General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam met Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele in Brussels on October 23 during his official visit to Belgium.
To Lam highlighted Flanders’ role as one of Belgium’s and Europe’s leading economic, industrial, trade and logistics hubs, as well as a centre of innovation. He acknowledged the region’s active contribution to Vietnam Belgium relations, especially in trade, investment and seaport development. The Vietnamese leader praised the work of Flemish companies operating in Vietnam, including DEEP C, Bekaert and Puratos, and the role of Flanders Investment and Trade in connecting businesses from both sides.
Briefing his host on Vietnam’s development directions, To Lam said that reforms of the state apparatus, expanded development space, decentralisation and the delegation of authority are creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese provinces and cities to expand international cooperation, including with Belgian regions.
He called on Flanders to support the early elevation of Vietnam Belgium relations to a strategic partnership, take a leading role in expanding economic cooperation, encourage Flemish companies to invest in Vietnam, and support the completion of ratification and effective implementation of the EU Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, or EVIPA.
On specific areas of cooperation, To Lam proposed strengthening links between the two sides’ port systems, developing green and smart ports, and building modern logistics chains. He also called for broader cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and green technologies.
Given Flanders’ strengths, To Lam proposed that the region provide Vietnam with technological support and resources for water resource management and climate change response, as well as flood, drought and saltwater intrusion prevention, especially in the Mekong Delta. He also called for stronger cooperation in education and training to develop human resources in fields where Vietnam has urgent needs.
Diependaele said he was honoured and pleased to meet the Vietnamese leader. He described the visit as particularly significant for opening new directions and opportunities in Vietnam Belgium cooperation.
He said he was impressed by Vietnam’s socio economic achievements and growth potential. The Flemish government, he added, attaches great importance to Vietnam and considers it one of its leading partners in Southeast Asia.
The Minister-President welcomed the cooperation achieved in recent years, fully agreed with the Vietnamese leader’s proposals and affirmed Flanders’ determination to expand ties in its areas of strength, including seaports, logistics, high technology and the green transition. He also pledged to further promote links among businesses, research centres, training institutions and localities on both sides.
The two sides agreed to make full use of their complementary strengths, strengthen links among authorities, businesses and research institutions, and work together to implement practical projects in seaports, logistics, science and technology, and sustainable development, with the aim of further deepening Vietnam Belgium relations.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
