Vietnam is actively working to enhance its trade and investment relationships with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt, aiming to improve market access and bolster economic partnerships. Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân has emphasized the importance of leveraging the existing Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to boost bilateral trade and investment. She also suggested that both parties consider upgrading the agreement and urged the EAEU to address trade barriers affecting Vietnamese exports such as textiles, footwear, and rice.
During discussions, both sides explored ways to refine trade data coordination, expedite meetings of their joint committee, and increase the use of electronic certificates of origin. EAEU officials noted that bilateral trade had nearly doubled, signaling significant potential for further growth. These discussions reflect a mutual interest in expanding economic ties and removing obstacles to trade.
In a separate meeting with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Eissa, Xuân called for intensified high-level exchanges and deeper economic cooperation between the two nations. She highlighted the potential for a Vietnam-Egypt free trade agreement and identified several sectors ripe for collaboration, including agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, education, and renewable energy.
The meetings took place in Bishkek, where Vietnam was participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Summit. This initiative is part of Hanoi’s broader strategy to enhance economic and diplomatic relations with regional partners. By engaging with both the EAEU and Egypt, Vietnam aims to secure more robust international partnerships and foster mutual economic benefits.