Making his statement while hosting Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam in Prague on August 22, the minister, who was freshly nominated to be a member of the new European Commission (EC), expressed his delight at growing trade between the two countries in recent years.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam (L) and Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Sikela at their meeting in Prague on August 22 (Photo: VNA)

Calling for the Vietnamese Government to continue creating favourable conditions for Czech businesses and investors, he said he hopes the sides will coordinate well to organise the 8th meeting of their intergovernmental committee for economic cooperation slated for the fourth quarter this year, contributing to lifting ties to new heights.

For his part, Nam congratulated Sikela on his nomination and wished that the minister will further support Vietnam and the Vietnam-EU relationship. The diplomat specifically called for attention to lifting the EC's "yellow card" warning on Vietnam's seafood under the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations, the early recognition of Vietnam's market economy status, and encouraging remaining EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He said these steps will create new momentum and deepen economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the EU, as well as between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

Noting that room for the Vietnam-Czech Republic collaboration remains tremendous, he said the two nations should capitalise on the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to expand bilateral ties, especially in areas of mutual strength and interest, as they are approaching the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations (1950-2025). This includes bringing Vietnam into the Czech Republic's Qualified Worker Programme.