Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed his determination to join hands with the Netherlands in promoting the two countries’ comprehensive partnership during talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in the Hague on December 12.

The two expressed delight at the growth of bilateral trade and investment ties, which has turned the Netherlands into Vietnam’s second-largest European trading partner and largest EU investor.

They agreed to continue to effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA) and develop the two countries into transit centers for goods heading out to their respective regions.

Prime Minister Chinh proposed that the Netherlands soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EUVIPA); encourage Dutch businesses to increase their investment in Vietnam in fields such as seaports, shipbuilding, logistics, and infrastructure; support the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” on Vietnam’s aquatic product exports due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; and help Vietnam build seaports, airports, and innovation centers.

He also suggested that the two sides sign a labor cooperation agreement shortly.

For his part, Prime Minister Rutte described the EUVFTA as important impetus for bilateral economic relations, stressing that Dutch businesses are paying greater attention to Vietnam, which boasts political stability and an optimal investment and business climate.

He also spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to sustainably develop its fisheries industry and also voiced his support for the early removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card”.

The Netherlands is ready to share experience, knowledge, technology, and concessional loans to help Vietnam develop sustainable agriculture and logistics systems, and boost green transition, protect biodiversity, and manage water resources, especially in the Mekong Delta, the Dutch Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Chinh proposed that the Netherlands assist Vietnam in developing eco-friendly, modern, and smart agriculture; provide aid in terms of finance, technology, and human resources training within the Just Energy Transition Partnership on the basis of harmonious interests to help Vietnam effectively cope with climate change and realize climate commitments; and support the country in developing a circular economy.

His Dutch counterpart welcomed his guest’s proposal on the establishment of a trilateral cooperation mechanism on agriculture and food security to deal with supply chain disruptions and contribute to common efforts to resolve the global issue of food security.

The two agreed to expand cooperation in security and defense, culture and tourism, transport, science and technology, and education and training, while continuing to support each other at multilateral forums like ASEAN-EU cooperation, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the UN.