Encouraging European businesses to invest in key projects in Vietnam

On the morning of October 27, continuing activities within the framework of his working trip to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and related Summits in Malaysia (October 26-28), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the European Council Antonio Costa. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Expressing his pleasure at meeting President of the European Council Antonio Costa again after the meeting at the United Nations Ocean Conference last June, the Prime Minister affirmed that the EU is one of Vietnam's leading important partners.

Emphasizing the urgent priority issue that needs to be resolved in the relationship, the Prime Minister affirmed Vietnam's political determination and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and requested the European Commission (EC) to soon send an IUU inspection team to Vietnam to assess and promptly remove the IUU yellow card.

The Prime Minister shared that every week he chairs meetings with ministries, branches and localities in the country on this issue, and also said that Vietnam is promoting cooperation with countries, including Southeast Asian countries, to develop sustainable fisheries, enhance capacity for fishermen and businesses to adapt to regulations on transitioning to responsible fishing models, and change fishermen's jobs from fishing to sustainable aquaculture.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that the EU is one of Vietnam's leading important partners. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

Regarding the orientation of Vietnam-EU cooperation in the coming time, the Prime Minister suggested that the two sides promote the exchange of high-level delegations, agree on a roadmap to upgrade bilateral relations, promote cooperation in trade and investment, and make science, technology and innovation a pillar of bilateral cooperation.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to fully utilize the opportunities brought about by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), closely coordinate to remove obstacles for businesses of both sides, and at the same time request the EU to pay attention to promoting the remaining EU countries to ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and encourage European businesses to invest in Vietnam's key projects on infrastructure, renewable energy, and green transformation.

Appreciating the important role of the EU in the international arena, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated and affirmed that Vietnam supports the EU's Global Gateway Initiative; emphasizing that Vietnam actively supports ASEAN-EU relations and that Vietnam will continue to be a gateway to connect and strengthen relations between the EU and Southeast Asia.

View of the meeting. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac)

For his part, President of the European Council Antonio Costa agreed to coordinate to promote the priorities mentioned by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; affirmed that the EU highly appreciates the role and position of Vietnam, especially its economic development achievements. Mr. Antonio Costa also expressed his delight at the fact that the two sides are discussing upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, affirming that the EU wishes to promote strong cooperation with Vietnam, especially in the fields of trade and investment, green transformation, digital transformation, responding to global challenges and strengthening the international law-based order.

Discussing the international and regional situation, the President of the European Council agreed that the two sides should strengthen coordination to promote multilateral cooperation, affirming that the EU currently prioritizes strengthening relations with ASEAN and countries in the region. In the context of the uncertain world and regional situation, the President of the European Council highly appreciated Vietnam's constructive approach to peace and security issues, and Vietnam's viewpoint on the fundamental principles of international law.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh invited the President of the European Council and EU leaders to visit Vietnam at a suitable time. The President of the European Council affirmed that he will soon arrange the visit.

Ha Thanh Giang

Source: https://nhandan.vn/khuyen-khich-doanh-nghiep-chau-au-dau-tu-vao-cac-du-an-trong-diem-cua-viet-nam-post918319.html