On December 1, 2023, in the capital city of Brussels, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, in collaboration with the Embassy of Vietnam in Belgium and the Belgium-Vietnam Alliance, organized the Vietnam-Belgium Business Forum. This event marked a significant milestone in the series of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The forum attracted nearly 50 businesses from various sectors in both Vietnam and Belgium.
The speech delivered by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien at the forum expressed joy and high appreciation for the positive developments in economic cooperation between the two countries. Minister Dien emphasized Belgium’s position as the 6th largest trading partner of Vietnam within the EU, while Vietnam stands as the 18th largest export market for Belgium. However, he also highlighted the global challenges and encouraged closer collaboration, especially in the fields of trade and investment, to enhance the resilience of both economies.
The minister also underscored the potential for trade between the two countries and proposed expanding the scale of bilateral trade. He noted the importance of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), believing that these mechanisms would create favorable conditions for Belgian and EU investors to expand their business and investment projects in Vietnam.
Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao shared the view on the necessity of a specific action plan to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations. He highly praised the significant role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in promoting collaboration between businesses and pledged support for the business communities on both sides.
The forum provided opportunities for businesses from both countries to exchange ideas and explore collaboration in various sectors such as organic agriculture, cosmetics, textiles, and many others. The business negotiations resulted in valuable directions and plans for future cooperation.
In conclusion, the Vietnam-Belgium Business Forum was not only a commemorative event for the 50-year diplomatic relations but also an opportunity to enhance and expand economic and trade relations between the two nations, effectively addressing global challenges.