Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a dialogue with European businesses on March 2 in Hanoi, joined by Deputy PMs Ho Duc Phoc and Nguyen Chi Dung, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Ambassador Julien Guerrier, representatives from EU embassies, as well as executives from 15 leading Vietnamese corporations and 16 top European firms.

At the dialogue, representatives of businesses and associations congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements in recent years, recognizing the country as a bright spot in global economic growth.

They also noted appreciation for Vietnam's improving business and investment environment, considering it an increasingly attractive destination.

Delegates raised various opinions and recommendations to the Government and the Prime Minister on administrative procedures, taxation, customs, intellectual property, science, and technology. They also voiced their desire to continue investing in Vietnam, particularly in renewable energy sectors such as offshore wind and solar power. Representatives from Vietnamese ministries and agencies responded to these concerns, providing clarifications and dealing with the issues raised by European businesses.

In his speech, PM Chinh thanked European businesses for viewing Vietnam as their second home for investment and business. He greatly valued their candid discussions, thoughts, and aspirations, which show mutual understanding and trust. He emphasized the need for a quick and flexible approach, as global issues require solidarity and joint efforts to find solutions. Challenges, he remarked, are inevitable, but the key lies in early detection and timely solutions to address emerging problems.

The Government leader expressed his desire to step up cooperation with the EU in five key areas. He underscored the importance of reinforcing closer and more effective solidarity, enhancing substantive cooperation, driving stronger innovation and creativity, implementing decisive and focused actions, and adopting a practical, reality-based approach that aligns with actual developments.

Regarding Vietnam-EU relations, Chinh highlighted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties and suggested that both sides should work together towards commemorating the occasion. He affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to achieving an economic growth rate of at least 8% and encouraged European partners to strive for similar or even higher growth, paving the way for double-digit expansion in the future as a meaningful contribution to the anniversary.

The Vietnamese Government chief called for high determination, greater effort, and a decisive spirit, while accentuating the importance of valuing time, intelligence, and resolute decision-making to accomplish the ambitious goals set forth.

Highlighting Vietnam’s geopolitical advantages, he pointed out the huge potential for further investment between the two sides and incentivized European businesses to expand their presence in Vietnam, establishing long-term production and business operations in the country. He also emphasized the need for continuous dialogue to respond to challenges and remove barriers together.

Hoping that European enterprises already operating in Vietnam would further expand their businesses, he urged them to see Vietnam as a key hub for production and investment. He stressed their role in integrating Vietnam more deeply into global supply chains, diversifying markets and products, and supporting Vietnamese enterprises in growing further alongside European firms.

Chinh also called for efforts to fast-track the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the nine remaining EU member states, push for the European Commission to lift the IUU ‘yellow card’ on Vietnamese seafood, and maintain regional aid programs for Vietnam.

With the spirit of balancing interests and sharing risks for mutual benefit, PM Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to resolve difficulties and create favorable conditions for EU businesses to invest and grow in the country.

He reiterated the Vietnamese Government’s strong commitment to ensuring that the foreign-invested sector remains an integral part of the national economy, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of investors in accordance with the law, and maintaining political stability, social order and safety, as well as consistent policies that harmonize legal frameworks while considering the circumstances of both sides.

PM Chinh called on EU businesses to uphold the principle of 'Three Together': deepening mutual understanding between businesses, the government, and the people; sharing a common vision and taking action for optimal effectiveness and sustainable growth; and working together to share benefits for mutual development, and embrace shared prosperity and happiness.

Vietnam greatly values comprehensive partnership with EU

VOV.VN - Vietnam highly values its comprehensive partnership with the EU, asid Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission (EC) Margaritis Schinas in Ho Chi Minh City on October 21 on the sidelines of the ongoing Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE).