Vietnam is enhancing its strategic alliances with the European Union (EU) and Belgium following a series of high-level discussions in Brussels from October 21 to 24. These talks aimed at expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, technology, and green energy.
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam, expressed a commitment to an independent and diversified foreign policy. Meetings with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen focused on deepening the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and translating existing agreements into tangible outcomes.
Key areas of discussion included sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, maritime security, and climate change. The EU’s Global Gateway initiative was identified as a potential support mechanism for high-quality investment and sustainable connectivity projects in Vietnam.
Economic cooperation was emphasized, with Vietnam urging more effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and progress on the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. Additionally, Vietnam sought help to address the European Commission’s yellow card on Vietnamese seafood exports. The EU showed readiness to support Vietnam’s ambitions to become a regional transport and transit hub, with projects like the Bac Ai hydropower project and Lien Chieu Port in Da Nang discussed.
In bilateral talks with Belgium, both sides explored opportunities in renewable energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agricultural innovation, and environmentally friendly industries. Belgium’s ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement was seen as a crucial step to boost investment confidence and expand commercial ties.
Logistics and maritime transport were also significant topics, highlighted by a visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where plans to develop modern, environmentally sustainable, and digitally advanced port infrastructure were outlined. An agreement between Vietnam Maritime Corporation and the port authority is anticipated to enhance cooperation in maritime transport, port management, and logistics, improving connections between Vietnam and European markets.
Both parties stressed the importance of research, education, and innovation in underpinning long-term economic development. Vietnam encouraged overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals in Europe to strengthen collaboration between universities, research institutions, and technology companies, contributing their expertise to Vietnam’s development. These meetings underscore Vietnam’s broader efforts to diversify international partnerships, attract investment, and strengthen its position in global supply chains, fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement between Southeast Asia and Europe.