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Exclusive interview: Ambassador Bùi Lê Thái on why Vietnam matters more than ever to Hungary, trade, travel and ties
As Hungary and Vietnam mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, cooperation between the two countries is entering what the Vietnamese ambassador describes as a “new and increasingly pragmatic phase”, with expanding trade, growing educational exchanges and fresh opportunities in tourism and investment. In an interview with Daily News Hungary, His Excellency Bùi Lê Thái reflected on the deep historical ties between the two nations, highlighted more than USD 1 billion in bilateral trade, and pointed to visa-free travel and closer economic partnerships as key pillars of an evolving relationship that could soon be upgraded to a strategic level.
Daily News Hungary: Your Excellency, how do you look back on your arrival in Hungary? What were your first impressions of the country and the Hungarian people – and what has surprised you the most since then?
Bùi Lê Thái: It has been already one year since my arrival in Hungary, which marks the beginning of a meaningful professional and personal journey. From the very first days, I experienced a warm, respectful and well-organised reception from Hungarian institutions and partners.
My first impressions of Hungary were shaped by its rich history, strong sense of national identity and deep respect for cultural heritage. The Hungarian people impressed me with their sincerity, intellectual curiosity and openness toward other cultures. I found them to be principled, hardworking and proud of their national achievements, while at the same time maintaining a genuine interest in international cooperation.
What has surprised me most since then is the depth of Hungary’s historical connection with Viet Nam. Despite the geographical distance, many Hungarians retain vivid memories of bilateral cooperation and demonstrate a sincere interest in Viet Nam’s development today. This human dimension of our relations has been both encouraging and inspiring for more than 75 years.
Daily News Hungary: This year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Viet Nam. Which milestones are you most proud of?
Bùi Lê Thái: The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950 laid the foundation for a friendship rooted in solidarity, trust and mutual respect. Hungary was among the early supporters of Viet Nam during critical periods, including post-war reconstruction and human resource development.
One of the most enduring milestones is cooperation in education and training. For decades, Hungary has welcomed Vietnamese students and professionals, many of whom later became leading experts, academics and public servants in Vietnam. They continue to serve as a living bridge between our two nations.
I am also proud of the consistent political dialogue and cooperation at multilateral forums. Despite changes in the international environment, Viet Nam and Hungary have maintained mutual understanding and respect for each other’s development paths and core interests.
Daily News Hungary: What joint programmes and events have been organised for the 75th anniversary?
Bùi Lê Thái: The 75th anniversary has been marked by a wide range of commemorative activities in both countries. These include high-level exchanges, diplomatic events, business forums designed to reflect both the historical depth and the future orientation of bilateral relations.
Cultural programmes have played a particularly important role. Photos exhibitions, cultural days have helped bring the history and contemporary life of Viet Nam closer to the Hungarian public, while also highlighting shared values and mutual respect.
In the economic sphere, joint business events and trade promotion activities have been organised to encourage new partnerships. These initiatives aim not only to celebrate past achievements, but also to create concrete opportunities for future cooperation.
Daily News Hungary: What does the Ho Chi Minh monument in Zalaegerszeg mean to you, and are commemorations planned?
Bùi Lê Thái: The Ho Chi Minh monument in Zalaegerszeg is a unique and deeply meaningful symbol of Hungarian – Vietnamese friendship. For Viet Nam, it represents a gesture of historical solidarity and sincere respect shown by the Hungarian people toward our national leader and our struggle for independence.
On a personal level, the monument evokes pride and gratitude. It stands as a reminder that the values of peace, independence and international solidarity transcend borders and generations, and that these values continue to shape our bilateral relationship today.
In view of the 50th anniversary of its inauguration in 2026, the Embassy is actively discussing with Hungarian partners the organisation of commemorative events. These may include official ceremonies, cultural programmes and the seminar “Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of international solidarity”.
Daily News Hungary: How would you describe the current state of intergovernmental relations?
Bùi Lê Thái: Intergovernmental relations between Viet Nam and Hungary are stable, friendly and increasingly pragmatic. Political trust remains strong, supported by high-level delegation exchanges, regular consultations and a shared commitment to constructive dialogue.
Both countries attach importance to multilateralism, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These shared principles form a solid basis for cooperation in international and regional forums.
Strategically, our approaches are particularly close in education, development cooperation, water management, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges. These areas reflect Hungary’s strengths and Viet Nam’s development priorities.
Hungary was the first country in Central and Eastern Europe with which Viet Nam established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2018. Since then, bilateral relations have developed strongly across all fields. Two-way trade turnover has surpassed 1 billion USD. I firmly believe that the conditions are now ripe for the two countries to upgrade their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in the near future.
Daily News Hungary: In which economic sectors do you see the greatest cooperation potential?
Bùi Lê Thái: Viet Nam and Hungary possess complementary economic structures, creating significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2025, the two-way trade turnover reached more than 1 billion USD. Manufacturing, agriculture and food processing remain traditional areas with strong potential.
Emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, smart infrastructure and water management are gaining increasing importance. Hungary’s advanced technologies and Viet Nam’s fast-growing market create natural synergies.
In addition, cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare and innovation-oriented industries can be further expanded, particularly through joint ventures, technology transfer and research collaboration.
Daily News Hungary: What opportunities and challenges do Hungarian companies face in Vietnam, and how can the Embassy help?
Bùi Lê Thái: Viet Nam offers Hungarian companies a dynamic market, a young workforce and access to regional and global value chains through multiple free trade agreements, including the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
Challenges may include differences in regulatory frameworks, administrative procedures and business culture. However, these challenges are manageable with adequate preparation and local partnerships.
The Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary is committed to supporting Hungarian enterprises by providing market information, facilitating contacts with Vietnamese authorities and partners, and promoting business matchmaking and investment promotion activities.
Daily News Hungary: What is the experience of Vietnamese companies operating in Hungary?
Bùi Lê Thái: Vietnamese companies in Hungary are mainly active in trade, services, food processing, logistics and light manufacturing. Their presence, though still modest, has been gradually expanding.
Overall, their experience in Hungary has been positive. They benefit from a stable legal environment, a skilled workforce and Hungary’s strategic location within Europe.
These companies also contribute to economic ties and people-to-people exchanges, helping to further strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two countries.
Daily News Hungary: Why should Hungarian travellers choose Viet Nam, and which destinations do you recommend?
Bùi Lê Thái: Viet Nam offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, rich history and renowned cuisine. It provides experiences that are both authentic and affordable, making it an attractive destination for Hungarian travellers.
From vibrant cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to UNESCO-listed sites like Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, Viet Nam offers a wide range of tourism experiences catering to different interests.
In addition, the hospitality of the Vietnamese people and the country’s safety and stability make Viet Nam an increasingly popular choice for long-haul travel. Last but not least, Viet Nam government is waiving visas for Hungarian citizens to travel to Viet Nam for up to 45 days, which create the most favourable conditions for Hungarian to explore the beauty of Viet Nam.
Daily News Hungary: What is the most convenient way for Hungarians to travel to Vietnam?
Bùi Lê Thái: Although there is currently no direct flight, Viet Nam remains easily accessible from Hungary via major international hubs in Europe and the Middle East.
Airlines operating through cities such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Paris or Frankfurt offer convenient connections with only one transfer.
Viet Nam is also continuously working to improve connectivity, and future direct or code-share flights remain a topic of interest for both sides.
Daily News Hungary: How well is Hungary known in Viet Nam, and how can it become more attractive?
Bùi Lê Thái: Hungary is well regarded in Viet Nam as a friendly country with a strong education system, advanced healthcare and rich cultural heritage.
Many Vietnamese associate Hungary with positive personal experiences, particularly through education and training programmes. These human connections remain a key asset.
Greater promotion of tourism, academic cooperation and investment opportunities would further enhance Hungary’s visibility and attractiveness in Viet Nam.
Daily News Hungary: Which Hungarian attractions would you recommend to Vietnamese visitors?
Bùi Lê Thái: I would recommend Budapest’s historic centre, the Parliament building and the Danube River as essential highlights.
Lake Balaton also offers a unique leisure experience, while Hungary’s thermal baths reflect a distinctive aspect of national culture and lifestyle.
Cultural festivals, classical music traditions and regional gastronomy would also greatly appeal to Vietnamese visitors.
Daily News Hungary: What achievements and plans would you highlight in education?
Bùi Lê Thái: Education has long been a strong pillar of Viet Nam – Hungary relations. The Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme is highly appreciated in Vietnam and continues to attract talented students.
University partnerships and academic exchanges have expanded steadily, particularly in science, engineering, medicine and agriculture.
Additionally, future plans include strengthening joint research, innovation cooperation and alumni networks to further deepen educational ties are also being focused.
Daily News Hungary: Which elements of Vietnamese culture would you like to promote in Hungary?
Bùi Lê Thái: Vietnamese cuisine is already well received in Hungary as there are nearly hundreds of Vietnamese restaurants in Hungary. And I would like to further promote its diversity and cultural significance.
Traditional music, dance and handicrafts reflect Viet Nam’s rich cultural heritage and deserve wider recognition.
At the same time, contemporary Vietnamese culture, including literature and modern arts, can help Hungarian audiences better understand today’s Viet Nam.
Daily News Hungary: What are your main goals as Ambassador in Budapest?
Bùi Lê Thái: My primary goal is to further strengthen economic cooperation and encourage more concrete projects and investments.
Promoting tourism and educational exchanges remains a key priority, as these areas build long-term mutual understanding.
Above all, I aim to consolidate and further develop the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and Hungary. In this spirit, I hope that in the very near future, our two countries will upgrade their relationship from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership, thereby further deepening cooperation across all fields.
Daily News Hungary: What is your message to the readers of Daily News Hungary?
Bùi Lê Thái: Viet Nam is a dynamic and rapidly developing country with a stable political environment and an open economy.
In the coming years, Viet Nam will offer growing opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange.
I sincerely encourage Hungarian readers to follow Viet Nam’s development closely and to explore the many possibilities for cooperation between our two countries.
My message is: come to Viet Nam, experience the hospitality of the Vietnamese people, admire our beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches, enjoy Viet Nam’s rich and diverse cuisine, and witness the country’s dynamic and robust development.
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