On October 22, at a press conference, EC Vice President Margaritis Schinas said that Vietnam holds a special position and is an important and trustworthy partner of the EU. At the same time, it is a core pillar in EU cooperation in the region.

PHOTO: THAO PHAM

"The bilateral cooperation is a model, Vietnam is the EU's leading partner in the region, with bilateral trade increasing by 40% in recent years. That is a very good result, but there is still room for further development," Mr. Schinas shared. The EC Vice President also said that the bilateral relationship is very good, but there is still room for improvement, now is the time to promote cooperation between the two sides. "My visit aims to prepare for a new step in the bilateral relationship towards upgrading to a deeper level of comprehensive strategic partnership," Mr. Schinas said. Vice President Margaritis Schinas also revealed that the EU is planning an official visit by EC President Ursula von de Layen in 2025 and that is the right time to upgrade the relationship, as this year marks the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations. During his stay in Vietnam, the EC Vice President met with Vietnamese leaders, leaders of ministries and sectors and worked with businesses. Through the meetings, Mr. Schinas noted that there were many positive and optimistic assessments about the prospect of upgrading relations from government officials on both sides, as well as from the non-governmental sector. The EC Vice President also said that the EU will continue to invest in supporting Vietnam's economic development, and continue to cooperate with Vietnam in the field of green growth and green economy. To do that, the EU has a tool called "Global Gateway" suitable for Vietnam, to promote further investment in the field of green development. In addition, the EU will continue to implement important initiatives to cooperate with Vietnam in areas such as climate change, education and training through the ERAMUS+ program.

IUU "yellow card" can be resolved

Regarding the "yellow card" against illegal fishing (IUU) on Vietnam's seafood exports, Mr. Schinas said that this is an issue that both sides can resolve. "Like football, a yellow card is not a red card, it is a warning, it is not too serious and it is not a sanction. To resolve this issue, both sides need to make certain efforts, the remaining time is very short, there is not much time left and both sides can resolve this issue," said the EC Vice President. The EC Vice President highly appreciated that Vietnam has taken very positive steps, greatly improving in adjusting and changing the legal system. The remaining issue is how to monitor, enforce, and have appropriate sanctions related to fishing so that the EU can soon remove the yellow card on Vietnamese seafood. At the same time, Mr. Schinas said that both sides are on the right track to resolve this issue. Regarding the time when the EC delegation will come to inspect and consider removing the IUU "yellow card" for Vietnamese seafood, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier informed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is currently planning to report on the progress of implementing the EC's recommendations on IUU. EC inspectors will study this report from Vietnam and if they see progress in implementation, the inspection delegation can plan to visit Vietnam for a direct inspection this year.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trien-vong-nang-cap-quan-he-viet-nam-eu-nhan-nhieu-danh-gia-tich-cuc-185241023034223956.htm