Minister Grlić Radman’s visit to Vietnam focused on strengthening economic cooperation

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on 18 and 19 May 2026, marking the first visit by a Croatian foreign minister to the country. The minister was accompanied by a representative Croatian business delegation, and the visit focused on strengthening economic cooperation, trade exchange, investment, and connections between Croatian and Vietnamese companies.

In Hanoi, Grlić Radman met with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Lê Minh Hưng, and held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General Phan Văn Giang, as well as Minister of Public Security General Lương Tam Quang.

During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed the traditionally good relations between Croatia and Vietnam and their readiness to further strengthen them, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation. It was highlighted that the strong political partnership, also confirmed during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, provides a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, science, tourism, and sport.

Croatia views Vietnam as an important partner within ASEAN and as one of the European Union's key partners in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam representing a large, dynamic, and rapidly growing market. Discussions focused on enhancing trade exchange, investments, transport connectivity, and joint projects, as well as on closer cooperation within the framework of EU-ASEAN relations.

One of the key areas identified for future cooperation is the defence industry. Grlić Radman emphasized that Croatian companies possess proven experience, high-quality products, and reliable capacities, supported strongly by the Government of the Republic of Croatia. Representatives of Agency Alan, HS Produkt, DOK-ING, Geolux, and Shadow Nautics presented their activities and capacities to the Vietnamese side and expressed readiness to further expand their engagement in the Vietnamese market.

In addition to the defence industry, ICT, nautical industries, shipbuilding, agriculture and the food industry, renewable energy sources, the pharmaceutical sector, and other forms of economic cooperation were highlighted as areas with strong potential for future collaboration. The minister also emphasized Croatia's strategic advantages as a member of the European Union, the euro area, and the Schengen Area, including its favourable geographical position and the ports of Rijeka and Ploče as important links in trade between Vietnam and Europe.

During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the diplomatic academies of the two ministries was signed, opening the way for further strengthening institutional cooperation and exchanges of diplomats, lecturers, students, and researchers.

The visit to Vietnam confirms the active role of Croatian diplomacy and the Government of the Republic of Croatia in creating new opportunities for Croatian companies in Asian markets.

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