Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm has advocated for enhanced strategic cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), emphasizing potential collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, green energy, and regional security. During his official visit to Belgium, Tô Lâm delivered these remarks at the Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels, underscoring the EU’s pivotal role in Vietnam’s foreign policy and long-term development strategy.
In his speech, Tô Lâm outlined Vietnam’s ambitions to transition towards an innovation-driven economy with a focus on digital transformation, advanced technology, sustainable development, and increased productivity. He articulated Vietnam’s goal to achieve the status of a modern industrialized developing country by 2030 and to become a high-income developed nation by 2045.
Tô Lâm identified several priorities for Vietnam-EU cooperation, including bolstering trade and investment, securing supply chains, and enhancing cybersecurity and maritime security. He also suggested expanding coordination between the EU, Vietnam, and ASEAN. Additionally, Tô Lâm called for increased European investment in strategic infrastructure, logistics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, proposing closer research partnerships and joint innovation initiatives.
Addressing environmental concerns, Tô Lâm highlighted the importance of green energy, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. He encouraged expanding educational partnerships, research collaboration, and cultural exchanges to address these issues.
Tô Lâm further emphasized Vietnam’s potential as a bridge between the EU and ASEAN, promoting regional cooperation, economic growth, and a rules-based international order. He suggested that stronger Vietnam-EU and Vietnam-Belgium relations could create enduring opportunities in trade, technology, and innovation.