Hanoi (VNA) – ♋The potential for economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Italy remains vast, offering opportunities for stronger and more substantive growth, Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung said at the Vietnam – Italy Business Forum held in Hanoi on September 4.

The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria), served as an important milestone in fostering bilateral investment, trade, and business ties. Hung highlighted four features that define the Vietnam – Italy relationship: reliable partnership, complementary economies, warm and sincere friendship, and a shared aspiration for peace and progress. Since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2013, bilateral relations have achieved remarkable results, standing as a model of regional cooperation. Italy remains deeply connected to Vietnam through shared cultural values, historical links, and a common vision of peace, stability, and prosperity. Italy is currently Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union. In the first seven months of 2025, bilateral trade exceeded 4.3 billion USD, up 5.1% from the same period in 2024. Vietnam’s exports to Italy reached 3.1 billion USD, a 4.5% increase, while imports from Italy stood at 1.2 billion USD, up 6.7%. On investment, Italian investors have registered 162 projects in Vietnam with combined capital of over 624 million USD, ranking Italy 32nd among 151 countries and territories investing in the country. Meanwhile, Vietnam has invested in one project in Italy worth nearly 700,000 USD. According to Hung, Vietnam looks forward to Italian businesses leveraging their resources, expertise, and reputation to help Vietnam access global investment flows, green and sustainable finance, as well as investment in science, technology, and innovation. Vietnam is giving priority to projects in green, digital, circular, and knowledge-based economy; science and technology; renewable and new energy; international financial centre and green finance; high-tech agriculture and industry; and trade and tourism. This forum offers opportunities for connection and knowledge-sharing in four promising areas: mechanical engineering and agricultural technology; energy transition and circular economy; infrastructure and transport; and high technology and innovation, Hung noted. He also called on Italy to support early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by EU member states, and to create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in global supply chains. Both sides should expand cooperation in new fields such as digital economy, green economy, circular economy, energy transition, and free trade zones, the deputy minister said. Notably, as Vietnam is pursuing its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the country seeks to learn from Italy’s experience in renewable energy development and green economy initiatives. The forum witnessed the signing of more than 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering innovation and Industry 4.0, energy and infrastructure, financial and insurance cooperation, and trade and tourism promotion. These agreements provide a foundation for businesses from both countries to implement concrete projects in the near future. In addition, four thematic sessions were held on machinery and agricultural technology, energy transition and circular economy, infrastructure and transport, and high technology and innovation. These discussions offered updates on policies, opportunities, and development orientations in both countries, while creating space for businesses to explore practical cooperation. Business-to-business networking activities also took place, giving Vietnamese and Italian enterprises a chance to meet directly, seek partners, expand markets, and build long-term collaboration./.