On the afternoon of November 24, at the National Assembly House, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man received a high-level delegation of the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Tran Thanh Man commended the delegation’s visit, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the European Union (28 November 1990 - 28 November 2025). He noted that the Vietnam–EU relationship has witnessed dynamic, substantive and comprehensive progress across a wide range of areas, from politics and diplomacy to trade, investment, defence and security, climate action, agriculture, and science and technology. 

The EU remains one of Vietnam’s most important trade and investment partners, while Vietnam is the EU’s 16th-largest trading partner globally and the largest within ASEAN. The implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has helped sustain robust two-way trade growth, averaging 10 to 15 percent annually. Ongoing discussions on upgrading the partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership are expected to create a new framework that will further deepen cooperation in trade and investment in the coming years.

The Chairman stressed that amid heightened global trade competition and prolonged geopolitical tensions, Vietnam consistently upholds a foreign policy of diversification, multilateralism and mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including the EU and its member states. Vietnam seeks to promote balanced and sustainable trade and investment ties and remains ready to coordinate closely with EU partners to address challenges and obstacles in economic cooperation. He affirmed that Vietnam regards the EU and the European and EU–ASEAN business communities as key partners in its pursuit of substantive, effective and internationally integrated economic and commercial development. Vietnam’s consistent policy places emphasis on maintaining political, economic and social stability; building an independent and self-reliant economy alongside proactive and active international integration; and accelerating strategic breakthroughs in institutional reform, infrastructure, human resources, science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

On macroeconomic management and development priorities, he noted that Vietnam remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and safeguarding major economic balances, while advancing a growth model driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation from 2026 to 2030. Core tasks include economic restructuring and the development of high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, AI, clean energy and hydrogen. Vietnam will continue improving the transparency and predictability of the investment climate, reducing administrative costs, attracting high-quality FDI, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and actively implementing mechanisms under Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 193 of the National Assembly to foster a dynamic and competitive private sector.

The Chairman emphasized that the work of the National Assembly extends beyond legislation to cover oversight, evaluation and policy reform aimed at creating a transparent, fair and enabling business environment for enterprises. He reaffirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam place strong importance on administrative reform, anti-corruption, anti-waste efforts and the creation of favourable conditions for both domestic and foreign investors.

He acknowledged the EU–ASEAN Business Council’s meaningful contributions to promoting trade and investment, and to improving Vietnam’s business environment, particularly in areas where the EU holds key strengths such as green transition, circular economy, renewable energy, healthcare, food safety, pharmaceuticals, high technology and sustainable development. The Council also serves as an essential bridge reinforcing European businesses’ confidence and long-term cooperation prospects with Vietnam under the EVFTA, the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and other bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed confidence that during their visit, European enterprises would gain deeper insights into the Vietnamese market and explore new cooperation opportunities. He affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to be a reliable partner, offering attractive investment prospects and a favourable, stable business environment for European companies.