Polish-Vietnamese relations at a turning point

THE HANOI TIMES — As the week-long 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam draws to a close, The Hanoi Times is honored to present reflections by H.E. Joanna Skoczek, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam, who voices confidence that the 76-year Poland-Vietnam relationship will continue to deepen in its next phase.

Early 2026, what a time to live and work in Vietnam! The usually quiet period between the start of the year and Tet is anything but. For my team and me at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, now is the time of reflection about the history of Polish-Vietnamese relations and active planning of their next stage.

Last year, our countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our long-lasting friendship stemming from historically rich people-to-people contacts, understanding and mutual respect has been further strengthened by high-level exchanges.

It included the official visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Poland in 2025, and we look forward to the visit of Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Vietnam in early 2026, which will open new opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation.

Although our activities in 2025 were amplified by the jubilee, they were built along traditional lines: culture, education and business cooperation. Let me start from the final part of the events marking the anniversary of the diplomatic relations.

In December, we invited our friends and partners to join us at the concerts of the Polish brass orchestra, OSP Nadarzyn, performing at two outstanding locations: the Military University of Culture and Arts and the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy.

Despite the entirely different characteristics of either venue, both concerts were welcomed with great enthusiasm and applause by the audience. Dynamic tunes performed by the young musicians in the places dedicated to education - what can epitomise better our relations?

Concert at the Temple was combined with the opening of the exhibition “Acquired Identity” also bearing a symbolic meaning. Over 200 works of a Vietnamese-Polish artist Minh Dam depict his personal journey from Vietnam to Poland and back, and his experience is a bridge between two countries, two cultures, it encompasses more than 20 years. Again, a powerful symbol of what brings and holds us together.

Speaking about the exchanges in culture, one cannot forget education. In the autumn, once again, a large group of leading Polish universities visited Vietnam to present their offer and to attract prospective students.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, crowds of young, ambitious and knowledge-greedy Vietnamese youngsters gathered around the booths of Polish universities during the European Education Fair. But we also have had the opportunity to discuss ongoing cooperation in science, underlining the similarities in our development models, which make us ideal partners for research in different areas, from geology to big data to psychology.

In the case of some universities, this cooperation dates back to the 80s, like that of AGH University of Science and Technology and the Hanoi University of Mining and Geology’s realizing academic and research exchange in areas such as geoscience and mining technologies.

During European Languages Day, I took a chance to turn myself into a teacher of Polish for a while. I expected to hear “cześć” (hello) or “to jest książka” (this is a book) repeated after me, but soon I realised that the roles shifted unexpectedly!

I was bombarded by pertinent questions about the roots of the Polish language, its similarities with other Slavic languages and English, about Polish kings and foreign occupation, not to mention the features of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a subject discussed by professional historians!

I hope I passed the test, but it was again an example of how much young Vietnamese people know about the world and how much they are interested in learning more.

A young, dynamic, and increasingly well-educated population is one of Vietnam’s greatest strengths. Human capital is also the key to successful development and achievement of the ambitious objectives that Vietnam has defined for itself.

The country’s integration into global value chains, constant economic growth and focus on education in engineering, technology and innovation, all create opportunities for foreign technology and expertise.

In this process, foreign experts and partners, including those from Poland, can play an important role. Expanding joint technology research can support Vietnam while enhancing bilateral cooperation with potential for business application, if consequently realized and projected against the background of market needs.

Poland carefully observes and analyses the directions and guidelines of Vietnam’s path of growth. Having experienced socio-economic reforms in the past 30 years, we understand the challenges Vietnam faces.

We also share some of them, such as the need for green transition, diversification of energy supply, switch to knowledge based economy, electromobility and cybersecurity. Our short- and mid-term objective is to have more Polish businesses entering the Vietnamese market.

Polish companies are already strong in branches such as food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, and we would love to see others follow. That will be possible with further opening of Vietnam, simplification of procedures, visa waivers and incentives for foreign investors. Consequent and steady direction towards modernity, innovation and growth should help to attract the best.

As we are approaching Lunar New Year, I wish it brings stability, predictability, good and friendly atmosphere. It is much needed for successful business but also for us all, so that our nations and countries can develop in peace and prosperity.