Vietnam and Slovakia promote economic cooperation and expand bilateral investment

On 13 April 2026, during the official visit of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, the Vietnam–Slovakia Business Forum was held under the theme “Promoting economic cooperation, expanding bilateral investment opportunities.” The forum brought together leaders from ministries and trade promotion agencies, along with more than 400 enterprises from Vietnam and Slovakia.

Building on a 76-year friendship, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has continued to grow steadily. In 2025, bilateral trade reached 1.78 billion USD, with Vietnam recording a surplus of 1.7 billion USD. On investment, Slovakia has 9 projects in Vietnam with registered capital totaling about 247 million USD, while Vietnam has 1 investment project in Slovakia with total capital of 447,000 USD.

Focus areas for cooperation

Slovakia said it is seeking Vietnamese partners able to supply services and goods and to promote exchanges that could lead to joint ventures across multiple sectors. The sectors of interest include:

• Food and beverage technology
• Information and communications technology (ICT)
• Green technology
• Renewable energy
• Telecommunications
• Construction
• Mechanical engineering
• Finance
• Defense industry
• Healthcare
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cybersecurity
• Export-credit insurance
• Legal services

Leaders’ remarks and policy direction

Prime Minister Robert Fico, speaking at the forum, thanked the Vietnamese government and people for the warm reception. He said he expects the open and friendly atmosphere from discussions with Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng to continue, helping enable concrete cooperation agreements and the implementation of the upgraded strategic partnership framework.

Fico also reiterated Slovakia’s commitment to creating the most favorable conditions to implement cooperation under the new framework. He praised the Vietnamese community in Slovakia and pledged continued support for their study, settlement, and work.

Vietnam described Slovakia as a gateway to the European Union and a potential investment destination, while also viewing Vietnam as a platform to attract Slovak investment and as a bridge to the ASEAN region. The two governments committed to facilitating deeper cooperation, greater participation in global value chains, and leveraging free trade agreements, including EVFTA.

MOUs signed and expected outcomes

The forum’s highlight was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between enterprises from both countries, witnessed by the two prime ministers and senior officials. A total of seven MOUs were exchanged, covering manufacturing, technology, healthcare, finance, infrastructure, real estate, environment, and the development of industrial zones.

The agreements are expected to provide fresh momentum for bilateral economic cooperation and create concrete investment opportunities for enterprises in each market.