Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang (right) and Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) Bernd Lange at the meeting in Hanoi on January 18. (Photo: VNA) Affirming that the EU is a partner of leading importance inVietnam’s foreign policy, the host official applauded the positive results of Vietnam’scooperation with the EU as well as members of the bloc.
He called on the EU and its member countries to continue sharingexperience and giving financial, technological, and capacity buildingassistance in climate change response and energy transition to help Vietnam realisethe commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and secure green and sustainabledevelopment.
TheDeputy PM asked Lange, with his role and prestige, to raise an important voiceto promote the 10 remaining EU members’ ratification of the EU - Vietnam InvestmentProtection Agreement (EVIPA) so as to step up equal and mutually beneficial investmentties.
Quangalso suggested his guest help persuade the European Commission to remove the “yellowcard” warning for Vietnam’s seafood exports on the basis of the recognition of Vietnam’sefforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Recallingthe negotiation on and signing of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA),Lange stressed that the deal is successful in terms of both political and economicaspects for both sides, helping the Southeast Asian country gain a growth ratemany EU members dream about.
He held that Vietnam and the EU boast stable and trustworthy relationsand sound cooperation in multiple areas with many agreements inked, so bothsides need to work closely to continue developing this relationship in a moreintensive and extensive manner in the future.
Withregard to the issue of IUU fishing, he spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts overthe recent past, particularly in monitoring fishing vessels and perfecting thelegal corridor, and recommended the country promote law enforcement in its localities./.