During an official visit to Belgium, Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary and President, Tô Lâm, emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the European Union (EU). Speaking at the Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels, Tô Lâm outlined the potential for collaboration in various fields, including trade, technology, and green energy, to enhance regional security and economic growth.
Tô Lâm highlighted the EU’s significant role in Vietnam’s foreign policy and long-term development strategy, suggesting that both entities can deepen cooperation despite differing political systems and economic development levels. He presented Vietnam’s vision to transition into an innovation-driven economy focusing on digital transformation, advanced technology, and sustainable development, aiming to become a modern industrialized developing country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2045.
The Vietnamese leader identified several priorities for the Vietnam-EU relationship, such as bolstering trade and investment, securing supply chains, and enhancing cybersecurity and maritime security. Furthermore, he advocated for increased European investment in Vietnam’s strategic infrastructure, logistics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, alongside fostering closer research partnerships and joint innovation initiatives.
Green energy and climate change adaptation were also underscored as critical areas for collaboration, with specific attention to addressing environmental challenges in the Mekong Delta. Tô Lâm encouraged expanded educational partnerships, research collaboration, and cultural exchanges to strengthen the bond between Vietnam and the EU.
In his remarks, Tô Lâm also positioned Vietnam as a bridge between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), promoting regional cooperation and economic growth. He expressed optimism that enhancing Vietnam-EU and Vietnam-Belgium relations could lead to enduring opportunities in trade, technology, and innovation.