Vietnam has reinforced its strategic partnership with the European Union (EU) and Belgium, following a series of high-level discussions in Brussels from October 21 to 24. The talks, led by Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam, focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, renewable energy, and logistics.
During meetings with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, both sides expressed a shared commitment to deepening the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They discussed turning existing agreements into practical results, with an emphasis on areas such as sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, maritime security, and climate change. The EU’s Global Gateway initiative was highlighted as an avenue to support high-quality investment and connectivity projects in Vietnam.
Economic cooperation was a central theme, with Vietnam urging more effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and seeking progress on the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. Vietnam also addressed the European Commission’s yellow card warning on its seafood exports, calling for further efforts to resolve the issue.
The EU showed its readiness to support Vietnam’s ambitions to become a regional transport and transit hub. Notable projects discussed included the Bac Ai hydropower project and Lien Chieu Port in Da Nang, as well as the renovation of Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi. Additionally, Vietnam and Belgium explored opportunities in renewable energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agricultural innovation, and environmentally friendly industries.
Logistics and maritime transport were significant topics in the bilateral discussions. During a visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, To Lam outlined Vietnam’s plans to develop modern, sustainable, and digitally advanced port infrastructure. An agreement between Vietnam Maritime Corporation and the port authority is expected to foster cooperation in maritime transport, port management, and logistics, enhancing connections between Vietnam and European markets.
The meetings underscored Vietnam’s broader strategy to diversify international partnerships, attract investment, and strengthen its position in global supply chains. Enhanced collaboration with the EU and Belgium is anticipated to open opportunities for sustainable growth, technological progress, and stronger economic connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe.