Vietnam could be a pioneer in implementing EU green standards

On the afternoon of November 24, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Mr. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, reported the Government Newspaper.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador expressed their joy that the Vietnam - EU relationship has been in a very good period recently, achieving positive results in all areas.

To develop the Vietnam - EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation in a practical and effective manner in the coming time, the Prime Minister suggested that the two sides study the possibility of upgrading the relationship; increase delegation exchanges at all levels; continue to effectively promote existing cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, propose new measures to promote cooperation, and at the same time remove obstacles and difficulties; effectively implement the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA); the EU urges the remaining 10 member countries to ratify the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create a new breakthrough in trade and investment cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also affirmed that Vietnam actively supports the EU's initiatives and solutions in green and sustainable development, including the application of green standards to goods, in the spirit of "what is said must be done, what is committed must be implemented".

The Prime Minister proposed that the EU provide Vietnam with maximum support in terms of capital, technology, institutional improvement, and human resource training to join hands in solving global issues, especially environmental protection and climate change response, with priority given to effectively implementing the Political Declaration establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), supporting Vietnam in implementing the program of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta, and developing renewable energy.

Along with that, the Prime Minister requested the European Commission (EC) to actively consider the early removal of the IUU “yellow card” based on acknowledging Vietnam’s efforts in combating IUU fishing, taking into account the difficulties and differences in development levels between Vietnam and the EU in terms of fisheries management capacity and fishermen’s livelihoods; promoting cooperation in sustainable marine economic development including modern and sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, logistics development, offshore wind power, exploitation of marine resources, ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier affirmed that he is a long-time friend of Vietnam; highly appreciated Vietnam's development policies and guidelines shared by the Prime Minister.

The Ambassador expressed his impression of the achievements, future development goals, and Vietnam's commitment and efforts in responding to climate change.

The Ambassador also appreciated Vietnam's active support and the possibility of becoming one of the pioneering countries in implementing EU green standards.

The Ambassador emphasized that Vietnam and the EU have many things in common and the potential for cooperation between the two sides is still very large, especially in the upcoming turning point development period of Vietnam.

The Ambassador affirmed that the EU will continue to accompany and support Vietnam in the process of realizing development goals such as becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045 and net zero emissions by 2050.

The Ambassador said that he will closely coordinate with the relevant agencies of both sides to implement cooperation activities in the areas mentioned by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, prioritizing areas such as trade and investment, especially promoting the ratification of EVIPA; cooperation in responding to climate change, first of all supporting Vietnam at the upcoming COP 28 Summit; cooperation in infrastructure construction, human resource training, etc.

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