Vietnam, Belgium discuss how to boost two-way economic relations

Prime ministers of Vietnam and Belgium on December 13 agreed on major solutions to foster comprehensive bilateral relationships in agriculture, investment, and trade.

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) meets his Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo on December 13. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Both government leaders encouraged Vietnamese and Belgian enterprises and organizations to implement effectively the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Belgium to ratify soon the European Union-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

He also called on Belgian companies to make a stronger investment in digital transformation, logistics, seaport operation, and infrastructure development in Vietnam.

Chinh also urged the Belgian Government to consult the European Commission (EC) to withdraw the "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood exports.

In addition, Chinh requested Belgium's support for the development of circular and smart agriculture in Vietnam and to help Vietnamese authorities address salinization and drought in the Cuu Long (Mekong) delta region.

He also requested Belgian authorities' assistance to Vietnam to implement the national strategy on green growth during 2021-2030 and partner with African countries to address global food security issues.

For his part, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the EVFTA is an important boost to the prosperity of both nations.

He stated that Belgium will soon ratify EVIPA and that the European nation values Vietnam's efforts in preventing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and will recommend to the EC to withdraw the "yellow card" to Vietnam.

The host also said the two sides should enhance cooperation in agricultural development strategy by setting up a joint committee and launching future projects.

He pledged that Belgium would provide technical and financial assistance for Vietnam to fulfill its commitments to environmental protection, especially in developing renewable energy and auxiliary industries.

The two prime ministers also agreed to increase the exchange of visits of state officials and launch bilateral cooperation projects. They pledged to enhance cooperation activities in defense and national security, education and training, and culture.

Following the talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing by Vietnamese and Belgian authorities and enterprises of several agreements on agriculture, food safety, and activated carbon.