Vietnam is actively pursuing enhanced trade and investment partnerships with both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt, focusing on expanding market access and fostering stronger economic ties. Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân has advocated for increased utilization of the Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to boost bilateral trade and investment. She also suggested exploring potential upgrades to this agreement and urged the EAEU to address existing trade barriers impacting Vietnamese exports such as textiles, footwear, and rice.
During discussions with EAEU officials, the emphasis was placed on improving coordination of trade data, expediting joint committee meetings, and expanding the use of electronic certificates of origin. EAEU representatives noted that bilateral trade had nearly doubled, underscoring further growth opportunities.
In a separate meeting with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Eissa, Vice President Xuân called for enhanced high-level exchanges and deeper economic cooperation between Vietnam and Egypt. She emphasized the need for progress toward establishing a Vietnam-Egypt free trade agreement and identified key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, education, and renewable energy as potential areas for expanded collaboration.
These discussions took place in Bishkek as part of Vietnam’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Summit, reflecting Hanoi’s strategic efforts to bolster economic and diplomatic relations with regional partners. The summit provided a platform for Vietnam to explore new avenues of cooperation and solidify its presence in the region.