HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City is proud to be a pioneer in promoting friendship and cooperative relations with European Union (EU) countries, Vice Chairman of the city People's Committee Vo Van Hoan said at the celebration of Europe Day 2025 and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of EU-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
Speaking at the event held by the EU Delegation to Vietnam on May 16, Hoan said that the Vietnam - EU friendship and cooperation have seen rapid developments in all areas, from politics, economy, trade, investment, development cooperation, education - training, and science - technology. In particular, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement after five years of implementation has opened up many new opportunities, making Vietnam the EU's leading trade partner in ASEAN.
The city leader also emphasised that in the context of good bilateral relations, trade turnover between HCM City and the EU market reached more than 9 billion USD in 2024. The EU currently has nearly 1,700 investment projects in the city.
In the first few months of 2025, HCM City welcomed many high-level delegations from EU countries, demonstrating the EU's special interest in the city, while opening up many new cooperation opportunities.
Hoan affirmed that HCM City always considers the EU as a companion in the process of sustainable development, an important partner in green transition, digital transformation, sustainable development, building an international financial centre and developing science and technology that the city is striving to promote.
The municipal administration is committed to continuing to ensure a stable socio-political environment, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of investors, as well as creating favourable conditions for foreign enterprises, including European ones, to operate stably, sustainably, and effectively in the locality.
At the event, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier reviewed the EU’s formation and development.
He noted that the EU-Vietnam relationship has grown deeper, broader, and stronger over time. Vietnam is a leading partner in the EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy and has more bilateral agreements with the EU than any other country in Southeast Asia, including a free trade agreement.
He said that the EU-Vietnam relationship is a testament to how peaceful cooperation leads to a better future./.
