Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc hosted a reception in Hanoi on March 24 for visiting EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under the newly established framework, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela witness the launch of the WhiteBook 2026 on March 24.

Welcoming the visit, Phoc spoke highly of the first EU–Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum (GGBIF) held in Vietnam, describing it as a concrete step to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the European Union established in January.

Highlighting the EU’s role as the world’s third-largest economy and a pioneer in promoting sustainable development, green growth, the circular economy, digital transformation, just energy transition and free trade, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam always values and supports EU initiatives aligned with its development priorities, particularly the Global Gateway initiative.

He briefed his guest on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as the country’s socio-economic achievements and extensive international integration over nearly four decades of Doi Moi (renewal).

He said Vietnam is determined to realise its two centenary goals through specific orientations and measures, focusing on three strategic breakthroughs. These include improving institutions; developing modern, synchronous infrastructure, especially expressways, high-speed railways, seaports and airports; and enhancing high-quality human resources.

At the same time, Vietnam is promoting a growth model driven by science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, renewable energy, and the green and circular economy.

Regarding bilateral ties, Phoc noted that following the recent upgrade of relations, translating commitments into concrete programmes and projects, including the GGBIF, is crucial to creating new momentum for cooperation.

He called on the Commissioner to support the effective implementation of Global Gateway projects in Vietnam, step up development cooperation, and encourage EU businesses to invest in major projects, including the newly established international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Such efforts, he said, would help strengthen infrastructure connectivity, accelerate green and digital transitions, enhance capacity, and enable Vietnamese firms to engage more deeply in EU supply chains.

For his part, Commissioner Síkela expressed his pleasure at returning to Vietnam and co-chairing the inaugural GGBIF, while praising the country’s socio-economic achievements in recent years.

He commended the progress in EU–Vietnam relations, particularly the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and noted that his delegation includes senior policymakers and leading EU enterprises, including the Vice President of the European Investment Bank.

An increasing number of major EU firms, he said, are keen to expand investment and business activities in Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure, transport connectivity, energy transition, and the green, digital and circular economy.

Agreeing with the Deputy Prime Minister’s proposals, Síkela affirmed that the EU considers Vietnam a key partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Amid global uncertainties and economic challenges, he described Vietnam as a reliable partner, with both sides sharing common values on sustainable and human-centred development.

With 99% of tariffs already reduced to facilitate trade, he said the two sides should further enhance cooperation in investment, infrastructure connectivity, energy transition, and human resources development to support the green, digital and circular economy.

PM pushes forward energy cooperation with UAE after high-level talks

Vietnam–UAE relations have continued to grow, with the UAE now Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a potential investor. For Vietnam, the UAE is not only an important economic partner but also a sincere and reliable friend sharing common values of peace, cooperation, and prosperity.

 

Vietnamese, Chinese FMs agree to make new breakthroughs in substantive cooperation

A strategic discussion was held between Vietnamese Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Ha Noi on March 15.

 

Vietnamese firms step up cooperation with international distribution chains

Connecting Vietnamese businesses with international distribution networks has been a key component of government-led trade promotion programmes for many years, which are designed to help domestic companies place goods directly into global retail systems rather than exporting solely through intermediaries.

 

Vietnam, RoK seek to boost all-around cooperation

Vietnam consistently attaches great importance to its relationship with the RoK and wishes to further deepen bilateral cooperation in a substantive and effective manner across fields, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung stated.

 

OV intellectuals in Europe step up AI cooperation with Vietnam

The workshop featured four in-depth discussion sessions with nearly 20 speakers from Vietnam and Europe, covering AI applications in digital transformation, economic development, trade, energy, nuclear medicine and biotechnology.

 

Vietnam, Japan expand cooperation in various fields

Vietnam consistently regards Japan as one of its most important partners and a sincere and reliable friend that accompanies it in achieving its development objectives.