Viet Nam joins the IEA Family

Viet Nam has joined the IEA Family as an Association country, marking an important step in strengthening the Agency's engagement in Southeast Asia.

The decision – unanimously agreed by IEA Member governments – was announced at the 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting in Paris held in Paris on 18-19 February, reflecting the shared commitment of IEA Members and Viet Nam to deepen cooperation at a time of rapid change in energy markets.

Viet Nam’s Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai participated in the IEA Ministerial, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans of the Netherlands. The meeting brought together top government officials and senior executives from around the world to discuss the evolving global energy landscape and reinforce international collaboration on key topics.

“Joining the IEA Family marks a significant milestone, recognizing Viet Nam’s strong efforts and determination in our energy security, energy transition and climate action,” the Ambassador said. “This partnership holds critical importance for the upcoming period, as Viet Nam enters a new era of development.”

“I warmly welcome Viet Nam to the IEA Family,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Viet Nam is one of Asia's most dynamic growth engines and home to more than 100 million people. Its growing energy demand, diverse economy and strong policy ambitions underline the importance of its voice in global energy discussions. We look forward to working even more closely together to enhance energy security, affordability and sustainability.”

As an Association country, Viet Nam will participate more closely in the IEA's work on energy security, data and statistics, technology, analysis and policy dialogue. The decision builds on strengthened cooperation in recent years, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2025 establishing a framework for collaboration on energy data and statistics, energy technologies, power sector enhancement, energy efficiency, critical minerals and rare earths, investment and people-centered transitions.   

Viet Nam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies and has the second largest energy system and power market in the region. Viet Nam has set out ambitious plans to modernise its power system and accelerate the expansion of renewable energy. It is also poised to play an important role in supply chains for critical mineral and energy technologies. The IEA is already working closely with Viet Nam on priority areas including power sector transformation, renewable energy integration and energy efficiency.

Viet Nam's inclusion as an Association country reflects the IEA's continued evolution to meet the changing geography of global energy demand and supply. Through its Association framework, the Agency has deepened its cooperation with a growing number of key economies. Since the framework was established in 2015, the IEA Family’s share of global energy demand has risen from less than 40% to more than 80% today.