Vietnam and Spain established diplomatic relations on May 23, 1977, and in December 2009, the two countries elevated their ties to a “Strategic Partnership toward the Future.” Spain was the first European Union (EU) member state to become a strategic partner of Vietnam.

In recent years, Vietnam–Spain relations have continued to develop positively through high-level delegation exchanges and meetings. The two sides have actively supported each other in multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations and ASEAN–EU cooperation.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has expressed strong goodwill and a desire to further promote the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Spain.

The two leaders previously met at the ASEAN–EU Summit in Belgium in December 2022 and at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024.

Spain is Vietnam’s fifth-largest trading partner in the EU, while Vietnam is Spain’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. From 2019 to 2024, bilateral trade maintained an average annual growth rate of 8.7%.

In 2024, two-way trade reached a record high of USD 4.72 billion, a 20% increase compared to 2023. The trade structure between the two countries is complementary, rather than competitive.

Spain currently has 97 investment projects in Vietnam, totaling USD 143.88 million, ranking 46th among 148 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. These projects focus primarily on manufacturing, processing industries, hospitality, and food services. Meanwhile, Vietnam has three investment projects in Spain, with a combined capital of USD 64.2 million, mainly in scientific research and processing industries.

Spain has pledged over USD 1 billion in official development assistance (ODA) and non-refundable aid to Vietnam, primarily through five financial cooperation programs covering infrastructure, sustainable development, gender equality promotion, healthcare, and science and technology.

The two countries are finalizing procedures to sign a sixth financial cooperation framework agreement, which includes a concessional credit package worth 305 million euros.

Bilateral defense cooperation continues through training exchanges, language courses, and officer education programs for Vietnamese personnel.

Vietnam currently offers a 45-day unilateral visa exemption for Spanish citizens. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 91,400 Spanish tourists.

Spain has also provided non-refundable aid to Vietnam for several projects in rural development, SME support, and seafood processing. The two countries are in talks to enhance cooperation in fisheries, coffee, agricultural and forestry processing, and salt production.

In the area of adoption, the two sides continue to cooperate under existing agreements and international conventions. Approximately 1,000 Vietnamese children have been adopted by Spanish families.

There are currently around 5,000 Vietnamese citizens living in Spain, primarily working as small business owners and well integrated into local communities.

Tran Thuong