Belgium-Vietnam relations

Bilateral Relations

Belgium and Vietnam have maintained diplomatic relations since 22 March 1973. Over the past decades, both countries have developed a relationship based on deep and multifaceted cooperation. The strong commitment of both countries has led to a close and fruitful partnership today. 

High‑level visits between the two countries take place on a regular basis, such as the visit of Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde to Vietnam in March 2012, the visit of Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party, to Belgium in January 2013, and the State Visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Vietnam in April 2025. 

The Belgian resolution in support of the victims of Agent Orange, adopted by the Chamber of Representatives in October 2023, is a world first and marks a milestone in bilateral relations between Belgium and Vietnam. 

Economic Relations

Economic relations between Belgium and Vietnam have grown significantly over recent decades. In 2020, the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) entered into force. Belgium is Vietnam’s fifth largest European trading partner. Total trade volume between the two countries amounts to approximately €4 billion, and continues to increase each year, reflecting growing economic complementarity. The main traded products include pharmaceuticals, machinery, diamonds, textiles, footwear and base metals. 

Belgian companies possess unique expertise and are active in Vietnam in the fields of green and smart logistics, renewable energy and sustainable construction. The largest Belgian investment in Vietnam is DEEP‑C, whose core mission is the sustainable development of industrial and port zones. In addition, numerous Belgian companies are active in Vietnam’s healthcare and biotechnology sectors. There are also major Belgian players in the agri‑food industry (cocoa, aquaculture, etc.). Since 2018, Belgium has been a strategic partner of Vietnam in the agricultural sector. 

Development Cooperation

Belgium contributed to Vietnam’s development from 1977 onwards, providing official development assistance of €20 to €25 million per year (see historical development cooperation in Vietnam). The bilateral development cooperation programme between Belgium and Vietnam officially ended in June 2019. Belgium now places strong emphasis on academic cooperation. Several Vietnamese and Belgian universities collaborate in the fields of food technology, aquaculture and health. Each year, several hundred Vietnamese students travel to Belgium for education or research, often supported by a Belgian scholarship. 

In addition, Belgium finances civil‑society organisations working on girls’ rights (Plan International), sustainable agriculture (Rikolto), decent work (Oxfam) and education (VVOB). Through the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO), the private sector in Vietnam is supported. Finexpo supports the export of Belgian capital goods and related services. 

The French‑speaking Community of Belgium (WBI) also has its own cooperation programme with Vietnam focusing on health, education and culture, as well as the environment and sustainable development. In 2020, Flanders became a partner of the Mekong River Commission.