From left to eight, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, during their meeting in South Africa on November 22, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit
Vietnam will assume the CPTPP Chairmanship in 2026 and has identified the promotion of cooperation between the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union (EU) as a key priority for its term.
This message was emphasised by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a joint meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on November 22 in South Africa, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
During the meeting, the three leaders highlighted the significant potential of CPTPP–EU cooperation amid major global economic uncertainties, stressing the importance of strengthening linkages between the world’s leading dynamic economic regions. They welcomed the establishment of the CPTPP-EU Trade and Investment Dialogue, describing it as an important step toward reinforcing an open, fair, and rules-based global trading system.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his satisfaction with the successful first session of the CPTPP-EU Dialogue held earlier in the week, during which both sides adopted a Joint Statement. He affirmed that Vietnam is making thorough preparations for its 2026 CPTPP Chairmanship and will prioritise fostering CPTPP-EU cooperation throughout its term.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Vietnam’s proposed priorities and expressed strong support for Vietnam’s 2026 CPTPP Chairmanship. They pledged close coordination to advance trade and investment cooperation among CPTPP members, as well as between the CPTPP and the EU, especially in potential areas such as digital trade.
The CPTPP is considered one of the most important next-generation free trade agreements that Vietnam participates in. It comprises currently comprising 12 members, namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.