Speaking at the session, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, head of the Vietnamese Delegation, praised Norway’s efforts in maintaining a transparent and open investment environment, as well as policies that promote digital trade. Notably, Norway’s mandatory electronic data exchange regulation through the value-added tax (VAT) system for e-commerce was highlighted as a positive step in reducing trade costs and enhancing cross-border trade.

He also acknowledged Norway’s strong commitment to sustainability and green growth. The enactment of the 2024 Transparency Act and amendments to public procurement regulations are considered concrete steps to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into trade policy.

At the multilateral level, the Ambassador welcomed Norway’s active engagement within WTO frameworks, including its participation in reform efforts regarding trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS), climate change and environmental initiatives, and its transparent approach to investment screening mechanisms.

On bilateral relations, he said, Vietnam–Norway trade continues to show encouraging results, with bilateral trade reaching US$653 million last year, and US$250 million in the first four months of 2025 alone, marking a 38.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

By the end of April 2025, Norway had 60 valid investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of over US$202 million. These projects focus on sectors such as maritime engineering, aquaculture, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing.

He welcomed the growing interest of Norwegian energy companies in supporting the country’s green transition, especially in offshore wind power development.

Looking ahead, he said, Vietnam wishes to further strengthen cooperation in areas where both countries have comparative advantages, such as the food and consumer goods industry, supporting industries, marine economy, and renewable energy.

Ahead of the review session, the Vietnamese representative submitted several questions to the WTO concerning Norway’s regulations and implementation in areas such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), technical barriers to trade (TBT), VAT on e-commerce, tariff rate quotas (TRQs), intellectual property, sustainable development, government procurement, and the investment regime.

Vietnam, Norway look towards deeper trade ties through EFTA FTA progress

VOV.VN - Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken has expressed hope to see substantial progress in the Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement this year, paving the way for deeper trade and investment ties between the two countries, as Norway celebrates the 211th National Day (May 17, 1814 – May 17, 2025).