Senior EU officials to visit Vietnam
(VOVWORLD) - Some senior EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are set to go on a scoping trip to intensify trade bonds with Vietnam five years after signing a free trade agreement, EU chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said in a statement.
 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. (Photo: Deutschland) |
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela are slated to travel to Vietnam in April.
According to Euronews, the EU will be looking to deepen its trade partnership with its largest trading partner in ASEAN. With a population of over 100 million, Vietnam serves as a strategic gateway for Europe's expansion into the region.
According to the US Geological Survey, in 2022 Vietnam was the world's second largest producer of tungsten. It also has large deposits of rare earths – for which it is ranked sixth in the world – essential for the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. Europe is currently in dire need of these resources to accelerate the development of its renewable energy industry – an essential strategy for the continent’s long-term sustainability.
Eurocham’s Vice-Chairman Jean-Jacques Bouflet told Euronews that many European companies are looking to establish branches in Vietnam to take advantage of its highly competitive workforce.