Vietnam is actively pursuing enhanced trade and investment collaborations with both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt, focusing on expanding market access and fostering robust economic partnerships. During recent discussions, Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân emphasized the importance of leveraging the Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to boost bilateral trade and investment. She suggested that potential upgrades to the agreement be explored and urged the EAEU to tackle existing trade barriers that impact Vietnamese products such as textiles, footwear, and rice.
Efforts to improve coordination in trade data and expedite meetings of the joint committee were key discussion points between the two parties, alongside expanding the use of electronic certificates of origin. EAEU officials noted that bilateral trade had nearly doubled, highlighting the promising prospects for further growth. The desire to strengthen these economic ties underscores Vietnam’s broader strategy to engage deeply with regional partners.
In a separate meeting with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Eissa, Vice President Xuân called for increased high-level exchanges and deepened economic collaboration between Vietnam and Egypt. She advocated for progress toward establishing a Vietnam-Egypt free trade agreement, identifying agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, education, and renewable energy as key sectors with significant potential for expanded cooperation.
These meetings took place in Bishkek, coinciding with Vietnam’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Summit. The summit provided a platform for Vietnam to bolster its economic and diplomatic relations with regional entities, reflecting its strategic intent to integrate more extensively into the regional economic landscape. As Vietnam continues to seek new avenues for growth and partnership, its active engagement with the EAEU and Egypt marks a significant step in its international economic agenda.