Norway and Viet Nam cooperate across a broad range of areas, both bilaterally and through regional and multilateral frameworks, including ASEAN and the United Nations. While development cooperation was an important part of the relationship's history, the focus today is increasingly on shared interests, sustainable development, green economic growth and cooperation between public institutions, businesses, research communities and civil society.
Green transition, climate and environment are at the heart of current cooperation. The Green Strategic Partnership established in 2026 continues to strengthen cooperation on climate action, nature protection, green shipping, circular economy and sustainable ocean management, while creating opportunities for closer business cooperation and green economic development.
Oceans, fisheries and aquaculture have long been important areas of cooperation. The two countries share experience and expertise in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine resource management and ocean governance. Cooperation increasingly focuses on knowledge, technology, research and business to support sustainable development of the blue economy.
Renewable energy, green shipping and sustainable industries are growing areas of cooperation. Norway's experience in renewable energy, maritime industries and green technologies provides opportunities for cooperation as Viet Nam advances its energy transition and develops more sustainable industries and infrastructure.
Circular economy, science, technology and innovation are increasingly important to both countries. Cooperation includes resource efficiency, recycling, green production, digitalisation, research and knowledge exchange, with opportunities for closer links between research institutions, businesses and other stakeholders.
Trade, investment and business cooperation are an important part of the relationship. Norway and Viet Nam work to strengthen trade and investment ties and promote business-to-business cooperation. In July 2026, Viet Nam and the EFTA states – Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein – concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, marking an important step towards closer economic relations.
Education, research and people-to-people cooperation remain important elements of the partnership. The two countries cooperate through educational and research programs, knowledge exchange, cultural activities and other initiatives that strengthen connections between people and institutions in Norway and Viet Nam.
Human rights, peace and multilateral cooperation are part of the bilateral dialogue and international engagement. Norway and Viet Nam work together through the United Nations and other international forums on issues including international law, sustainable and inclusive development, climate and the environment, oceans and the rules-based international order.
ASEAN and regional cooperation provide an important additional dimension to the relationship. Viet Nam's active role in ASEAN creates opportunities for cooperation through the ASEAN–Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, established in 2015. The ASEAN–Norway cooperation framework for 2026–2030 covers areas including trade and investment, science and technology, the green transition, circular economy, green shipping, climate and environmental protection, ocean sustainability, education, human rights, peace and security, connectivity and sustainable development.
Through these different channels, Norway and Viet Nam work together on shared priorities and practical solutions, with increasing emphasis on green and sustainable development, economic cooperation, oceans, innovation and effective multilateral cooperation.