On the afternoon of 9 October (local time), within the framework of the Global Gateway Forum II in Brussels (Belgium), Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn participated in a high-level panel discussion on the “World Situation.” The session included international leaders and officials such as EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Síkela, Vice President of Ghana Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Colombia’s Ministers of Industry & Tourism Diana Marcela Morales Roja, U.S. State Department Senior Advisor Massad Boulos, and President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Nadia Calviño.

Addressing the shifting geopolitical and geo-economic landscape and how Vietnam is adapting, Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn observed that the world is undergoing five major transformations: profound changes in international relations, shifts in power balances, and the rise of non-traditional security challenges, including climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity. He noted the global economy is clearly reorienting, with rising protectionism and regionalization in supply chains, while science and technology are becoming central drivers of green growth and sustainable development.

He further pointed out that global institutions are under pressure to reform so as to reflect new power distributions, but multilateral cooperation remains an indispensable pillar of global governance. According to him, while science and technology offer broader opportunities for cooperation, they also intensify strategic competition—and pose new risks to national sovereignty if not managed carefully. He also warned that inequality, environmental degradation, and disparities in access to technology are eroding social trust and destabilizing many regions. He stated:

“These trends reflect a world that is complex, interdependent yet in constant flux. Every nation must proactively adapt, turning challenges into opportunities, and contribute to building a more stable, inclusive international order.”

From the ASEAN perspective, Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn underscored that the region’s strength lies in unity amidst diversity, based on three core principles: inclusiveness, flexibility, and diversification. These values help ASEAN maintain solidarity, adaptability, and resilience amid global volatility—while also serving as inspiration for other regions in peacebuilding and fostering international cooperation.

Regarding how Vietnam is adapting, he affirmed that the country is steadfast in preserving peace, stability, and creating favorable conditions for national development. Vietnam pursues an independent, autonomous foreign policy with diversified and multilateral partnerships, positioning itself as a trusted friend, a responsible partner, and a proactive member of the international community.

Vietnam is pushing for a green economy and deeper integration, diversifying markets, harnessing science, innovation, and digital transformation to build new growth drivers.

The country is expanding partnerships across all fields, strengthening resilience to global shocks, investing heavily in science and technology, identifying 11 strategic technologies to bolster national autonomy, with the aim of becoming an industrialized, modern nation by 2030, and achieving high-income status by 2045.

Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn at the High-Level Panel Discussion on “The World Situation. Photo: Hương Giang – VNA Correspondent in Belgium

Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn emphasized that Vietnam will continue supporting multilateral cooperation, respecting international law and the UN Charter, proactively contributing to peacekeeping, sustainable development, and ensuring maritime, aviation security and freedom. He stressed:

“Vietnam is determined to maintain autonomy, act responsibly, and engage in substantive cooperation with all partners. This is how we protect national interests while contributing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.”

During the discussion, international speakers shared their views on global developments, highlighting the need to mitigate economic and trade risks amid deepening globalization.

The Global Gateway Forum serves as a strategic dialogue platform, gathering heads of state, financial institutions, and global businesses to promote investment cooperation and sustainable development—especially within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn held bilateral meetings with EU Commission Vice Presidents Kaja Kallas (High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy) and Teresa Ribera (responsible for Green Transition, Fairness & Competition).

At the meeting with Kaja Kallas, both sides exchanged in-depth views on Vietnam–EU relations and shared international issues of common interest. Kallas expressed EU’s readiness to provide humanitarian support and disaster risk cooperation in the face of Vietnam’s storm and flood damages. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the EU and affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to recover while maintaining a target growth rate of over 8% in 2025—a significant year marking the 80th National Day and the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

He also reiterated Vietnam’s regard for the EU’s global role, supporting the Global Gateway strategy, and proposed strengthened cooperation in multilateral forums, advocating for the early ratification of the Vietnam–EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to facilitate business between both sides.

On fisheries, the Deputy Prime Minister requested the EU to soon lift the “yellow card” under IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing), recognizing Vietnam’s serious efforts to combat illegal fishing, and to move toward sustainable fisheries cooperation. Kallas announced that the EC would send a delegation to Vietnam in November 2025 for detailed discussions.

At his meeting with Vice President Teresa Ribera, she congratulated Vietnam’s impressive growth achievements and expressed concern over disaster losses. She affirmed the EU’s commitment to support Vietnam in strengthening early warning and disaster response capacities, and viewed Vietnam as an important partner in the green and sustainable development agenda.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for EU support in projects such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and regional green connectivity, urging the EU to continue leading in international support to Vietnam’s offshore wind power, renewable energy, smart grids, and circular economy development.

Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn and Executive Vice President of the European Commission Teresa Ribera, responsible for Green Transition, Fairness, and Competition. Photo: Hương Giang – VNA Correspondent in Belgium

He also requested that the EU adopt a fair timeline for implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), allowing Vietnamese enterprises to adapt in an equitable and sustainable manner.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in science & technology, green innovation, digital transformation, and industrial emission reduction, contributing to sustainable development goals and elevating Vietnam–EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn extended invitations to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Vice President Teresa Ribera to visit Vietnam, both of whom welcomed the invitations and expressed eagerness to visit soon to enhance cooperation in green transition.

Source: VNA