The European Union (EU) considers Vietnam as one of its leading important partners in the region, Mr.Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on July 30, the Vietnam News Agency has reported.

Mr. Borrell Fontelles is on an official visit to Vietnam from July 29 to 31 to pay the last respects to late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He said the EU is actively implementing various EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA) - related strategies, policies, and specific projects to deepen cooperation with Vietnam.

Emphasizing trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar,  Minister Bui Thanh Son stressed the need for both sides to closely coordinate the effective implementation of the EUVFTA.

He proposed the EC to promptly lift its "yellow card" warning against Vietnam's seafood exports, basing on the nation’s efforts and achievements in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while calling for the remaining EU member states to quickly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to unlock the full potential of bilateral economic partnership.

He also proposed the EU continue providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, focusing on urgent areas such as public governance capacity building, green economy, digital economy, circular economy, and sustainable fishery development.

He also asked for support from the bloc in financial aid, technology transfer, and human resources training for Vietnam’s effectively implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), including the establishment of a carbon credit market connected to the international market and the development of green hydrogen projects.

Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge to promote the EU’s cooperation with the region, including strengthening the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and implementing their action plan for 2023-2027, Minister Son said.

The EU is currently Vietnam's fourth largest trading partner, while Vietnam is the bloc’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.

On the same day, President To Lam and Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long hosted separate receptions for Mr.Josep Borrell Fontelles.