Vietnam is actively pursuing enhanced trade and investment relations with both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt, aiming to broaden market access and forge stronger economic partnerships. Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân has emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of the existing Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to boost bilateral trade and investment. She suggested the possibility of upgrading the agreement and urged the EAEU to tackle trade obstacles impacting Vietnamese exports such as textiles, footwear, and rice.
In discussions with EAEU representatives, both parties explored ways to improve the coordination of trade data, expedite the meetings of their joint committees, and increase the use of electronic certificates of origin. EAEU officials noted that bilateral trade has nearly doubled, underscoring the potential for further economic expansion between the regions.
Xuân also engaged in a separate dialogue with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Eissa. During their meeting, she advocated for more frequent high-level exchanges and deeper economic collaboration between Vietnam and Egypt. Xuân identified several sectors ripe for increased cooperation, including agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, education, and renewable energy. She also expressed support for advancing towards a Vietnam-Egypt free trade agreement.
These discussions took place in Bishkek, where Vietnam was participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Summit. The summit provided an opportunity for Vietnam to bolster its economic and diplomatic relationships with regional partners, aligning with its strategic goals to enhance engagement with diverse global markets.