Vietnam is strengthening its strategic partnerships with the European Union (EU) and Belgium, focusing on advancing cooperation in trade, technology, and green energy. This development follows a series of high-level talks held in Brussels from October 21 to 24, led by Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam. The discussions aimed to bolster Vietnam’s commitment to a foreign policy that is independent, self-reliant, and diverse.
During the meetings, both sides expressed a mutual desire to deepen the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and turn existing agreements into actionable outcomes. Conversations centered on key areas such as sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, maritime security, and climate change. The EU highlighted its Global Gateway initiative, which aims to support high-quality investment and sustainable connectivity projects in Vietnam.
Economic cooperation emerged as a central theme, with Vietnam advocating for more effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and progress on the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. Additionally, Vietnam sought to address the European Commission’s yellow card on Vietnamese seafood exports. The EU, in turn, expressed readiness to assist Vietnam in becoming a regional transport and transit hub, with specific projects like the Bac Ai hydropower project, Lien Chieu Port in Da Nang, and the renovation of Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi being discussed.
The bilateral discussions with Belgium also covered potential collaborations in renewable energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agricultural innovation, and environmentally friendly industries. Belgium’s ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement was noted as a significant step towards enhancing investment confidence and expanding commercial ties.
Logistics and maritime transport were key topics, highlighted by To Lam’s visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where plans for developing modern, environmentally sustainable, and digitally advanced port infrastructure in Vietnam were outlined. An agreement between Vietnam Maritime Corporation and the port authority is expected to enhance cooperation in maritime transport, port management, and logistics, thereby improving connectivity between Vietnam and European markets.
The meetings underscored the importance of research, education, and innovation in supporting long-term economic development. Vietnam encouraged overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals in Europe to forge stronger links between universities, research institutions, and technology companies, contributing their expertise to Vietnam’s growth.
Overall, these discussions reflect Vietnam’s broader efforts to diversify international partnerships, attract investment, and strengthen its role in global supply chains. Closer cooperation with the EU and Belgium is anticipated to foster sustainable growth, technological advancement, and stronger economic connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe.