The year 2023 commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam. But people-to-people contacts go back more than 400 years. Both countries share natural similarities, with vast delta areas and long-standing agricultural traditions. Vietnam and the Netherlands have collaborated extensively across various areas, including climate adaptation, water management, sustainable food production, renewable energy, logistics, high technology, and international legal order.

The two nations are crucial trade and investment partners, contributing to economic security. The Netherlands is Vietnam's biggest export destination in Europe and the largest European investor in Vietnam.

During the State visit, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will participate in meetings, events and activities in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dak Lak.

In Hanoi, alongside official welcome ceremonies and receptions with the leaders of Vietnam, the King and Queen will visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, attend the event "Working together towards sustainable food systems", visit and deliver a speech on international cooperation at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, as well as attend the grand finale of the High-tech University Challenge for students from VinUniversity and FPT University. 

In Hai Phong, activities include visits to Damen Song Cam Shipyard and boarding two made-in-Vietnam electric tugboats, exchanging with students and scientists on mobile living lab at the mangrove reforestation project in Cat Ba, and discussions on nature conservation in the Cat Ba Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend the Mekong Delta Business Forum, where more than 20 new business deals will be signed, discuss Vietnamese contemporary art at Galerie Quynh, meet and talk with Dutch people with Vietnamese origin and participate in a reception with the Dutch community in Vietnam. Additionally, the Royal Couple and the delegation will hold discussions with local representatives on issues central to the development of Ho Chi Minh City such as water management, urban flood management and port development. They will conclude their day in Ho Chi Minh city with a networking reception and sustainable fashion show at the Independent Palace.

The King and Queen will also visit Dak Lak - the coffee capital of Vietnam. Here, they will visit the Dak Lak Museum and the World Coffee Museum, where they will engage in  dialogues with female role models of the province. At Arul House, they will witness the signing of cooperation documents on sustainable agriculture, and observe sustainable intercropping coffee and pepper harvesting at a plantation.

Furthermore, the Parallel Economic Mission led by Ms. Ingrid Thijssen, Chair of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) will participate in a series of seminars, panel discussions, document signings, and business networking activities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. They will also undertake site visits to farms, local businesses, and organizations operating in agriculture, water, transportation, and logistics in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Duong and Lam Dong. 

 

For more information about the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Vietnam and the Parallel Economic Mission from 19 to 22 March 2024, please contact: 

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hanoi 
Address: 7th Floor, BIDV Tower, 194 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 
Email: han-ea@minbuza.nl