HCMC — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on the European Commission (EC) to dispatch an inspection team to Vietnam soon to assess the country’s efforts in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming to lift the EC’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.
The request was made during his meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa on October 27 on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Malaysia.
PM Chinh reaffirmed that the European Union (EU) is one of Vietnam’s key partners and emphasized the country’s strong political determination to tackle IUU fishing, noting that he chairs weekly meetings with relevant ministries and provinces to ensure progress and that Vietnam is promoting sustainable fisheries cooperation with ASEAN members, helping fishermen shift from offshore fishing to responsible aquaculture.
Chinh urged the EC to conduct the inspection soon, saying that an early assessment would facilitate the removal of the yellow card and boost seafood trade with the EU.
The prime minister also proposed that both sides intensify high-level exchanges, develop a roadmap to upgrade ties, and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, and innovation. He called for the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and urged EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
President Costa praised Vietnam’s economic achievements and constructive approach to global issues. He expressed support for strengthening cooperation in trade, green and digital transformation, and global challenges, while welcoming ongoing discussions to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, international law, and closer ASEAN-EU cooperation. PM Chinh invited Costa and EU leaders to visit Vietnam, and Costa said he would arrange a visit in the near future.
