Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in The Hague on December 12, affirming his determination to join hands with the Netherlands in promoting the two countries’ comprehensive partnership.
Welcoming his guest’s official visit, PM Rutte stated that the Netherlands attaches importance to Vietnam’s important stature and role in its policy towards the Indo-Pacific region. The two PMs expressed their delight at the progress in their countries’ comprehensive partnership as seen in frequent visits and discussions between senior leaders of Vietnam and the Netherlands. They agreed to increase the exchange of all-level delegations between the States, Governments, and parliaments of the two countries, and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They noted with satisfaction the vigorous growth of bilateral trade and investment ties, which has turned the Netherlands into the second largest European trading partner and the biggest EU investor of Vietnam. Both host and guest concurred in continuing to effectively implement the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and developing the two countries into transit centres for goods in their respective regions. PM Chinh proposed the Netherlands to soon ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); encourage Dutch businesses to step up investment in the fields they are strong at in Vietnam such as seaport, shipbuilding, logistics, and infrastructure connectivity; support the European Commission’s removal of its IUU “yellow card” warning against Vietnam’s aquatic product exports; and assist the Southeast Asian nation to build seaports, airports, and innovation centres. The Vietnamese Government leader also suggested the two sides ink a labour cooperation agreement soon. PM Rutte described the EVFTA as an important impetus for bilateral economic relations, stressing that Dutch businesses are paying more and more attention to Vietnam, which boasts political stability and an optimal investment and business climate. He also spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to sustainably develop the fishery industry and also voiced his support for the European Commission’s early removal of the “yellow-card” warning.
