Vietnam and Greece: A New Chapter in Agricultural and Maritime Cooperation
In an exciting development for international trade relations, Vietnam and Greece have reached a significant agreement aimed at promoting agricultural market openings and enhancing cooperation in maritime transport and logistics. This collaboration seeks to capitalize on the potential of bilateral trade, fostering closer economic ties between the two nations.
Key Meetings and Stakeholders
On March 3, a pivotal meeting took place in Hanoi between Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and First Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis. This meeting, highlighted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, serves as a platform for discussing the future of trade relations. Hung expressed optimism regarding the expansion of trade between Vietnam and Greece, particularly noting Greece’s role as a bridge to strengthen ties with the broader European Union.
Plakiotakis echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Greece was one of the first EU countries to ratify the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He emphasized that the agreement creates abundant opportunities for further growth in bilateral cooperation.
The Impact of the EVFTA
Since the implementation of the EVFTA in 2020, Vietnam and Greece have witnessed a positive trajectory in their trade relations. By 2025, two-way trade reached nearly 587.32 million USD, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 16.42%. Vietnam’s exports to Greece surged to 465.54 million USD, marking an 18.75% increase, while imports grew to 121.78 million USD, an 8.85% rise.
A closer look at January 2026 reveals impressive momentum, with bilateral trade turnover hitting 52.7 million USD, up 27.4% compared to the same month the previous year. Exports were estimated at 45.3 million USD (up 25.5%), while imports reached 7.4 million USD, marking a significant increase of 40.3%.
The Agricultural Market Advantage
One of the key aspects of this partnership is the focus on agricultural products, an area where both countries excel. Vietnam is well-known for its rich agricultural production, including rice, coffee, and seafood. Meanwhile, Greece offers a variety of agricultural exports, including olives, wine, and dairy products. This alignment of strengths presents an excellent opportunity for both nations to expand their agricultural markets.
Plakiotakis affirmed Greece’s intention to enhance market access for agricultural and food products, recognizing Vietnam as a valuable partner in this sector. The potential for collaborative agricultural initiatives could yield substantial benefits for both economies.
Maritime Transport: A Shared Vision
Greece’s standing as a leader in maritime transport further supports this budding partnership. The country operates an impressive fleet of over 4,500 commercial vessels, accounting for around 20% of the global shipping industry. This expertise extends to shipbuilding, repair, and logistics, areas where Greece is willing to share its knowledge with Vietnam.
Plakiotakis highlighted Greece’s readiness to collaborate on maritime transport, shipbuilding, and training for seafarers. This collaboration could greatly enhance the capabilities of Vietnam’s maritime sector, contributing to its competitiveness in global trade.
Technology Transfer and Future Collaboration
Hung welcomed Greece’s proposal for technology transfer in shipbuilding and smart port operations, views that he believes are essential for Vietnam’s maritime development. Additionally, he called for Greece to advocate within the EU for the removal of the European Commission’s ongoing “yellow card” warning pertaining to Vietnamese seafood—a critical issue that has implications for trade.
To strengthen these bilateral ties, both sides agreed to increase exchanges of delegations at all levels, aiming to further advance their economic cooperation in the near future. The steps taken during this meeting signify a shared commitment to enhancing trade relations and exploring new opportunities for both Vietnam and Greece.
As both nations embark on this new chapter of collaboration, the agricultural and maritime sectors are poised to experience transformative growth, mutually benefiting their economies and people.