The remarks were made during a meeting on March 5 at the Government Headquarters in Hanoi between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and 20 ambassadors and chargé d’affaires from EU member states and the EU delegation to Vietnam.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said Vietnam has been implementing strong measures to tackle IUU fishing, including improving the legal framework, strengthening monitoring of fishing vessels and ensuring traceability of seafood products.

Vietnam stands ready to work closely with inspection missions from the European Commission (EC), he assured his guests, calling on EU members to recognise the country’s efforts and support the early removal of the EC’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.

The Prime Minister stressed that the EU and its member states are among Vietnam’s leading partners in foreign policy. The recent upgrade of Vietnam–EU relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership reflects growing political trust and opens new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors.

Vietnam aims to achieve rapid and sustainable development driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while ensuring social progress and environmental protection, he said.

The Prime Minister also proposed that EU member states accelerate the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and further strengthen cooperation in areas such as green transition, digital transformation, infrastructure development, science and technology, and innovation.

EU representatives at the meeting congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and reiterated that Vietnam remains an important partner for the EU in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region.

They welcomed Vietnam’s determination and efforts to combat IUU fishing and expressed hope that both sides would continue to cooperate in developing a modern and sustainable fisheries sector.

Both sides also agreed to promote effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), diversify markets and supply chains, and deepen cooperation in investment, technology and green growth.

Ho Chi Minh City enhances measures agaisnt IUU fishing at ports

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are intensifying measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by strengthening monitoring and traceability at local fishing ports.