French ambassador backs EVIPA ratification, removal of IUU ‘yellow card’ on Vietnam

The ambassador made the remarks during a meeting with Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam in Hanoi on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He thanked the Party leader for taking the time to receive him and called for both countries to continue implementing concrete steps to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Brochet reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Vietnam, one of its key priority partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

Agreeing with General Secretary Lam on the importance of EVIPA to both Vietnamese and French businesses, the ambassador said he would encourage the French parliament to ratify the agreement soon for the mutual benefit of both countries.

He also reiterated his support for lifting the IUU yellow card imposed by the European Commission on Vietnamese seafood exports in October 2017.

In response, General Secretary Lam highlighted France’s role as a key member of the European Union (EU) and encouraged the country to actively promote stronger Vietnam-EU relations for the sake of regional and global peace, stability, and development.

Lam welcomed the ambassador’s proposals to effectively implement and take full advantage of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He agreed on boosting cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure, transportation, renewable and green energy, science and technology, innovation, aerospace, and the training of high-quality human resources.

Regarding the East Vietnam Sea issue, the French ambassador affirmed that France and the EU support the stance of Vietnam and ASEAN on resolving disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

General Secretary Lam expressed appreciation for Ambassador Brochet’s dedication to Vietnam and its people, as well as for his contributions to strengthening Vietnam-France relations.

Vietnam and France established diplomatic relations in 1973. 

The two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2013 and further to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October 2024.