Nguyen Van Thao, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union (Photo: VNA)

Speaking to a correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency in Brussels, Nguyen Van Thao, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union (EU), emphasized that President Costa’s official visit is of great importance to Vietnam–EU relations as it is the first visit by a senior EU leader to Vietnam following the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Ambassador Thao said there’s much potential for Vietnam-EU cooperation, especially in key pillars. The EU is a major market with a GDP of nearly 20 trillion USD, a population of approximately 450 million, and strong demand for products with which Vietnam holds competitive advantages. EU investment in Vietnam still has considerable room for expansion, especially in high tech and innovation-driven sectors.

Another important pillar is science, technology, and innovation cooperation. The Ambassador expressed confidence that the visit, together with agreements expected to be signed, will generate new momentum for scientific, technological, and innovation collaboration between Vietnam and the EU.