They stressed the need to devise directions for bolstering cooperation in all aspects, especially economics, trade and investment.
Vice President  Xuan called on Portuguese businesses to increase their investment and business operation in Vietnam, especially in maritime economy, renewable energy, and tourism. She said Vietnam is willing to serve as a bridge connecting Portuguese firms with the Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific markets.

Xuan asked Portugal to assist Vietnam in developing trade and investment ties with the EU, and urged the country to early verify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and help with the removal of the EC’s yellow card on Vietnamese seafood.

Minister Augusto Santos Silva said Vietnam is a priority partner of Portugal as well as the EU. He promised to create favourable conditions for agencies and businesses of both sides to connect and expand markets and work for the early completion of procedures for the verification of the EVIPA.
The minister informed that Portugal has decided to grant Vietnam with 160,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through the Covax mechanism, and suggested that the two countries continue to work together in responding to challenges posed by the pandemic and in helping the Vietnamese community in Portugal stabilize their life.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern, and pledged to coordinate on multilateral and regional forums as well as support each other at cooperation mechanisms such as the ASEAN-EU and the United Nations.

At the meeting the same day with Vice President of the Portuguese parliament Edite Estrela, Vice President Xuan took the occasion to thank the Portuguese parliament  for its strong support for strengthening relations between the two countries and the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

The two sides affirmed that cooperation between the two parliaments and countries will continue to be promoted in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks. They expressed support for maintaining peace and stability, respecting the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the region and the world, promoting dialogue and facilitating cooperation and development for common prosperity.   

Addressing the Vietnamese-Portuguese business dialogue, Vice President Xuan briefed the business delegates on Vietnam’s socio-economic situation and the country’s development priorities such as high technology, innovation and digital economy. She affirmed that Vietnam will create all possible favourable conditions for Portuguese investors to operate long term and reap success in the country.

Portuguese business representatives showed interest in Vietnam’s orientation and strategy for development and integration, as well as possibilities for business cooperation.