Published on
December 30, 2025
Spain and Vietnam are forging stronger ties in 2025, marked by record tourism growth, expanded trade, and deepened cooperation on sustainable development. This year’s pivotal milestones, including the historic visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Vietnam and the signing of key agreements, reflect a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. With increased people-to-people exchanges and a growing trade partnership, both nations are not only strengthening their economic and cultural bonds but are also collaborating on global sustainability challenges, laying the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.
2025 has proven to be a highly significant year for Spain and Vietnam as both countries have made remarkable strides in strengthening their bilateral relations. The past year saw pivotal milestones that have laid a solid foundation for the future, as Spain and Vietnam move closer toward elevating their partnership to a comprehensive strategic level. Through increased tourism exchanges, trade expansion, and shared commitment to sustainable development, both nations are charting a course for deeper collaboration that will drive mutual prosperity.
Historic Milestones Mark 2025
One of the most pivotal moments in the Spain-Vietnam relationship came in April 2025, when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez paid an official visit to Vietnam. This visit was the first by a Spanish prime minister since diplomatic ties were established between the two countries in 1977. The visit was a historic occasion, symbolizing the growing ties between Spain and Vietnam and further cementing the two nations’ commitment to a long-term strategic relationship.
The official discussions held during the visit were crucial, with both countries agreeing to work towards upgrading their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This commitment was further reinforced in June 2025 during the inaugural meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation, which took place in Madrid. The agreement between the two sides emphasizes not only the importance of diplomatic ties but also the necessity of strengthening economic and trade cooperation, making 2025 a pivotal year for both nations in their journey toward deeper collaboration.
Tourism Growth and Strong People-to-People Ties
While geography may place Spain and Vietnam on opposite ends of the world, the two nations have increasingly found common ground through people-to-people exchanges, with tourism playing a key role in bridging the gap. Spain has become one of the fastest-growing sources of international visitors to Vietnam, with nearly 100,000 Spanish tourists visiting the Southeast Asian country each year. This figure highlights the rising appeal of Vietnam as a top tourist destination for Europeans, and particularly Spaniards.
Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam, Carmen Cano De Lasala, expressed her admiration for the growing ties between the two nations. She noted that Spaniards are always welcomed with warmth and sincerity in Vietnam, making them feel at home. With both nations rich in history, culture, and tradition, the relationship has flourished not only on a diplomatic level but also in terms of cultural exchange and tourism, which continues to be an essential area of growth for both nations.
Moreover, the expanding tourism numbers reflect the deepening bond between Vietnam and Spain. Spain’s growing interest in Vietnamese culture, heritage, and natural beauty is not only evidenced by the increasing number of tourists but also by Vietnam’s rise as an important destination for travelers seeking authentic and diverse experiences.
Trade Expansion and Economic Cooperation
The diplomatic ties between Spain and Vietnam have been equally strengthened by trade. Over the past five years, the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has played a significant role in facilitating trade relations. Since the agreement’s inception, EU-Vietnam trade has surged by 46%, a clear indication of the success of the trade pact. Spain, as part of the European Union, has seen its trade with Vietnam rise by 17% in the last year alone, reaching an impressive €6 billion (over US$7 billion).
Ambassador De Lasala emphasized that despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The current trade imbalance, with Spanish exports to Vietnam being relatively modest in comparison to their potential, needs to be addressed. There is a strong call for the removal of non-tariff barriers that may hinder trade flows between the two countries.
Spain is eager to see more of its companies expand their presence in Vietnam, particularly in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. These sectors represent tremendous opportunities for Spanish businesses to collaborate with Vietnamese counterparts, supporting Vietnam’s rapid socio-economic development. Spain is also among the first EU nations to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), further demonstrating Spain’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Vietnam.
Sustainable Development and Maritime Cooperation
Sustainability has become an essential focus for both Spain and Vietnam, particularly in the areas of ocean and marine conservation. Both nations share a long-standing maritime tradition, and the ocean has always played an essential role in their economies. Spain, as the second-largest fishing power in the world, has been a key player in international maritime affairs, and its role in sustainable ocean management has been well recognized.
In this regard, Spain and Vietnam are finding common ground in their efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Spain has invested heavily in technology and human resources to tackle IUU fishing, and it is committed to sharing its expertise with Vietnam. The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2025, signaling the beginning of deeper cooperation in the fisheries sector. The MoU will enable the sharing of best practices and resources, which will help Vietnam address its own IUU fishing challenges and promote sustainable ocean management.
Ambassador De Lasala reiterated that Spain stands ready to collaborate with Vietnam in promoting blue economic development, which is vital for the future of both countries’ marine industries. With shared expertise, Spain and Vietnam are positioning themselves as global leaders in maritime sustainability, ensuring that their oceans are protected and that future generations will benefit from the resources they hold.
Looking Toward the Future
As the year 2025 unfolds, the momentum between Spain and Vietnam continues to grow. The commitment to elevating the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership is clear, and both nations are positioning themselves to achieve this goal. This will require continued collaboration across multiple sectors, from trade and tourism to sustainable development and cultural exchange.
The record tourism arrivals from Spain to Vietnam are just one example of the growing ties between the two countries, as the relationship strengthens in both directions. With more tourists traveling to Vietnam and Vietnamese visitors increasingly choosing Spain as a destination, the exchange between the two countries is expected to keep growing, solidifying their cultural and economic relationship.
Trade, too, is expected to continue to flourish, with the removal of trade barriers and further investment in key sectors. Spain’s growing interest in Vietnam’s infrastructure, energy, and tourism sectors presents a wealth of opportunities for both countries. Furthermore, the commitment to sustainable development, especially in the maritime sector, is paving the way for deeper cooperation and a more prosperous future for both nations.
Spain and Vietnam are strengthening their ties in 2025 through significant milestones in tourism, trade, and sustainable development. These efforts reflect their shared commitment to building a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The partnership between Spain and Vietnam is truly a reflection of how nations with diverse cultures, histories, and geographical locations can find common ground and work together for the benefit of both their peoples. As 2025 continues to unfold, the world can look forward to witnessing the successful realization of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain and Vietnam.
