Strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and environment

In his remarks, Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang emphasized that the EU is one of Vietnam's most important partners, playing a crucial role in the development of agriculture, rural areas, and environmental protection. He appreciated the EU's support, particularly in projects related to climate change, sustainable agriculture, and ecological transition, considering these as vital foundations to enhance the quality of bilateral cooperation.

Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trần Đức Thắng meets with EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier in Hanoi on September 15, 2025, to discuss new directions for cooperation in agriculture, trade, and environmental protection

Ambassador Julien Guerrier congratulated Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang on his appointment by the Party and State of Vietnam to this significant role in agriculture and the environment. He expressed his honor in representing the EU delegation in various meaningful activities during the recent 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Vietnam–EU diplomatic relations (1990–2025), Ambassador Guerrier expressed confidence in the prospects for long-term, solid cooperation in the coming decades, especially in agriculture, forestry, agricultural trade, and environmental protection.

Ambassador Guerrier also noted that there are still many administrative obstacles in agricultural cooperation and other related sectors. Numerous import-export dossiers are delayed, directly affecting the bilateral trade process. Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang candidly shared these difficulties and affirmed: “In September, we will direct specialized units to resolve outstanding dossiers and improve procedures to facilitate businesses on both sides.” He also hoped that the EU would consider supporting Vietnamese agricultural products' access to the European market through relevant agencies.

EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier highlights remaining administrative obstacles in agricultural cooperation, with delays in import-export dossiers affecting bilateral trade

Ambassador Guerrier acknowledged Vietnam's goodwill and emphasized that shortening licensing times would help effectively exploit the Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), thereby strongly promoting bilateral import-export activities and enhancing the quality of bilateral cooperation.

Commitment to address the IUU “Yellow card”

The issue of combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing was also discussed. Ambassador Guerrier expressed the EU's desire for Vietnam to make breakthroughs to soon remove the “yellow card.” Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang stated that this is a complex issue lasting many years, involving 21 coastal provinces. He emphasized: “Vietnam has tightened fishing licensing management and hopes the EU will support us in removing the 'yellow card' in 2025.”

Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang pledges to resolve pending dossiers and improve procedures, while seeking EU support for Vietnamese agricultural products to access the European market

Additionally, Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang expressed a desire to learn from the EU's experience in responding to climate change, developing sustainable forestry, reducing urban pollution, and aiming for net-zero emissions. He highlighted the spirit of cooperation: “Being candid, resolving obstacles, and sharing good experiences to elevate the relationship to new heights.”

Ambassador Guerrier welcomed this spirit and affirmed that the EU is ready to share experiences in environmental protection and sustainable development, while closely coordinating to achieve tangible results.

Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to continue close cooperation, utilizing existing cooperation mechanisms, especially the EVFTA, to promote the Vietnam–EU relationship to develop more deeply and widely.

Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang and EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier exchange commemorative gifts following their meeting

Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that he would decisively direct specialized units to address obstacles in state management, facilitate businesses on both sides, and provide maximum support for EU goods entering the Vietnamese market. Ambassador Guerrier also appreciated this goodwill and expressed a desire to cooperate in key areas, aiming for sustainable development, improving people's livelihoods, and protecting the green environment.

Minh Thao