Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh talks to Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans (Photo: VNA)

During a reception for visiting Executive Vice President of the European Commission (EC) Frans Timmermans in Hanoi on Friday, Mr. Chinh expressed his pleasure over positive development of the Partnership and Comprehensive Cooperation between Vietnam and EU in recent years. He suggested that in 2022 the two sides restore in-person meetings on cooperation and dialogue mechanisms.

PM Chinh called on the EU to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese goods to enter the European market, especially agricultural products and seasonal fruits, and consider removing the yellow card for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing imposed on Vietnam's aquatic products. He asked that the EC support EU member states to complete ratification the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) so that the agreement will soon take effect.

Vice President Timmermans said he is impressed by Vietnam's strong commitments, which made an important contribution to the overall success of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). He affirmed that the EU and its member countries want to work with Vietnam in the process of sustainable development and are willing to share experiences, provide technical support and mobilize resources, strengthen public-private partnership, and help Vietnam realize its commitments made at COP26.