Vietnam and the European Union (EU) have built a strong, multifaceted partnership encompassing economic cooperation, climate change adaptation, and regional integration. In an exclusive interview with The Saigon Times, Julien Guerrier, the EU ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s sustainable development goals. The Saigon Times: With Vietnam-EU relations growing deeper, what is the EU’s long-term vision for this partnership? Julien Guerrier: Our relationship with Vietnam is one of the broadest and most comprehensive in the region, with collaboration spanning various sectors. I would highlight three key priorities. First, trade and investment are central to our partnership, and HCMC plays a vital role. Vietnam has become the EU’s top trading partner in ASEAN, largely due to longstanding commercial ties and the successful implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Since the agreement came into effect in 2020, bilateral trade between Europe and Vietnam has surged by 40%. Second, climate action is a major focus. Vietnam is a leader in renewable energy within the region, producing 69% of ASEAN’s total renewable energy. Its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 aligns well […]