EC's IUU inspection team will visit Vietnam next month

On the morning of October 9, while attending the 2nd Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son met with Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

At the meeting, EC Vice President Kaja Kallas extended her condolences and expressed deep sympathy regarding the recent storms and floods in Viet Nam, particularly the loss of lives and property. Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son briefed her on Viet Nam’s disaster prevention and response efforts and thanked the international community, including the European Union, for their support and assistance to the Vietnamese government and people.

Regarding Viet Nam’s socio-economic development, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that despite facing numerous difficulties and challenges, the Party, State, Government, and people of Viet Nam are striving to achieve the set socio-economic development targets, including a growth rate of over 8% in 2025 - a year that also marks the 80th anniversary of National Day and the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

“Viet Nam values the EU’s global role and supports EU initiatives, including the Global Gateway Initiative. In the context of a complex and volatile international and regional environment, Viet Nam and the EU share common interests in peace, stability, and sustainable development. At the same time, both sides need to coordinate and support each other to promote global multilateral cooperation, including strengthening the UN system and upholding the rule of law, including the UN Charter,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

Regarding Viet Nam - EU relations, both sides appreciated the strong, comprehensive, and substantive development over the 35 years of diplomatic relations (1990-2025). The Deputy Prime Minister noted that bilateral relations are entering a new phase, aiming to upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation across all areas, promote high-level visits to deepen political-diplomatic, trade-investment, and security-defense collaboration, as well as advance new fields such as science and technology, innovation, green economy, and climate change response.

EC Vice President Kaja Kallas affirmed that Viet Nam is one of the EU’s key partners in the region. Both sides share many common interests and agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation across various fields.

Highlighting economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations, both parties agreed to enhance the effective implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son requested that the EU encourage its member states to complete the ratification process of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thereby safeguarding rights and promoting European investment in Viet Nam’s key projects.

“Viet Nam requests EU support in developing the blue economy, enhancing the capacity of fishermen and enterprises to adapt to responsible exploitation models, while protecting biodiversity and marine resources,” he added.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Viet Nam’s results and serious efforts in combating IUU fishing, expressing the hope that the EU will soon lift the IUU “yellow card,” creating favorable conditions to promote Viet Nam - EU cooperation in the blue economy, particularly sustainable fisheries development.

European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas acknowledged Viet Nam’s significant progress in IUU prevention and stated that the EU plans to send a delegation to work on IUU issues in Viet Nam in November 2025. The EU also expressed its desire to expand cooperation in sectors supporting economic development, as both sides aim to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, reaffirming the role and importance of the United Nations Charter and international law, and agreeing that conflicts and disputes should be resolved peacefully through consultation and dialogue.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister invited Vice President Kaja Kallas to visit Viet Nam and invited the EU to send a senior representative to attend the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, scheduled for October 25-26, 2025, in Hanoi. Vice President Kallas gladly accepted the invitation, expressing her wish to visit Viet Nam soon, and the EU will provide further information regarding the delegation attending the signing ceremony hosted by Viet Nam.