Vietnam is actively pursuing enhanced trade and investment ties with both the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Egypt, with a strategic focus on broadening market access and fostering deeper economic collaborations. Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân emphasized the importance of fully leveraging the Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to boost bilateral trade and investments. She suggested potential upgrades to this agreement and urged the EAEU to eliminate trade barriers that currently hinder Vietnamese exports, particularly in textiles, footwear, and rice.
In discussions, the two parties also explored ways to improve coordination on trade data, expedite the scheduling of joint committee meetings, and promote the use of electronic certificates of origin. EAEU officials noted that bilateral trade figures have almost doubled, pointing to significant opportunities for further growth in these economic exchanges.
On a different front, during talks with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Mohamed Ahmed Eissa, Vice President Xuân advocated for more robust high-level interactions and stronger economic ties between Vietnam and Egypt. She highlighted the potential benefits of moving towards a Vietnam-Egypt free trade agreement and identified specific sectors ripe for collaboration, including agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, education, and renewable energy.
These discussions took place in Bishkek as part of Vietnam’s involvement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Summit. This participation aligns with Hanoi’s broader strategic objective to fortify both economic and diplomatic relations with its regional partners, thereby expanding its influence and integration within the international economic landscape.