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Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (C) holds a phone call with Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (Photo: VNA)

EU eyes comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son on April 15 held a phone call with Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU), who expressed her hope that the two sides will soon upgrade their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

During the call, both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in Vietnam–EU cooperation over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, particularly in the fields of politics-diplomacy and trade-investment, which have laid a solid foundation for elevating the partnership to a new level.

They shared the view that the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), after nearly five years of implementation, has provided new momentum for bilateral trade.

To further advance bilateral relations in the time ahead, Son proposed the two countries promote high-level exchanges and visits, continue effective implementation of the EVFTA, and facilitate stronger trade and investment cooperation, especially in the context of current global trade challenges.

He also called on the EC to soon lift its “yellow card” on Vietnam’s seafood exports, taking into account the country’s efforts in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the differences in the development level between the two sides, the interests of EU consumers, and the livelihoods of Vietnamese fishermen, cited VNA.

Reaffirming that the EU is a key partner of Vietnam, the Deputy PM urged the EU to accelerate the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create a breakthrough in bilateral trade and investment. The EU should encourage European businesses to invest in Vietnam’s key projects, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, green transition, and digital transformation.

On the EU’s ongoing anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled steel products imported from Vietnam, Son urged the EU to ensure that its final conclusions reflect the objectivity seen in the recent preliminary findings.

Kallas acknowledged the concerns, assuring that the bloc is handling the investigation cautiously based on its legal framework and the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

She agreed with the Vietnamese Deputy PM’s proposals on further strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially by maximising the benefits of the EVFTA. Kallas affirmed that Vietnam is one of the EU's key partners in Asia-Pacific and expressed a strong wish to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the near future.

On regional and global issues, Son stressed that Vietnam is a responsible member of the international community, contributing actively to peace, stability, security, and development in the region and the world. The two officials agreed that conflicts and disputes must be resolved by peaceful means in accordance with the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law.

On this occasion, Son extended an invitation to Kallas to soon pay an official visit to Vietnam.

Vietnam and Ethiopia to initiate negotiations on key economic agreements

Vietnam and Ethiopia will soon initiate negotiations on key agreements to establish a favorable legal framework for economic cooperation.

The key agreements will include a free trade agreement, an agreement on investment encouragement and protection, a double tax avoidance agreement, as well as agreements on cybersecurity and the fight against high-tech crime.

The two sides will exchange and introduce investment projects in potential areas such as telecommunications, digital transformation, cyber security, mining, production of industrial and consumer goods, farm product processing, civil engineering, infrastructure construction, education-training health care and tourism.

The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on April 15 between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his visiting Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

They acknowledged positive developments in economic cooperation, including initial interest from Vietnamese businesses in investing in Ethiopia, but noted current cooperation remains disproportionate to the size and potential of the two economies, with a combined market of over 230 million people and among the fastest growing economies in their respective regions.

Chinh briefed his guest on the major developments in Vietnam’s socio-economic progress, and emphasized that the country is persistently implementing its “three strategic breakthroughs” in institutions, human resources, and strategic infrastructure. He underlined that, amid global economic fluctuations and trade tensions, Vietnam and Ethiopia should enhance dialogue and mutual understanding in order to continue diversifying markets and facilitating economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The leader affirmed that in its overall foreign policy, Vietnam always values its friendship with African countries, including Ethiopia. He praised the significant socio-economic achievements of the Ethiopian government and people, and expressed his confidence that Ethiopia would continue to successfully implement its “Homegrown Economic Reform” programme and become a bright spot in Africa’s economic reconstruction, with increasing stability and regional and global influence.

Abiy Ahmed Ali for his part expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, as well as its growing regional and global stature. He affirmed that Ethiopia considers Vietnam a foreign policy priority in Asia and wishes to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas where both sides have strengths and potential, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his visiting Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali hold talks on measures to increase cooperation between the two countries.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to further mutual support and collaboration at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Abiy Ahmed Ali expected that Vietnam would successfully host the fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Hanoi on April 16-17.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to bridge relations between ASEAN and Ethiopia, and expected that Ethiopia would support Vietnam in strengthening cooperation with the African Union and other countries in Eastern Africa. He voiced Vietnam’s support for Ethiopia to host the 2027 P4G Summit.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of the East Sea and the Red Sea in international maritime, and agreed to resolve all disputes through peaceful means in line with international law.

After the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields of trade, and education-training.

Vietnam, China strengthen cooperation in border management

Vietnam’s northern provinces of Cao Bang and Ha Giang and Baise city in China’s Guangxi province have committed to enhancing information sharing, especially on border management, immigration and crime control, and epidemic prevention to ensure safe and smooth border gate and checkpoint operations.

The agreement was reached during a meeting held on April 15 between representatives of the border guard forces of Cao Bang and Ha Giang and the Baise Border Management Unit.

Both sides also pledged to facilitate trade and promote cross-border economic development. Joint patrols and enhanced surveillance will be intensified in areas prone to criminal activity. They agreed to proactively coordinate the verification, repatriation, and reception of individuals involved in illegal border crossings, reported VNA.

The two sides exchange a memorandum of understanding at their meeting on April 15. (Photo: VNA)

At the same time, both parties committed to stepping up communication campaigns aimed at raising legal awareness among border communities. These efforts are intended to prevent cross-border violations and maintain security and stability along the border areas.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed their cooperation in the first quarter of 2025. Despite various challenges, both parties effectively maintained communication mechanisms, exchanging information 188 times via letters, telephones, and hotlines. They held 42 in-person meetings and one regular conversation, sharing timely updates on border-related issues and criminal activities. Notably, they cooperated in handling six cases involving the seizure of 1,000kg of raw tobacco materials.

Vietnamese authorities also launched several major campaigns to crack down on cross-border crimes. As a result, legal proceedings were launched against one case involving two suspects for organising the illegal immigration of two Vietnamese citizens into China. Additionally, nine cases involving 45 individuals attempting illegal border crossings were uncovered, along with 15 cases that resulted in the seizure of 5,725kg of raw tobacco.

Northern region braces for first major hot spell of the year

The first heat wave of this year’s summer, with temperatures peaking at over 39°C, is predicted to scorch Hanoi along with northern and central provinces in the coming days.

The National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported that the ongoing cold air mass continued to weaken on April 15, allowing more sunshine, rising temperatures, and drier conditions.

Hot weather will occur on April 17 on a large scale throughout northern and central provinces, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 37°C.

The capital city of Hanoi will also experience hot weather with temperatures hovering at around 35 to 37°C.

Some areas in northern and central cities and provinces are anticipated to see temperatures reach over 39°C.

The heat wave is forecast to last until April 23, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

Meteorologists warned about a high risk of fires and explosions in residential areas when relative humidity stays low and the weather is rather hot.

People were asked to protect their health, especially children and the elderly, along with laborers working outdoors who must take appropriate measures.

IFAD pledges to uplift communities and transforms lives across Vietnam

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) remains committed to fostering innovative agricultural solutions that not only drive economic growth but also ensure food security and environmental sustainability, said IFAD Associate Vice-President Donal Brown.

Donal Brown made the announcement ahead of his working visit to Vietnam from April 14-17 to strengthen partnerships for rural development and spotlight the transformative role of innovation in global food systems.

By empowering farmers and investing in emerging technologies, IFAD, an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to transforming agriculture can build a resilient future that uplifts communities and transforms lives across Vietnam and beyond.

During his visit, Brown will have a courtesy call to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and hold meetings with senior government officials — including representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, to discuss advancing shared goals for sustainable and inclusive rural development.

"Vietnam is a trailblazer in using innovation to overcome agricultural challenges," Brown said.

"Our partnership is about scaling that success—ensuring smallholder farmers are equipped to meet the future with resilience, technology, and market access that leaves no one behind."

His visit coincides with the 2025 P4G Ha Noi Summit, which is taking place from April 14-17 at the National Convention Center in Ha Noi.

The summit, themed "Global Partnership for an Inclusive, Sustainable, Innovative, and Human-Centric Green Transition," brings together global leaders to tackle climate and development challenges through collaboration and innovation, cited VGP.

IFAD Associate Vice President Donal Brown.

Specifically, on April 17, Brown will be a key speaker at the Ministerial Panel Discussion on "Going in Line with Green Revolution 4.0: Journey of Food System Transformation for a Sustainable Age." The IFAD Associate Vice-President will underscore the need for bold and strategic investments to address global food insecurity and climate change. The Green Revolution 4.0 is not just about technology—it's about transformation. It's about connecting farmers to solutions that work for them: drought-resistant crops, precision farming, smart irrigation, and digital tools that optimize production. But innovation is only half the battle. It must be inclusive, accessible, and scalable to succeed truly. Smallholder farmers—who grow much of the world's food—must be at the center of this revolution. Without them, there is no global food system.

As part of the visit, Brown will travel to Bac Kan province to observe IFAD's work in building sustainable value chains. At the Vietnam Misaki Company in Cho Moi District, supported by IFAD's Commercial Smallholder Support Project (CSSP), he will witness how smallholder farmers are adopting innovative approaches to improve their livelihoods and build climate resilience.

The fruitful and enduring Partnership IFAD's partnership with Vietnam has spanned over three decades, with joint efforts significantly improving rural livelihoods and reducing poverty.

More than 800,000 rural people in Vietnam have benefited from IFAD-supported projects, which have helped smallholder farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices, improve access to markets, and enhance resilience to climate change.

These projects have also focused on empowering women and youth, ensuring that vulnerable populations are included in the country's progress toward sustainable development.

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