Vietnam, EU deepen cooperation through investment protection, green growth and sustainable development

THE HANOI TIMES — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged European governments to promptly ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) as he held bilateral talks with European government leaders on November 23 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He called on European governments to speed up implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and lift the “yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood products due to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Vietnam wants to attract more European companies to invest in the country, Prime Minister Chinh said as he met European leaders during the G20 Summit.

He asked European governments to expand cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green growth, renewable energy and circular economy development.

The Prime Minister expected that European governments to continue supporting Vietnamese communities abroad, helping them integrate successfully and contribute to local socio-economic development while serving as an important bridge for bilateral relations.

Sharing concern about global trade conditions and non-traditional security challenges, he agreed with European leaders to strengthen collaboration in cybersecurity.

Chinh highlighted the need for cooperation in security, crime prevention and protection of national security to maintain social stability.

The prime minister and European leaders stressed the importance of solidarity, close coordination and strategic autonomy during a period of geopolitical and trade volatility. They also agreed to work with partners that support multilateralism and international laws.

The leaders reaffirmed the value of unity and friendship and stressed the need to advance free trade, facilitate the flow of goods and services, remove bottlenecks and support production and business to serve the interests of the people.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that strengthening ties with France is an objective requirement and an important strategic choice for Vietnam.

He proposed continued exchanges at all levels, especially high-level visits, and expressed hope to welcome the French Prime Minister to Vietnam soon.

He also agreed to complete and approve the Action Plan for implementing the Vietnam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration.

Prime Minister Chinh also expressed the hope of signing a Letter of Intent with Norway to establish a Green Strategic Partnership that strengthens cooperation in green transition, circular economy and climate adaptation.

During the meetings, European leaders expressed sympathy for Vietnam’s recent storm and flood losses.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said that the Netherlands stands ready to work with and support Vietnam in climate response and deepen sectoral strategic partnerships through cooperative programs and projects in vulnerable regions in Vietnam.

French President Emmanuel Macron said countries must share responsibility and work together to prevent, withstand and address the severe consequences of climate change.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Vietnam’s rising regional and global role as well as the country’s achievements in recent years.

He said Vietnam is an important partner for European nations in the Asia–Pacific region.

Vietnam and Egypt aim to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion

At a meeting the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reaffirmed their goal of raising bilateral trade to US$1 billion from $472 million in 2024.

To achieve this target, Chinh proposed that the two sides soon convene the Joint Working Group on the feasibility study for a Vietnam–Egypt Free Trade Agreement, establish a Vietnam–Egypt Business Council and accelerate negotiations to sign a double taxation avoidance agreement.

He also asked Egypt to boost investment cooperation and support Vietnamese companies in participating in projects related to administrative development and new urban areas, and in operating businesses in Egypt.

In agriculture, Prime Minister Chinh proposed stronger cooperation and joint agricultural production for local consumption and export.

He asked Egypt to complete procedures to open its market to Vietnamese exports and facilitate the entry of Egyptian products such as potatoes, dates and pomegranates into Vietnam.

Agreeing with Pham Minh Chinh’s proposals, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly encouraged Vietnamese firms to survey and invest more in Egypt, particularly in telecommunications, infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

He said Egypt hopes to strengthen ties with ASEAN through cooperation with Vietnam’s dynamic economy.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called for effective implementation of the Letter of Intent on defense cooperation recently signed during President Luong Cuong’s visit to Egypt and invited Vietnam to attend the International Defense Exhibition in Cairo in December 2026.

The two leaders agreed to complete the Action Program for the Vietnam–Egypt Comprehensive Partnership and prepare a new plan to promote trade cooperation to match the potential of both countries.

More VSIP industrial parks to be developed

At a bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed to continue developing second-generation Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) and study data center development at VSIP to create more favorable conditions for businesses of both countries.

They agreed to continue implementing agreements reached during General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Singapore, including the Action Program for the Vietnam–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2025–2030.

Both leaders committed to advancing cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and green growth, and to strengthening high-quality workforce training for Vietnam. They also agreed to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The two prime ministers praised the outcomes of their second annual meeting held in October 2025 in Malaysia. Chinh proposed that both sides continue deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through more practical and effective cooperation.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed sympathy for Vietnam’s recent flood losses. He said Singapore will continue supporting Vietnam in developing high-quality human resources, especially strategic-level officials.

With Singapore set to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027 and Vietnam serving as APEC Chair the same year, Wong proposed close coordination to ensure successful chairmanship roles for both countries.

Prime Minister Chinh also met Secretary-General of the OECD Mathias Cormann.

He thanked the OECD Secretariat and the Secretary-General for supporting Vietnam in its role as Co-Chair of the Southeast Asia Program for 2022–2025 and for effectively implementing the Vietnam–OECD MOU for 2022–2026.

Pham Minh Chinh requested further OECD support in policy planning, execution capacity and national competitiveness, aiming to meet OECD global governance standards.

He also expressed hope that OECD will share experience, provide advice and support Vietnamese agencies in joining specialized OECD committees and understanding the challenges facing developing countries like Vietnam. He said Vietnam hopes to have more Vietnamese personnel working at the OECD.

Secretary-General Mathias Cormann praised the effective cooperation between OECD and Vietnam and reaffirmed that Vietnam is a dynamic economy with growing importance in Southeast Asia, a major driver of global economic growth.

He said OECD wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam and is ready to support Vietnam in policy advice and areas of need.