Vietnam seeks EU investment and technology for green transition
Bilateral trade exceeded US$65 billion in the first nine months of 2026, rising nearly 20% from a year earlier.
Vietnam called for greater European investment, technology transfers and technical support for its green and digital transitions at a bilateral economic forum in Hanoi on November 4, 2026. Officials also sought cooperation on energy infrastructure and renewable energy supply chains.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Luong Hoang Thai said Vietnam wants to export more technology-intensive, highly processed goods with greater added value, while buying advanced equipment, materials and green technologies from Europe. He also urged the EU to turn its Just Energy Transition Partnership commitments into practical funding and technology support.
The ninth Vietnam-EU Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum followed the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026. Trade between the two sides surpassed US$65 billion during the first nine months of the year, nearly 20% higher year on year, more than six years after their free trade agreement took effect.
EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said fully implementing the agreement was essential to expanding cooperation. He emphasised fair access to markets and predictable business conditions, and voiced support for Vietnam's efforts to strengthen law enforcement, adopt risk-based oversight and apply regulations more consistently across localities.
Noel Clehane, Vice Chairman of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, said Vietnam could attract more European investment and manufacturing activity. He urged a focus on long-term projects that create greater added value, saying European investors could contribute technology, workforce development and closer connections with Vietnamese businesses.
Trinh Quoc Vu, Deputy Director of the Electricity Authority of Vietnam, urged European companies to support the revised Power Development Plan VIII through generation and grid investment, technology and international financing. He said Vietnam also wants European partners to help build renewable energy supply chains, especially offshore wind, for domestic use and exports.
