EC Vice President: 'I Appreciate Vietnam's Development'

European Commission (EC) Executive Vice President Timmermans said that the EU follows Vietnam's development with "admiration."

In particular, he said the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is a demonstration of Europe's interest in Vietnam.

"Signing a free trade agreement is not an easy task, but for Vietnam, it is relatively simple," he said. “Europe sees huge benefits from Vietnam's development. We have fostered this relationship. That's also why I'm here."

He also appreciated Vietnam's role in the fight against global climate change.

“Initially, no one thought that a developing country would take such a progressive and ambitious step. Therefore, Vietnam's commitments immediately attracted international attention," he said.

Impression if Vietnam's development

He added that he appreciated Vietnam's commitments on environment. In working sessions with Vietnamese officials, he mentioned the issue of energy, the goal of achieving net zero emissions, and the issue of combating illegal fishing.

“The Vietnamese government has made some strong commitments to improve that. We are currently working to resolve this issue,” he said.

Timmermans expressed optimism with Vietnam's commitments at COP26, including reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

The EC Executive Vice President was impressed with Vietnam's climate commitment at COP26. Photo: Reuters

He also expressed his impression of Vietnamese and European businesses in Vietnam, both in their business thinking and their commitment to "greening" the economy.

"They use every opportunity to convert energy, and use the opportunity to attract foreign investment in creating sustainable infrastructure," he said.

Strengthen bilateral cooperation

According to Timmermans, the EVFTA is a good starting point for Vietnam and the European Union (EU) to achieve sustainable development.

He said the EU has cooperated with Vietnam in areas such as agriculture, biodiversity protection and sustainable forestry.

“Vietnam is a biodiversity paradise, but is threatened by agricultural activity and economic development,” he said.

"We ensure that we can protect that natural richness, and will work closely with the Vietnamese authorities on this matter."

Timmermans meets Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his visit to Vietnam. Photo: VNA

The EU is also interested in social sustainable development.

“European citizens ask us to apply standards to products imported from outside the EU,” said Timmermans.

“They also require workers who make these products in Vietnam and elsewhere to be well paid and well protected in the workplace.”

Prospects and challenges

Timmermans says the transition to green energy was in people's interests.

“Ten years ago, we depended on gas. Rapidly rising energy bills make people nervous and we want to find a way to stop it,” he said.

“We make sure people understand that accelerating the transition to renewable energy is the right solution to this, reducing dependence on Russian gas.”

Timmermans believes that Vietnam has prospects for green energy development. Photo: Zing

“Renewable energy is the cheapest type of energy people can have. If you make solar panels and wind turbines, you can generate electricity at a cheaper cost," he said about the advantages of green energy.

Timmermans also addressed the challenge of this energy, forcing economies to undergo some core changes. However, compared with the difficulties, the use of renewable energy still brings more advantages, especially for Vietnam.

“First of all, Vietnam will not need to depend on imported energy like fossil fuels. Vietnam can be self-sufficient and does not need to use coal. The air quality will be better and it will be much cheaper,” said EC Executive Vice President.

He said that Vietnam has a lot of potential for green energy development thanks to its natural conditions.

“Vietnam has 3,000 km of coastline, especially in the central and southern regions, with huge wind energy resources. Vietnam also has solar energy - the cheapest energy in the world," he said.

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