Vietnam is actively pursuing enhanced trade and investment ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt, aiming to broaden market access and fortify economic collaborations. Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân emphasized the importance of the Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement as a key tool for boosting bilateral trade and investment. She suggested potential upgrades to the agreement and urged the EAEU to address existing trade barriers impacting Vietnamese products like textiles, footwear, and rice.
In discussions, both parties considered the importance of improving their trade data coordination and accelerating the convening of their joint committee meetings. They also explored the expanded use of electronic certificates of origin to facilitate smoother trade processes. EAEU representatives noted that bilateral trade has nearly doubled, underscoring the potential for further growth in their economic partnership.
During a separate dialogue with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Eissa, Vice President Xuân advocated for increased high-level exchanges and enhanced economic cooperation between Vietnam and Egypt. She pushed for discussions on a potential Vietnam-Egypt free trade agreement, highlighting sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, education, and renewable energy as ripe for expanded collaboration.
The meetings took place in Bishkek in the context of Vietnam’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Summit. Hanoi’s engagement in these discussions reflects its broader strategy to bolster economic and diplomatic relations with regional partners, seeking to leverage multilateral platforms for advancing its national economic interests.