Viet Nam, EU promote cooperation in agritrade and blue marine economy
Leaders of MAE and EU delegation to Viet Nam discuss ways to promote cooperation in agricultural trade and blue marine economy.
On October 14, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung received and held a working meeting with Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the EU to Viet Nam, to discuss directions for cooperation in agriculture, the environment, trade and sustainable development. Both sides expressed their desire to maintain regular exchanges and strengthen coordination to make bilateral cooperation increasingly substantive and effective.
Minister Trinh Viet Hung emphasized that Viet Nam always attaches great importance to its relationship with the EU, an important partner in the fields of economy, trade, sustainable development and addressing global challenges. After 35 years of diplomatic relations, Viet Nam-EU cooperation has achieved many positive results. Notably, on January 29, 2026, the two sides announced the elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. Viet Nam is honored to become the EU’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN.
During the meeting, Ambassador Julien Guerrier raised issues concerning the EUDR implementation, waste management, ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, traceability, climate change response and the development of a circular economy in agriculture.
The Ambassador also highlighted difficulties in processing market access applications, quarantine and food safety procedures. He proposed strengthening exchanges and simplifying application processing procedures, while sharing views on the draft Law on Food Safety and cooperation in the fisheries sector.Regarding future cooperation, Minister Trinh Viet Hung proposed that the two sides focus on four key areas. First, promoting trade in agricultural, forestry and fishery products and expanding market access through enhanced technical exchanges, transparent information sharing, and the timely resolution of pending applications based on scientific evidence and commitments under the EVFTA.
Regarding efforts to combat IUU, Viet Nam is focusing on implementing the EC's recommendations. Of the 38 recommendations issued following the fifth inspection, 31 have been fully implemented, five are being addressed, and two require further study, consultation and clarification with the EC.The Minister called on the EU to continue supporting Viet Nam in implementing the EUDR through capacity building, data improvement, enhanced traceability and technical guidance, particularly for businesses, cooperatives and farming households with limited resources.
On the environment, climate, circular economy and blue marine economy, the Ministry aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing support programmes and promote research, training and technology transfer. The two sides were encouraged to develop a Viet Nam-EU Cooperation Programme on the Blue Marine Economy and Sustainable Oceans, focusing on sustainable aquaculture, green transition, ocean governance, marine conservation and plastic pollution reduction.
Building on the proposals put forward by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ambassador Julien Guerrier and Minister Trinh Viet Hung agreed to continue working with the EU Delegation and relevant agencies to translate these cooperation priorities into tangible results, contributing to sustainable development and bringing benefits to people and businesses on both sides.
Khuong Trung