Traditional relations between Vietnam and Sweden, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have developed in many sectors in recent years.

Strengthening the traditional friendship

In 1969 Sweden became the first western country to set up diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has been expanded with bilateral trade revenue in 2016 reaching 1.2 billion USD. Sweden ranks 43^rd among 116 countries and territories investing in Vietnam thanks to major groups like Ericsson, ABB, IKEA, and Electrolux.

After Sweden, Ms. Ngan will visit Hungary. Since bilateral diplomatic ties was established in 1950, Vietnam has received much support from the State and people of Hungary. Thousands of Vietnamese scientists and engineers have studied in Hungary and many of them now hold important positions in the government. Bilateral trade revenue reached 200 million USD in 2016. By the end of 2016, Hungary had 15 projects in Vietnam with capital of over 50 million USD. Hungary invested in building the Can Tho Oncology Hospital.

The two countries have cooperated in education, tourism, education, healthcare, and the environment and regularly hold a Culture Week to strengthen mutual understanding.  About 4,000 Vietnamese are living in Hungary.

The Czech Republic was the first Eastern European country to provide ODA to Vietnam. Last year, two-way trade reached 250 million USD . The Czech Republic has 34 projects in Vietnam with a total investment of 90 million USD, ranking 45^th out of 116 foreign investors in Vietnam.

In July, 2013, the Czech Republic recognised Czech nationals of Vietnamese origin as its 14^th ethnic minority group.

Enhancing multi-faceted relations with Sweden, Hungary, and the Czech Republic

The visit by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to Sweden, Hungary, and the Czech Republic will further strengthen friendly relations, particularly legislative relations. She will lobby their parliaments to ratify the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement.