Việtnam, EU Seek Deeper Cooperation Following Upgrade to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Thursday met in Hànội with visiting President of the European Council (EC) António Costa, expressing Việtnam’s strong desire to further strengthen cooperation with the European Union (EU) following the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Welcoming EC President Costa, Prime Minister Chính said the visit held special significance as it came shortly after Việt Nam and the EU upgraded their relationship, which he described as a historic milestone marking a new stage in bilateral relations and sending a strong message in support of cooperation at both regional and global levels.

The Prime Minister affirmed that Việtnam highly values the EU’s global role and standing and wishes to deepen relations with the bloc, one of Việtnam’s leading partners in economy, trade and investment, as well as a pioneer in sustainable development, green growth, circular economy, digital transformation, clean energy and free trade.

Briefing his guest on Việt Nam’s socio-economic development, PM Chính noted that after 40 years of Đổi mới (Renewal), the country has transformed from a war-ravaged, underdeveloped nation into a developing economy with a gross domestic product (GDP) of around US$510 billion, ranking 32nd globally. Exports have reached nearly US$500 billion, supported by 17 free trade agreements with international partners, placing Việtnam among the world’s top 20 economies in terms of trade scale and investment attraction.

He said that in 2025 alone, Việt Nam’s GDP growth exceeded 8.02 per cent, among the highest in the region and the world, while macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation kept under control and major economic balances ensured. GDP per capita reached US$5,026, officially placing Việt Nam in the group of upper-middle-income countries, while the national happiness index rose by 37 places over the past five years.

The Prime Minister underlined that following the 14th National Party Congress, Việt Nam has entered a period of acceleration and breakthrough in socio-economic development, focusing on transforming its growth model, building a socialist rule-of-law State, and steadfastly pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, together with the “four no’s” defence policy.

Regarding the implementation of the Việtnam–EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, PM Chính proposed that both sides increase high-level exchanges and dialogue, make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, and swiftly implement the Joint Statement to ensure the partnership develops in a substantive, effective and in-depth manner. He reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to further improving the investment climate to facilitate foreign investors, including EU businesses, operating in the country.

Thanking the EU for its support for Việtnam’s sustainable fisheries development, the Prime Minister urged the bloc to soon dispatch an inspection delegation to conduct an objective assessment of Việtnam’s efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a view to promptly lifting the “yellow card” imposed on Vietnamese seafood. He also called on the EU to continue supporting the modernisation and sustainable restructuring of Việtnam’s fisheries sector and to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Europe to contribute to host societies and promote bilateral ties.

Congratulating Việt Nam on the successful 14th National Party Congress, EC President António Costa expressed his strong impression of Việt Nam’s comprehensive socio-economic achievements, particularly amid ongoing global and regional uncertainties. He affirmed that Việt Nam is an important partner of the EU in the Indo-Pacific region and within ASEAN, reiterating the EU’s role as a reliable partner committed to accompanying and supporting Việt Nam’s development process.

President Costa noted that the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership opens major opportunities to boost trade, diversify markets and supply chains, develop the maritime economy and promote essential infrastructure development, laying a solid foundation for closer cooperation and a shared future.

The two leaders agreed to closely coordinate in effectively implementing the EU–Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), accelerating the ratification of the EU–Việtnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and promoting cooperation in investment, trade, science and technology, green transition, digital transformation, marine economy, clean energy and high-quality human resources development. They also pledged to encourage closer links among research institutes, universities and enterprises to foster innovation ecosystems and enhance Vietnamese firms’ participation in the EU’s high-tech value chains.

Within the ASEAN–EU cooperation framework, both sides agreed to step up coordination to advance negotiations on an ASEAN–EU Free Trade Agreement and to harness new growth drivers through a balanced and inclusive approach aligned with regional priorities.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues, the two leaders shared a common vision of striving for a peaceful and stable environment conducive to sustainable development and shared prosperity. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter, while underscoring the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the rule of law in the East Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific region.