Serving on the eve of an anniversary
H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Vietnam
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I was born in Hanoi, the Capital City of Vietnam. I studied English and Economic Management at the Hanoi University for Teachers of Foreign Languages (HUTFUL) and the National Economic University of Vietnam, respectively. I then got a Master’s degree in international relations at George Washington University in the United States.
I have served as a career diplomat for over 30 years now and have held a variety of roles such as America Desk Officer, Economic and Trade Negotiator, and Spokesperson and Interpreter for top leaders of Vietnam. For my career journey of over 30 years I have been to many countries, experiencing different cultures and meeting with a lot of people. I always find my job exciting and rewarding.
If asked to highlight the most exciting adventure of your professional career, what would you talk about?
Being part of the Vietnamese team responsible for UN Security Council issues during Vietnam’s first time as a non-permanent member of the UNSC (2008-2009) was truly a challenging and intense time for me. We had to engage in debates and express our positions on a series of sensitive issues which have the thin line between right and wrong, such as between secession and national self-determination, or between terrorists or freedom fighters, just to name a few.
And, I think I have learned a lot from such interesting philosophical arguments.
From right: Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic and H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Vietnam
You now represent your country as an ambassador. What made you assume this role?
Throughout my entire career, I have tried to accumulate experience and develop extensive skills in various aspects of diplomacy. I think that my dedication to and passion for the job have made me become an ambassador.
Until now, I have served as a diplomat in three countries, namely the United States, Australia, and now Czechia. Each country always leaves deep imprints on my heart.
You commenced your duty as Ambassador of Vietnam to the Czech Republic in March 2024, which makes it just a few months ago. Can you share some of your impressions so far?
This is my first time in this beautiful country. I am very impressed with the ancient and unique architecture of Prague. It is unique in the sense that Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo architecture can be found throughout the city. It is also worth mentioning that Czech people are very friendly and open-minded.
I am proud to represent my country in the Czech Republic, particularly at a time when the two countries are preparing to celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Both Vietnam and Czechia are working very closely together to bring this relationship to new heights on this occasion.
Does your current role seamlessly fit into your lifestyle?
I can tell you that being a diplomat is exciting. It also involves a lot of hard work and a great deal of selflessness. We, as diplomats, do not work for ourselves – we work for our country and people. This responsibility can, at times, be crushing to bear. But it is so worth it when things go well and our interests are advanced.
Regarding my free-time activities, I must say that as Ambassador I don’t have much of it. Playing golf and meeting with my fellow Vietnamese in Czechia on the weekends are my favourite activities of choice.
What do you feel is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?
Although being an ambassador is rewarding in many ways, one of the most difficult things is being away from our home country, friends, family, and everything we are accustomed to. It is simply because this job often requires frequent relocations, sometimes to remote or politically unstable regions, which can disrupt our personal lives. It is also difficult for our kids to immerse themselves in frequently changing learning environments.
Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?
Being an ambassador requires a high level of professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to adapt to new environments. It can be a challenging and rewarding career for those who are well-suited to it. So, my advice to them is that passion, dedication, and hard work make for an excellent Ambassador.
Vietnam has one of the biggest Skoda Car factories outside of the Czech Republic. Are there any plans for enhanced cooperation between the two countries?
Vietnam and the Czech Republic are enjoying a time-tested friendship and multifaceted cooperation. The two economies are highly complementary, which promises broad prospects for stronger cooperation, particularly in areas where each country has the edge.
For Czechia, these areas can be manufacturing, mining, heavy industry, chemical industry, pharmaceutical production, education, and training. For Vietnam, its strengths include information technology, agricultural products, garment and textiles, footwear, culture, and tourism.
Choosing our holiday destination to enjoy ourselves to the fullest is a high priority for many Czech people, and it seems Vietnam has been gaining in popularity. How do you promote your country?
As you know, Vietnam is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is endowed with many beautiful white-sand beaches. And it is also worth mentioning that Vietnamese food has been conquering millions of food lovers around the world.
A direct flight between Vietnam and Czechia, once established, will untap the huge potential for connectivity and cooperation between the two countries.
From right: President Petr Pavel and H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam, Ambassador of Vietnam
Can you evaluate the current status of Czech-Vietnamese relations?
The relationship between Vietnam and the Czech Republic has been constantly flourishing across the board over the past decades.
Now, fast forward to 2025: We are on the eve of the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, and have a trade relationship that has reached a record high of US$ 2.9 billion in 2023. That is more than 10 times greater than a decade ago. Vietnam is proud to be Czechia’s largest trading partner among the ASEAN Member States.
We want to see this continue to grow. As I mentioned earlier, a direct flight between the two countries will significantly deepen our trade and investment ties, as well as people-to-people exchange.
In other areas, we have very beneficial and cooperative relations across the full spectrum of issues, whether it is defence and security or climate, energy, education, culture, labour, and virtually any area you can think of.
And, of course, we are very proud of the fact that we have about 100,000 Vietnamese people residing in Czechia. The Vietnamese community has made outstanding contributions to Czech society since it was recognized by the government as the Czech Republic’s 14th ethnic minority group in 2013. They truly serve as a bridge that fosters a closer bond between our two countries.
Vietnam and the Czech Republic are working very closely together today, and I think what has driven that growth over the last 10 years – and will continue to drive it – is our shared realization that Vietnam and Czechia are good for each other, and that our cooperation benefits peoples of both countries.
To conclude, what are your wishes for your home country of Vietnam, and for your host country of Czechia?
Elevating the Vietnam-Czech Republic relationship to new heights is always high on my agenda, especially in 2025 when our two countries celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This has been my ardent desire since I commenced my duties in Prague, back in March, and I will do my utmost to make it become true as this will bring benefits to our two countries and peoples.
I also wish our bilateral ties will be ever stronger, and that our two countries and peoples will continue to enjoy peace and prosperity!