In a significant diplomatic encounter, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam and European Council President Charles Michel discussed the evolving partnership between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits held in Vientiane, Laos. Their dialogue marked the shared vision to advance bilateral ties, especially in economy, trade, and innovation.

Since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect in 2020, both sides have witnessed rapid economic growth and increased investments. This meeting emphasized the importance of leveraging these developments by further broadening cooperation. Both leaders committed to intensifying high-level exchanges and breaking down trade barriers to unlock the full potential of their partnership. They also explored new collaborative opportunities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate action, and the green transition.

Prime Minister Chính urged the EU to expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and asked for swift action to lift the “yellow card” warning that currently affects Vietnamese seafood exports to the EU, creating obstacles for Vietnam’s seafood industry.

President Michel reaffirmed the importance of Vietnam in the EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy, pledging to accelerate the EVIPA ratification process. He also promised to seriously consider removing the “yellow card” warning and committed to supporting Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to ensure sustainable development amid global environmental challenges.

The meeting demonstrated Vietnam’s growing role as a vital partner in Europe’s strategic engagement with Asia, reinforcing a shared vision of prosperity, peace, and sustainable development for the region and beyond.

Source: https://vietnamnews.vn