Vietnam has bolstered its strategic partnerships with the European Union (EU) and Belgium following high-level talks in Brussels from October 21 to 24. The discussions, led by Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam, focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, renewable energy, and logistics.
Meetings with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saw both sides express a commitment to deepen the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The talks aimed to translate existing agreements into practical outcomes, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, maritime security, and climate change. The EU highlighted its Global Gateway initiative as a means to support investment and sustainable connectivity projects in Vietnam.
Economic collaboration was a key priority during the talks. Vietnam emphasized the need for more effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and pushed for progress on the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement. The country also sought efforts to address the European Commission’s yellow card on Vietnamese seafood exports. The EU expressed its readiness to support Vietnam’s ambitions to become a regional transport and transit hub, discussing projects such as the Bac Ai hydropower project, Lien Chieu Port in Da Nang, and the renovation of Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi.
Vietnam and Belgium agreed to explore opportunities in renewable energy, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agricultural innovation, and environmentally friendly industries. Belgium’s ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement was cited as an important step toward enhancing investment confidence and expanding commercial ties.
Logistics and maritime transport were significant topics in the bilateral discussions. During a visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, To Lam outlined Vietnam’s plans to develop modern, environmentally sustainable, and digitally advanced port infrastructure. An agreement between Vietnam Maritime Corporation and the port authority aims to foster cooperation in maritime transport, port management, and logistics, thereby improving connections between Vietnam and European markets.
The meetings underscore Vietnam’s broader efforts to diversify international partnerships, attract investment, and strengthen its position in global supply chains. Closer cooperation with the EU and Belgium is anticipated to create opportunities for sustainable growth, technological advancement, and stronger economic connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe.