Norway is a major market for Vietnamese shrimp products. Strengthening trade promotion activities will further increase Vietnam–Norway seafood trade turnover.
Speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of Food & Hospitality Hanoi 2025 on March 18 in Hanoi, Ms. Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized that Norway is a large market for Vietnamese shrimp. “Vietnamese shrimp sizes are generally larger than Norwegian ones, and Norwegian consumers really enjoy Vietnamese shrimp,” she said.
In addition to shrimp, Norwegian consumers also favor Vietnamese coffee. “Norway is currently the country with the highest coffee consumption per capita in the world. Therefore, it is a very promising market for Vietnamese coffee,” Ambassador Solbakken added.
Expanding Bilateral Trade Opportunities
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Over the past decade, bilateral trade between Norway and Vietnam has steadily increased. However, there remains significant growth potential—especially if both countries conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Such an agreement would provide a long-term, stable, and predictable framework for broad economic cooperation, opening new opportunities in the green economy and marine economy, benefiting both nations.
Norway’s Support for Vietnam’s Marine Aquaculture
“Vietnam’s seafood industry is gradually shifting aquaculture from inland to offshore farming. Norway is very willing to share its experience and technology in aquaculture, including vaccines and veterinary products for the seafood sector,” Ambassador Solbakken noted.
Currently, several Norwegian companies specializing in vaccines and offshore aquaculture technology are already operating in Vietnam.
Vietnam – A Global Seafood Powerhouse
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien highlighted that Vietnam has enormous potential in seafood development, particularly in aquaculture. Vietnam is currently the world’s third-largest seafood exporter, accounting for over 7% of the global market share, just behind China and Norway.
Seafood is one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors, contributing significantly to national GDP and the global logistics network.
Enhancing Global Presence Through Trade Promotion
Alongside opening markets for imported seafood, Vietnam is also intensifying trade promotion programs for its seafood industry worldwide.
Active participation in international trade promotion events, building connections with strategic partners, and applying financial and technical training solutions will not only help Vietnam maintain but also enhance its global seafood industry position.