From shared values to ambitious trade goals, the relationship between Hungary and Vietnam has flourished over the decades. As the two nations prepare to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the Hungarian Consul General in HCMC, Lehőcz Gábor, sat down with The Saigon Times to reflect on the growing cultural and economic bond that unites them. The Saigon Times: The relationship between Vietnam and Hungary has witnessed many significant events over the past year. In your opinion, what are the most notable milestones? Mr. Lehőcz Gábor: In 2018, the Hungarian Government and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong elevated Vietnamese-Hungarian relations to a strategic partnership. Following the initial bilateral trade agreements, Hungary, with his active participation and support, considers the ratification of the ambitious EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in 2020 to be a significant success. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s respectful visit to the Hungarian-Vietnamese Business Forum last year is a welcome recognition of the close and committed economic, political, and cultural relations between the two countries. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Hungary has reached nearly US$1 billion annually. How do you assess the potential for future economic cooperation between the two countries? In terms of the economy, […]