Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomes EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic in Hanoi on September 26, 2025. (Photo: VGP/Viet Bac)

Mr. Son underlined that the two sides have established and effectively implemented eight regular dialogue mechanisms, signed multiple cooperation agreements, and worked closely together at multilateral forums. 

He reiterated Vietnam’s strategic vision to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed and high-income nation by 2045. 

The Deputy PM asked the EU to respond to Vietnam’s draft joint statement on partnership elevation, and accelerate the ratification of the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the remaining members. He also called on the bloc to fully leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and remove the “yellow card” warning for Vietnamese seafood. 

The host also encouraged the EU to continue supporting the ASEAN Community building, align the ASEAN-EU action plans with ASEAN priorities, and strongly back the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Commissioner Sefcovic reaffirmed the EU’s support for Vietnam’s fast and sustainable development and urged continued reforms to facilitate imports and investment from the bloc. 

He proposed setting up a joint task force to address outstanding bottlenecks, including the removal of the “yellow card” on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Mr. Sefcovic called for a cooperation strategy to harness each side's strengths in science, technology, semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, 5G, aviation, and logistics. 

He also invited Vietnam to join the upcoming EU “Global Gateway Initiative” in France.