(Dan Tri) – European Union (EU) Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said that Vietnam has shown high political determination and made great efforts to have its IUU seafood yellow card removed.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier at a press meeting on May 3 (Photo: Thanh Dat).
On May 3, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam Julien Guerrier had a press meeting on the occasion of Europe Day (May 9).
Attempt to remove yellow card
Ambassador Guerrier said that Vietnam has shown very high political determination and made great efforts to have its yellow card removed for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities (
`Recently, we had a working session with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam. We see that Vietnam has created a legal framework on this issue, and has made efforts such as installing
In addition to the above issues, Ambassador Guerrier said the EU side also noticed some bright spots, for example in Kien Giang, there has been certain progress.
The Ambassador said that the EU is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development so that the two sides can discuss specifically with each other about the results achieved so far.
`There will soon be an inspection team from the European Union coming to Vietnam. I hope there will be positive results because this is the basis for Vietnam’s yellow card to be removed. I cannot confirm the specific date of the card.
According to Ambassador Guerrier, the time the EU inspection team will arrive in Vietnam has not been determined.
`We hope to have concrete results soon, especially with the decree on sanctions that will take effect from May 19. It will take some time for the decree to be implemented in practice and bring about results.
EVIPA’s push
Regarding the Vietnam – EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), Ambassador Guerrier confirmed that so far, 17 EU member states have ratified EVIPA, still waiting for 10 more countries to ensure a full 27 countries.
The EU assesses that EVIPA will have positive impacts on both sides, the EU and Vietnam.
`We expect that the governments of both sides will always look at the benefits to promote the ratification process. We always promote member countries to ratify. Meanwhile, we know that Vietnam also has bilateral channels.
Model project on infrastructure
Regarding urban railway line No. 3, Ambassador Guerrier affirmed that the EU considers this a model project in infrastructure cooperation for the people of Hanoi and Vietnam in general, bringing convenience to road traffic.
`Through this project, we bring advanced European technology to contribute to Hanoi’s infrastructure development. We hope to bring the best benefits to Vietnam, promoting Hanoi’s sustainable development.
European Parliament Elections
Ambassador Guerrier assessed that the European Parliament election next June is an important election, held every 5 years.
According to Ambassador Guerrier, in the context of the EU’s policy towards the Indo-Pacific region, Vietnam is considered a very strong emerging partner in economics and geopolitics.
In terms of ranking, Vietnam is the EU’s leading trading partner in ASEAN, and is our largest ODA recipient in the region.
`I think that with those major orientations, there will be no change in policy priorities in relations with Vietnam after the election,` said the EU Ambassador.