Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to the country as it contributes to taking bilateral relations into a new development period and makes them more intensive, practical, and effective, especially in trade and investment.

Following a welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Chinh on December 13 (local time) during his official visit to Belgium, the two Prime Ministers then held talks, in which Prime Minister Chinh said that Vietnam considers Belgium to be a partner of leading importance in the European Union (EU), while his host affirmed that Belgium attaches great importance to Vietnam’s role and position in the Asia-Pacific.

The two acknowledged that despite the impact of Covid-19, both sides still maintained regular contact, trade and investment ties thrived, and many Belgian investment projects in Vietnam operated effectively.

On the occasion, the two Prime Ministers agreed on key orientations and measures to comprehensively promote bilateral relations, deepen cooperation within the Strategic Partnership framework in agriculture, and intensify trade and investment cooperation. They also agreed to conduct further visits and exchanges, especially at the high level, and to continue effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Regarding trade and investment, the two urged relevant bodies and enterprises from both sides to continue to fully and effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA).

Prime Minster Chinh urged Belgium to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EUVIPA), encourage Belgian firms to invest in Vietnam in areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy, logistics, seaports, and strategic infrastructure, and to encourage the European Commission (EC) to soon remove its “yellow card” on Vietnamese fisheries exports.

For his part, Prime Minister De Croo affirmed that the EUVFTA is a key driving force of bilateral economic and trade ties, adding that he favored the quick ratification of the EUVIPA. He expressed his appreciation of Vietnam’s efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and would recommend the EC consider removing its “yellow card”.

Regarding the Strategic Partnership in agriculture, the two countries highlighted the positive outcomes after five years.

Prime Minister Chinh sought Belgian assistance in developing an agriculture-based circular economy and smart agriculture; preventing and controlling saltwater intrusion and drought in the Mekong Delta; and implementing Vietnam’s Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030 towards sustainability.

The host said that Belgium supports the effective implementation of the Strategic Partnership in agriculture by both sides, and suggested the formation of a joint working group to soon identify specific cooperation projects.

Regarding climate change response, he said his country is ready to help Vietnam financially and technologically to realize the latter’s commitment on climate change, especially in the development of renewable energy and supporting industries.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of various cooperation documents in agriculture, green marine economy, food safety, and the development of activated carbon, among others.