Vietnam and the Netherlands seek the soon ratification of the EVIPA, which remains pending approval from EU members as only six have completed the process so far.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Elsbeth Akkerman. Photos: Nhat Bac

Both sides stressed the view in a meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Elsbeth Akkerman on September 10.

Akkerman said the effective utilization of the EVFTA and the finalization of the EVIPA would serve as the key driving force to boost Vietnam-EU relations in general, and Vietnam-Netherlands in particular.

She expressed her thanks for the Government’s close attention to the European business community in Vietnam, including those from the Netherlands.

Akkerman noted the Dutch Government gives priority to the strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management.

The ambassador said EU investors, including those from the Netherlands, are looking to cooperate with Vietnam in the fields of seaports, logistics, and expressed her belief that such projects would help lower transportation costs and boost the movement of goods from Vietnam to Europe, as Rotterdam port currently serves as the transshipment point for 60% of Vietnam’s products to the region.

Overview of the meeting.

Akkerman announced a donation of medical equipment and materials worth VND43 billion (US$1.8 million) to support Vietnam in its current efforts against the pandemic.

For his part, Prime Minister Chinh appreciated the valuable support from the Dutch Government and enterprises for Vietnam.

According to Chinh, the EVFTA after one year of implementation has brought positive impacts on trade and investment relations, in which the Netherlands is Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and largest investor.

Chinh called for the Netherlands to soon ratify the EVIPA and support the lifting of EC's yellow card on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing for Vietnam.

The prime minister said Netherlands’s high expertise and experience in climate change, water management, and sustainable agriculture are significant and could be useful for Vietnam in boosting climate resilience in the Mekong Delta region and promote hi-tech farming.

“Both sides could expand cooperation to potential fields, including human resource development, public-private partnership, and maritime economy,” he said.

“The Vietnamese Government is committed to creating favorable conditions for foreign companies, including those from EU and the Netherlands, to do long-term business in the country,” Chinh added.

Chinh welcomed foreign investors who set sight on the Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center and requested the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province People’s committee to soon finalize the required procedures to ensure transparency and clarity.

Both Vietnam and the Netherlands agreed to support each other in multilateral forums and at international organizations, especially in the UN.

Akkerman said the Netherlands support ASEAN’s view on the East Sea, stressing its hope for peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation in the region, while territorial disputes should be resolved peacefully via international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, Chinh sends his invitation to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to visit Vietnam in a  timeframe of his convenience.