These important documents lay a solid foundation for future joint projects, contributing to the expansion of practical and effective economic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the forum, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung noted that Italy is currently Vietnam's third-largest trading partner in the European Union. In the first seven months of 2025, two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Italy exceeded US$4.3 billion, up 5.1% year on year. Of the total, Vietnamese exports reached US$3.1 billion, up 4.5% while imports amounted to US$1.2 billion, up 6.7%.

In terms of investment, Italy currently has 162 active projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$624 million, ranking 32nd among 151 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Conversely, Vietnam has one investment project in Italy, with nearly US$700,000 in capital.

Hung emphasised that there remains vast untapped potential in economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries. He called on Italian enterprises, leveraging their strengths in technology, capital, and global market experience, to support Vietnam in accessing shifting investment flows, sustainable and green finance, as well as resources for science, technology, and innovation.

Vietnam, according to the Deputy Minister, is prioritising investment in sectors such as the green economy, digital economy, circular economy, and knowledge-based economy; science and technology; renewable energy; international financial centers; high-tech agriculture and industry; trade; and tourism.

He also called on Italy to play an active role in encouraging other EU member states to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thereby enhancing legal certainty and promoting investment flows.

He further called on Italian investors to facilitate deeper integration of Vietnamese businesses into global supply chains and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the digital economy, green economy, energy transition, free trade zones, and financial services.

Vietnam seen as a key player in Italy’s Asia strategy

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s economic potential and growing ties with Italy were the focus of the “Meeting Asia” conference in Rome, where experts highlighted the country’s role as Italy’s top ASEAN trade partner and a key market for future cooperation.