The ministry’s European Market Department said Vietnam’s total trade with European countries this year is expected to rise by 22.5 percent over last year’s level of US$20.54 billion.

The rise is attributed to a boost in import, export performance and foreign investment following Vietnam’s entry to the World Trade Organisation.

Export goods to the EU include footwear, garments, seafood, coffee, wood products, electronic and computer components, handicrafts, bicycle and bicycle parts and plastic products.

Meanwhile, the department said, the EU’s tax policies for Vietnam’s exported footwear could affect export performance by both sides.

The department said Vietnamese enterprises should enhance their participation in market surveys and trade fairs in order to establish permanent partners, open new markets and develop new products for export.