Conference of Vietnam's Honorary Consuls: Come to Vietnam and witness a rapidly transforming economy

On the sidelines of the second Conference of Honorary Consuls of Vietnam, The World and Vietnam Report spoke with Mr. Vasileios Konstantinidis about his long-standing connection with Vietnam, the prospects for cooperation between Greek and Vietnamese localities, and opportunities to strengthen economic and investment ties between the two countries.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang presents the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Vietnam's Diplomacy" to Mr. Vasileios Konstantinidis in recognition of his contributions to promoting Vietnam-Greece friendship and cooperation, as well as supporting consular affairs and citizen protection. (Photo: Trung Anh)

Every Honorary Consul has a unique connection with Vietnam. Could you share what first brought you to Vietnam and what continues to inspire your commitment in this role?

My connection with Vietnam began long before I became an Honorary Consul. Since 1991, I have had the opportunity to work extensively across the Far East. More than three decades of living and working in the region have given me invaluable opportunities to understand its people, cultures and ways of doing business, while also helping me build lasting relationships throughout Asia.

Around 13 years ago, when Mr. Vu Binh, then Vietnam's Ambassador to Greece, was looking for a candidate to serve as Honorary Consul in Thessaloniki, I was fortunate to be nominated and was subsequently appointed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the first Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Greece.

For me, this appointment was far more than a personal milestone. It marked the beginning of a meaningful journey through which I could make practical contributions to strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Greece.

I have never regarded this position as merely an honorary title. Rather, it represents both a responsibility and a long-term commitment to serving the interests of our two countries. Over the past decade, I have devoted my efforts to promoting mutual understanding, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

What continues to motivate me is seeing the Vietnam-Greece relationship grow stronger year after year, witnessing new opportunities emerge, and knowing that I can contribute, even in a modest way, to this positive momentum.

In my role as Honorary Consul, I hope to continue serving as a bridge connecting government agencies, businesses, universities, research institutes, port authorities and organizations in both countries.

I firmly believe that the strongest and most enduring partnerships always begin with people-to-people connections. Those human ties will remain the foundation for deeper, more substantive and sustainable cooperation between Vietnam and Greece in the years ahead.

Mr. Vasileios Konstantinidis speaks during the delegation's visit to Hai Phong on the sidelines of the second Conference of Honorary Consuls of Vietnam. (Photo: Trung Anh)

During this visit, you had the opportunity to see both Hai Phong and Quang Ninh firsthand. You have previously spoken highly of Hai Phong's rapid development and noted its similarities with Thessaloniki. From your perspective, where do you see the greatest potential for cooperation between Vietnamese and Greek localities, particularly in the maritime economy, logistics and port development?

I have to say this visit has been full of pleasant surprises. Before arriving in Hai Phong, I had not fully appreciated either the scale of the city or the remarkable pace of its development.

It was only after seeing its modern infrastructure, busy port system and vibrant economic environment firsthand that I truly understood why Hai Phong has emerged as one of Vietnam's most dynamic growth poles.

The city is not only a major industrial and logistics hub but is also steadily strengthening its position as an important gateway linking Vietnam with ASEAN and global markets.

What impressed me most is how strongly Hai Phong reminds me of Thessaloniki, the city where I live and where I serve as Vietnam's Honorary Consul.

Although separated by thousands of kilometres, the two cities share many similarities. Both are strategic port cities, both are making significant investments in logistics infrastructure, and both aspire to become regional hubs connecting international supply chains.

While Thessaloniki serves as a gateway to Southeast Europe and the Balkans, Hai Phong is steadily establishing itself as one of Vietnam's and ASEAN's leading maritime gateways. These similarities give me confidence that the two cities have every opportunity to build meaningful partnerships.

In my view, however, the real opportunity lies not only in recognizing these common characteristics but also in capitalizing on our complementary strengths. The Port of Thessaloniki is currently undergoing a major expansion programme, including increased container capacity, new deep-water terminals and improved rail connectivity with the hinterland. These are areas where our two sides can exchange experience and learn from one another to enhance port operations and logistics efficiency.

At the same time, cooperation should go far beyond ports. I see considerable opportunities in digital transformation, green technologies, the blue economy, renewable energy, scientific research and the development of high-quality human resources.

Greece has extensive expertise in shipping and maritime services, while Vietnam has become one of Asia's fastest-growing manufacturing, technology and trading economies. By bringing together these complementary strengths through cooperation among governments, businesses, universities and research institutions, I believe we can build lasting partnerships that deliver long-term benefits for both countries.

According to Mr. Vasileios Konstantinidis, the most persuasive message to Greek businesses is simply: "Come to Vietnam" and experience firsthand the country's investment environment, dynamic economic growth and expanding opportunities for cooperation. (Photo: Trung Anh)

If you had only a few minutes to introduce Vietnam to a Greek business, what would be the first message you would want to convey?

If I had only a few minutes, I would probably not begin with economic figures or investment incentives. Instead, my first message would be very simple: "Come to Vietnam." Visit the country, experience it for yourself, and see firsthand what Vietnam has accomplished over the past years and the opportunities that lie ahead.

I believe nothing is more convincing than personal experience. By visiting Vietnam, meeting local partners, exploring the investment environment and witnessing the country's economic dynamism firsthand, Greek businesses will discover a nation that is open, ambitious and full of opportunities.

Vietnam is not only an attractive destination for international investors but has also become a rapidly expanding manufacturing and export hub, producing high-quality goods that are increasingly well positioned to meet the demands of European markets.

For Greek businesses, I believe the opportunities are even broader. As a gateway to the Balkans and Southeast Europe, Greece can serve as an important bridge for Vietnamese products and enterprises seeking greater access to European markets. At the same time, Greek companies have the opportunity to become part of one of Asia's most dynamic and fastest-growing economies.

As Honorary Consul, I see my role as connecting the two countries. We will continue to facilitate exchanges among businesses, local authorities, industry associations, universities and research institutions so that cooperation moves beyond dialogue and ideas to tangible projects and practical outcomes.

I am confident that once Greek businesses take the time to explore Vietnam seriously, they will recognize not only an attractive market but also a reliable long-term partner for sustainable growth.

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