Seventy-five years after establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam and the Czech Republic have built a solid foundation of mutual respect and friendship across multiple fields. Particularly, the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)has delivered tangible economic, trade, and investment benefits for both countries. Vietnam has become the Czech Republic’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, while the Czech Republic boasts a fast-growing and stable economy with strong industrial development—among the most prosperous of Eastern European nations that transitioned to market economies.
Complementary Economic Strengths
Experts note that the two economies are highly complementary.
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Vietnam excels in agriculture, seafood, textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics, and consumer goods.
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The Czech Republic is renowned for mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, locomotives, ship engines, defense equipment, and high-quality consumer goods—all of which are in strong demand in Vietnam.
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Prague, the bilateral trade turnover between the two countries has shown robust growth in 2025, especially in exports from Vietnam to the Czech Republic.
During the first three months of 2025, bilateral trade reached USD 548.6 million, including USD 495.2 million in exports and USD 53.4 million in imports.
This marks a 62.3% year-on-year increase, indicating strong export momentum from Vietnam.
The Trade Office attributed this growth to the EVFTA, which has helped enhance market access and promote exports to the EU, including the Czech Republic. Improvements in product quality—especially in textiles, electronics, and seafood—have also enabled Vietnamese goods to better meet Czech market standards.
Additionally, the post-pandemic economic recovery in the Czech Republic has boosted demand for imported goods, particularly consumer and industrial products.
Eastern Europe – A Promising Emerging Market
In the context of rising export tariffs in the U.S., the Ministry of Industry and Trade considers the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe as potential new destinations for Vietnamese exports.
As an EU member, the Czech Republic offers Vietnamese businesses significant tariff advantages under the EVFTA, helping them compete more effectively with non-EU exporters.
The country serves as a strategic gateway for Vietnamese goods to enter the broader EU market.
Vietnamese products such as garments, footwear, and processed foods have been well received in the Czech market thanks to high quality and competitive pricing.
Czech consumers are also increasingly interested in organic and traditional Vietnamese foods, as well as electronics and components, which Vietnam is capable of supplying competitively.
Beyond the Czech Republic, other Eastern European countries—including Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria—are witnessing rapid economic growth and integration with the EU, making them high-potential markets for Vietnamese exports such as textiles, footwear, processed food, electronics, and industrial materials.
Improving Quality and Marketing Strategies
According to the Trade Office, Vietnamese enterprises must focus on quality standards and brand strategy to sustain success in these markets.
“The Czech Republic and Eastern Europe will become key markets helping Vietnam reduce its reliance on the U.S. and ensure long-term export growth,”
the Trade Office emphasized.
However, challenges remain. Eastern European markets have strict product quality requirements and intense competition from EU and regional producers.
Vietnamese businesses should proactively shift export directions toward European markets to mitigate risks from global trade fluctuations. This includes:
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Enhancing product quality and meeting international standards.
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Developing strong marketing and branding strategies.
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Leveraging EVFTA tariff preferences to boost competitiveness.
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Strengthening partnerships through trade fairs and business networking events in the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe.
Trade promotion agencies are also encouraged to assist Vietnamese enterprises in finding partners and expanding customer networks across the region, especially amid intensifying global competition.