Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son had a phone call with Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. (Photo: VGP/Hai Minh)

To further advance bilateral relations in the time ahead, Son proposed the two sides promote high-level exchanges and visits, continue effective implementation of the EVFTA, and facilitate stronger trade and investment cooperation, especially in the context of current global trade challenges.

He also called on the EC to soon lift its “yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood exports, taking into account the country’s efforts in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the differences in the development level between the two sides, the interests of EU consumers, and the livelihoods of Vietnamese fishermen.

Reaffirming that the EU is a key partner of Vietnam, the Deputy PM urged the EU to accelerate the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create a breakthrough in bilateral trade and investment. The EU should encourage European businesses to invest in Vietnam’s key projects, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, green transition, and digital transformation.

Kallas stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially by maximising the benefits of the EVFTA. Kallas affirmed that Vietnam is one of the EU's key partners in Asia-Pacific and expressed a strong wish to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.