STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FRESH IMPETUS TO THE VIETNAM AND CZECH TIES
Text: H.E. Mr. Hoai Nam DUONG; Photo: Archive
The beginning of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic this year (1950 – 2025) is significantly marked by the official visit of H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the S.R. of Vietnam, and his spouse to the Czech Republic from 18th to 20th January 2025.
This is the first visit by a Head of the Vietnamese government to this country in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. H.E. Pham Minh Chinh is also the first foreign leader to set foot in Czechia in 2025. The visit is expected to mark a new milestone and open a new phase of bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, one which is based on mutual respect and common interests. During the visit, H.E. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Czech counterpart, H.E. Petr Fiala, will declare a Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, reflecting a shared desire to build a forward-looking relationship between the two countries.
Having traced a 75-year arc of progress in the relation- ship between the two nations, it can be said that the Vietnam – Czech ties have never been stronger. Politically, Vietnam and Czechia share a vision for a world that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous, and where sovereignty and international law are respected.
H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and H.E. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
Both sides have maintained frequent contacts, dialogues, and exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high-level visits, with the most notable ones being the official visit to Vietnam by H.E. Prime Minister Petr Fiala in April 2023 and the most recent visit to the Czech Republic by H.E. Madam Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan last November. The two countries support each other in numerous international and regional organizations and arrangements.
Economically, the bilateral trade turnover is growing robustly, providing a strong foundation for the relationship. The two-way trade volume between Vietnam and the Czech Republic reached approximately USD 3.8 billion in 2024, marking a 26% increase from the same period in 2023.
Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the region, driven by export-oriented manufacturing, foreign direct H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Vietnam investment, and increasingly strong domestic demand.
The country is committed to global economic integration and trade liberalization through its active participation in numerous global and regional arrangements, namely the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC), the Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and a growing network of free trade agreements, notably the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Vietnam and Czechia are also working together through the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the European Union – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Vietnam’s strong economic growth, shift towards increasing trade openness, and expanding middle class have increased the demand for imported goods. This creates significant opportunities for Czech exporters of consumer goods, cotton and wool, machinery, auto parts, and professional services.
The same trends have increased Vietnam’s demand for education and training services. The need for training in areas such as business and management, international trade law, and information technology remains high, especially in the major urban centers.
H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Vietnam
Meanwhile, the Czech manufacturing and mining industry, as well as its electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances, and education, all have a strong reputation in Vietnam. Czechia is regarded as a modern, technologically advanced, and friendly country. Long-term trade and investment opportunities should increase in line with the two countries’ progress in harnessing benefits from the implementation of EVFTA and EVIPA.
Other areas of bilateral cooperation are also flourishing, including defense and security, education and training, science and technology, agriculture, culture, tourism, etc. Among them, cooperation in defense and security is a highlight. Both sides are working closely in the defense industry, as well as in military trade, the exchange of personnel and training, and peace-keeping operations. They are also collaborating in the fight and prevention of transnational organized crimes and drug-trafficking.
Perhaps most vital to the two nations’ future together is people-to-people ties. They have been, and continue to be, the very heart of bilateral relations, particularly when the Strategic Partnership comes into being. That includes 100,000 Vietnamese people currently residing in Czechia, who strengthen communities all across the Heart of Europe every single day and are making meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. They are also serving as a bridge, connecting the two nations. The potential for future cooperation between Vietnam and Czechia is huge. The Strategic Partnership established during this upcoming visit to the Czech Republic by H.E. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will provide fresh impetus towards enhancing mutual political trust, as well as supporting expanded cooperation in new areas of mutual interest, including, among others, climate, environment, and energy, and digital transformation and innovation. A direct flight route will add beauty and color to this flourishing bilateral relationship. This will make Vietnam and the Czech Republic become each others’ top-tier partners at an important time for both nations.