Sebastian Gassner during the EFTA Parliamentary Committee’s visit to Vietnam | Image source: EFTA
From April 20 to 24, 2026, a high-level delegation from the EFTA Parliamentary Committee made an official working visit to Vietnam. The aim of the trip was to reaffirm political support for the ongoing free trade negotiations and to strengthen parliamentary dialogue.
The visit took place against the backdrop of the ongoing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between EFTA and Vietnam. It reflects the common will to deepen economic cooperation and promote sustainable growth through a comprehensive and modern agreement.
The delegation was led by Nikolai Astrup, Chairman of the EFTA Parliamentary Committee from the Norwegian Parliament. He was supported by ten parliamentarians from the four EFTA member states Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Two representatives of the EFTA Advisory Committee – a body for trade unions and business associations from the EFTA states – also took part as observers.
Conversations in Hanoi: Trade, sustainability and the geopolitical situation
In Hanoi, the delegation exchanged views with members of the National Assembly and senior government officials, including Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. Discussions focused on ongoing negotiations, global economic uncertainties and opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and research and innovation.
Given the new geopolitical realities, EFTA parliamentarians emphasized the importance of rules-based trade relations and close partnerships with like-minded states. A meeting with the Central Policy and Strategy Commission underlined the need to balance economic goals with sustainability requirements – an increasingly central element of modern trade agreements.
Discussions with the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand brought a broader geopolitical perspective, including the CPTPP agreement. Representatives of the International Labor Organization (ILO) discussed issues related to trade and sustainable development. The parliamentarians emphasized their role in the ratification of free trade agreements and their political support for a successful conclusion of the negotiations with Vietnam.
Hai Phong: Insights into Vietnam’s industrial landscape
The delegation then traveled to Hai Phong to get an idea of Vietnam’s rapidly changing industrial landscape. The program included a visit to the electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, where parliamentarians toured the production facilities and discussed the company’s ambitious global expansion plans.
In the Deep-C industrial zones, the delegation learned about innovative approaches to the development of eco-industrial parks and sustainable infrastructure – areas in which the EFTA States, particularly Norway and Switzerland, are actively involved. A round table discussion with company representatives close to EFTA provided further insights into the opportunities and challenges of the Vietnamese market.
Ho Chi Minh City: Cooperation in the economic center
The final leg of the trip led to Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s economic center. A meeting with the city’s People’s Committee discussed urban development strategies, investment priorities and ways to deepen cooperation with EFTA countries.
Company visits to internationally active and EFTA-affiliated companies – including Jotun, Mowi, Nestlé, SPS Vietnam and VARD – illustrated the breadth of the existing economic ties. The company representatives were able to explain what effects a free trade agreement would have on their business activities and future plans.
Clear commitment to a future-oriented agreement
The parliamentary visit came at the right time: it coincided with the latest round of negotiations and sent a strong signal of EFTA’s commitment to deepening the partnership with Vietnam. By strengthening parliamentary dialogue, supporting ongoing negotiations and preparing for future ratification, the delegation underlined the common will to conclude a comprehensive and forward-looking free trade agreement that brings sustainable economic benefits to all parties involved.
