Vietnam and the European Union seek deeper cooperation in green energy, digital transformation, strategic infrastructure, trade and technology as Hanoi advances economic reforms and long-term development goals.
Vietnam’s ongoing economic transformation creates significant opportunities for expanded cooperation with the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Le Minh Hung says during a meeting with European diplomats in Hanoi on October 12, 2026. The discussions focus on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and advancing cooperation in strategic sectors.
Meeting Julien Guerrier, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, alongside ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from EU member states, Hung highlights Vietnam’s development ambitions for the 2026–2030 period. The country aims to achieve double-digit economic growth while working towards becoming a developing nation with modern industry by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045.
Also read: Vietnam Ranks Second in Southeast Asia for Crypto Activity
Vietnam is accelerating its economic restructuring by prioritising science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and the green transition. The government is also improving its regulatory framework, particularly in energy, investment and business, to attract capital and mobilise resources for long-term development.
Hung describes Vietnam-EU relations as increasingly substantive after 36 years of diplomatic engagement. The EU ranks as Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market and fifth-largest import market. Vietnam is also the first Southeast Asian country to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the bloc.
The Vietnamese prime minister calls for stronger cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors, including critical raw materials, energy infrastructure, digital technologies, defence and security. He identifies green hydrogen, ammonia production technologies, offshore wind power and energy infrastructure modernisation as promising areas for collaboration.
Transport infrastructure also presents opportunities for European participation. Hung encourages cooperation in high-speed and urban railways, seaports and aviation, highlighting the potential contribution of European financing, technology and workforce training. He also urges both sides to strengthen education partnerships, academic exchanges and skills development through programmes such as Erasmus.
On trade, Hung calls for the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and faster ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He also asks the EU to support the removal of its yellow card against Vietnam over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Also read: Future of High-Performance Materials in Sustainable Mobility
Guerrier reaffirms the EU’s interest in maintaining stable and reliable relations with Vietnam, noting opportunities for European businesses in green transition, supply chains, technology, strategic infrastructure and critical minerals. Both sides agree to prepare for upcoming high-level engagements and translate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into practical, long-term cooperation programmes.
The discussions reinforce Vietnam’s ambition to attract European investment and technology while positioning the EU as a key partner in the country’s economic modernisation and sustainable development.