Vietnam, EU seek to boost cooperation in green, sustainable growth
Vietnamese enterprises should focus on meeting quality requirements and ensuring green and sustainable growth, experts said at the Vietnam-EU Trade Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 29.
HCM City (VNA)𒆙 – Vietnamese enterprises should focuson meeting quality requirements and ensuring green and sustainable growth, expertssaid at the Vietnam-EU Trade Forum held in Ho Chﷺi Minh City on September 29.
Speaking at the event co-organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the EU Delegation to Vietnam, Minister of Industry and Trade NguyenHong Dien said that over the past more than two years since the EU-Vietnam FreeTrade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect, the two sides have witnessed fluctuations of theglobal economy as well as the economies of the EU and Vietnam amid the COVID-19 pandemic,regional and global geo-political instability. Data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that theEU is now a leading trade partner, the third biggest export market and thefifth largest import market of Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam surpassed Singapore to becomethe biggest trade partner of the EU in ASEAN and the world's 11th biggestsupplier of goods to the bloc.
Experts discuss EU-Vietnam cooperation at the forum. (Photo: VNA)
From August 2021 to July 2022, two-way trade between Vietnam and the EUreached 61.4 billion USD, up 11.9% from the first year of EVFTA enforcement. Ofwhich, Vietnam shipped 45 billion USD worth of products to the EU, up 17%. In the first eight months of this year, the figure hit 42.4 billion USD,marking a 14.85% rise year-on-year. Vietnam mainly exported machinery, garment andfootwear, coffee, aquatic products, fruits and vegetables, pepper and rice tothe EU. Dien added that the Vietnamese Government is keen on expanding the markets and boosting its comprehensive partnership with the EU and its member states, thus makingit easier to expand bilateral ties, not only in trade but also other economic areas. Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) AlainCany said in order to be able to compete in the EU and fully tap advantagesfrom the signed FTAs, Vietnamese enterprises need to comply with strict environmentstandards and meet demands for green and sustainable consumption trend, which isinevitable in the world and a mandatory path for them to deeply join the newvalue chain. The EU encourages the development of green and renewableenergy sources in Vietnam, he said, adding that European firms want to bepresent in Vietnam to share their experience, technology and investment./.
A Vietnam – European Union (EU) agricultural business forum was held on July 11, on the occasion of an official visit to Vietnam by EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski have affirmed the need to step up economic and trade ties, especially amid complicated market uncertainties making it urgent to guarantee sustainable supply chains and food security.
Experts have advised Vietnamese textile-garment and leather-footwear firms to improve the sustainability of their production for export to the European Union (EU) after the European Commission (EC) proposed the goods must comply with ecological design criteria.
The event aimed to update businesses on new regulations and compliance requirements regarding US tax, trade, and customs policies, while offering practical solutions to facilitate exports amid shifting trade dynamics.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
The zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation.
Dung underlined several key objectives, including a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing SOEs, and called for updates that reflect international standards and support modern, transparent governance.
While the US market has become more difficult to access due to new tax policies, Australia could play the role of a trade cushion, helping to reduce shocks and maintain export momentum for Vietnam's shrimp industry.
A melon farm in Ninh Thuan (Photo: VNA) 
Experts discuss EU-Vietnam cooperation at the forum. (Photo: VNA) 
