million USD in 2024, with 216 million USD recorded in the first seven months of 2025.
Vietnam exports to Finland mainly steel, footwear, textiles, rubber, wooden products, bicycles, and electronic components, while importing machinery, equipment, chemicals, and paper products. Finland currently has 37 investment projects in Vietnam worth 50.8 million USD, while Vietnam has 10 projects in Finland with total capital of nearly 1.14 million USD. Finnish companies such as Nokia, KONE, Vaisala, and Valmet are active in Vietnam, contributing to digital transformation, green growth, and innovation.
Over the past five decades, Finland has provided Vietnam with non-refundable aid worth about 340 million USD, focusing on clean water supply, poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, and forestry. The two countries signed an agricultural cooperation memorandum in 2022, expanding bilateral trade in agriculture and forestry.
As a global leader in education, innovation, and green technology, Finland has extensive experience in clean energy, digital technology, and sustainable development – areas that align closely with Vietnam’s strategic priorities. The two sides have implemented the Vietnam–Finland Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) since 2008, laying a foundation for science and technology collaboration. A 2022 agreement between VNPT and Nokia on 5G networks, smart ports, and airports exemplifies the growing partnership in digital infrastructure.
Education-training cooperation has also flourished, with 18 memoranda of understanding signed between Vietnamese and Finnish universities. Nearly 2,500 Vietnamese students are studying in Finland in fields such as economy, IT, and tourism. In 2025, the two countries signed a memorandum on skilled labour mobility, allowing Vietnamese workers to work in Finland under standards equivalent to Finnish citizens.
The Vietnamese community of around 16,000 people in Finland serves as an important bridge fostering mutual understanding and friendship. Well integrated into Finnish society, they contribute positively to both countries’ development while preserving Vietnamese cultural traditions.
Milestone visit for deeper, more practical cooperation
Building on these strong foundations, the official visit to Finland by General Secretary Lam and his spouse marks an important milestone in the Vietnam–Finland relationship. It reflects Vietnam’s high regard for the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Finland. The visit reflects the depth, comprehensiveness, and strategic nature of bilateral ties.
During the visit, the Party leader is expected to hold talks and meetings with senior Finnish leaders, exchange views on future cooperation directions, and witness the signing of important agreements in key areas.
He will also meet with executives of major Finnish enterprises and visit economic and educational institutions that have partnerships with Vietnam, aiming to boost linkages in trade, science and technology, education, and innovation.
In addition to political and economic engagements, cultural and people-to-people exchanges will also be an important part of the visit. General Secretary Lam will meet with the Vietnamese community and Finnish friends, highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Finland Pham Thi Thanh Binh said the visit is expected to open a new phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Finland - one that is more substantive, effective, and sustainable. This aligns with Vietnam’s era of national rise, as well as the spirit of cooperation, innovation, and mutual support shared by both nations./.
