The meeting, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and Italian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, brought together representatives from ministries, agencies, and business communities of both sides.

Both sides agreed to further deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation, while effectively leveraging the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to promote more stable and sustainable bilateral trade growth in the coming period.

Vietnam vowed to create favourable conditions for enterprises from both countries to expand investment cooperation and strengthen technology transfer, particularly in renewable energy, new energy, automation, and supporting industries.

The Vietnamese side also called for enhanced market access for each side’s key export products and stronger cooperation in sustainable development and climate change response, aiming to bring bilateral economic relations in line with the potential of both countries and evolving global conditions.

For its part, Tripodi reaffirmed that Vietnam remains Italy's key partner in ASEAN and expressed commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in green transition and sustainable development.

She also reiterated Italy's support for Vietnam’s efforts in improving fisheries management, including the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Italian side further welcomed enhanced connectivity, including the planned Vietnam–Milan direct air route and efforts to facilitate visa procedures, thereby boosting tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), under which Italy is among the international partners supporting Vietnam’s clean energy transition, including financing renewable energy projects.

The two sides also agreed to further facilitate bilateral trade, promote investment and technology transfer in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, automation and high-tech industries, while continuing to strengthen cooperation in traditional sectors including textiles, footwear, and tourism.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides signed the minutes of the meeting and agreed to hold the 11th session in Hanoi in 2027.

Vietnam and Italy eye upgrade of bilateral relations

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Italy are looking to upgrade their Strategic Partnership, with both sides emphasising expanded cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence and high-tech sectors.