Vietnam is seeking to deepen its strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), focusing on collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, green energy, and regional security. During an official visit to Belgium, Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm emphasized the importance of the EU in Vietnam’s foreign policy and development strategy at a speech delivered at the Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels.
Tô Lâm highlighted Vietnam’s ambitions to transition towards an innovation-driven economy, prioritizing digital transformation, advanced technology, and sustainable development. The goal is for Vietnam to become a modern industrialized developing country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2045. The Vietnamese leader underscored the potential for strengthened cooperation with the EU, despite differing political systems and economic development levels.
Key areas identified for enhanced Vietnam–EU cooperation include trade and investment, supply chain security, cybersecurity, maritime security, and increased collaboration between the EU, Vietnam, and ASEAN. Tô Lâm also called for more European investment in strategic infrastructure, logistics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
Further proposals included fostering research partnerships, joint innovation initiatives, and providing technical assistance to help Vietnamese businesses adhere to European environmental standards. Tô Lâm underscored the importance of addressing environmental challenges, particularly in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, and highlighted opportunities in green energy and climate change adaptation.
The Vietnamese leader also emphasized the potential for Vietnam to serve as a bridge between the EU and ASEAN, promoting regional cooperation, economic growth, and a rules-based international order. He suggested that stronger relations between Vietnam, the EU, and Belgium could lead to lasting opportunities in trade, technology, and innovation.