Tuan reaffirmed that Vietnam greatly values its relationship with the E.U. and appreciates the positive progress in bilateral collaboration in recent years. The E.U. remains one of Vietnam’s leading economic, trade and investment partners, especially since the E.U. – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect on August 1, 2020, and bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026.
    |
 |
|
The meeting between Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan and Ambassador Julien Guerrier, head of the E.U. Delegation to Vietnam, on June 15 (Photo: thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn) |
He hoped for the continuation of close coordination with the E.U. Delegation and European partners to deepen the Vietnam – E.U. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive manner.
Sharing updates on Vietnam’s macroeconomic situation, the minister noted that amid persistent global uncertainty, Vietnam remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, safeguarding major economic balances and promoting growth. An appropriately expanded and focus-driven fiscal policy monetary policy has been implemented, with close and harmonious coordination with a pro-active, flexible and timely monetary policy and other macroeconomic measures, helping ensure macro-economic stability and major economic balances.
In the financial sector, the Ministry of Finance is accelerating administrative reforms, modernizing tax, customs and treasury administration, promoting digital transformation, enhancing state budget collection management, and improving the efficiency of public resource use. It is also restructuring the national financial system and developing a transparent, safe, efficient and sustainable capital market, shared Tuan.
For his part, Ambassador Guerrier praised the Ministry of Finance’s role in macroeconomic governance, taxation and customs administration and development resource management.
He reaffirmed the E.U.’s commitment to support Vietnam in achieving its strategic development goals, including through approximately 450 million EUR (522.3 million USD) in direct funding.
The E.U., he said, remains a key partner for Vietnam under the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Amidst geopolitical challenges affecting fossil fuel supplies, the E.U. encourages Vietnam to maximize its available renewable energy resources, including wind, solar and hydropower, the ambassador said, highlighting the European Investment Bank’s support for sustainable transport infrastructure and port development projects in Vietnam.
According to Guerrier, the issuance of more than 360 billion USD worth of green bonds across major financial centres last year demonstrates the significant financing potential available to support Vietnam’s net-zero transition.
He added that the E.U. is providing technical assistance through the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes to help Vietnam improve its international ratings and safeguard its investment reputation.
Regarding the draft excise tax policy on alcoholic beverages, the ambassador expressed the E.U.’s support for Vietnam’s public health objectives while emphasizing the importance of ensuring non-discriminatory treatment for European businesses.
Addressing taxation issues, Tuan acknowledged the effective technical cooperation between Vietnam, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Global Forum. He stressed that Vietnam is not a tax haven and remains firmly committed to international transparency standards, policy reform and enhanced public finance governance.
The minister also noted that Vietnam’s excise tax policy for alcoholic beverages is clearly stipulated in the 2025 Law on Excise Tax, including a road-map for tax increases from 2026 aimed at protecting public health and curbing harmful consumption.
Tuan reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to ensuring equal tax treatment for both domestic and foreign investors, expressing his hope that Ambassador Guerrier will encourage the remaining E.U. member states to promptly ratify the E.U. – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
He also called on the E.U. to help facilitate Vietnamese firms' access to green finance, expand technical and financial assistance for green transition, and enhance cooperation in strategic technologies, innovation, digital finance and high-tech human resources development.
With the strong foundation already in place, the official said he hopes Vietnam – E.U. relations will continue to develop in a more substantive, effective and dynamic manner in the years ahead.
Source: VNA