From 19–23 January 2026, Ms Duong Thi Ngoc Linh, Deputy Chief of Office of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Director of the Center for Community Welfare and Diversity (CWD), participated in the 5th Joint Forum on Trade and Sustainable Development in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium. The mission contributed to promoting dialogue, strengthening cooperation, and enhancing the effective implementation of commitments on labour, the environment and sustainable development within the framework of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Promoting Dialogue and Effective Implementation of EVFTA Commitments

The mission included participation in the joint meeting between the Domestic Advisory Group of Viet Nam (DAGVN) and the Domestic Advisory Group of the European Union (DAGEU). The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views and review the implementation of commitments under Chapter 13 – Trade and Sustainable Development of the EVFTA, while identifying priorities and coordinated solutions for the period ahead. Discussions focused on key thematic areas, including environment and climate, labour and social issues, and the strengthening of dialogue mechanisms between Viet Nam and the European Union.

The delegation attended a thematic workshop on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), receiving updates, sharing practical experience, and discussing its implications for small and medium-sized enterprises, farmers and Viet Nam’s supply chains. In addition, joint sessions between the Vietnamese and EU Domestic Advisory Groups addressed environmental and climate-related matters, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and proposed enhanced technical cooperation, as well as the development of a sustainable aquaculture standards framework suited to Viet Nam’s conditions and progressively aligned with EU standards.

In the field of labour, the delegation engaged in discussions on the implementation and ratification of fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), mechanisms to safeguard workers’ rights, and occupational safety and health, particularly in the context of international integration and sustainable development. The delegation also attended a briefing on the operational mechanisms of EU institutions and the Joint Forum, during which both sides reviewed the implementation of labour and environmental commitments under the EVFTA.

Open and Constructive Exchanges on Labour, Environment and Sustainable Supply Chains

During the working sessions, participants focused on the status of implementation and ratification of fundamental ILO Conventions; labour rights, grievance mechanisms and worker protection; and the relationship between EU and Vietnamese enterprises within global supply chains in the context of emerging sustainability due diligence requirements.

EU partners acknowledged and highly valued Viet Nam’s efforts in implementing labour and environmental commitments, while underscoring the important role of the DAG mechanism in providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation and evidence-based policy feedback.

A Significant Milestone: Adoption of the EU–Viet Nam DAG Joint Statement

A notable outcome of the mission was that, for the first time after five sessions of the Forum, DAGVN and DAGEU reached consensus and adopted a Joint Statement. This reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in promoting sustainable trade between the EU and Viet Nam. The Joint Statement marks an important milestone and lays the groundwork for broader and deeper cooperation in subsequent Forums.

Affirming the Role of the Center for Community Welfare and Diversity

Through the mission, Ms Duong Thi Ngoc Linh and the delegation contributed to consolidating relations with EU DAG organisations, expanding international partnerships, and promoting the image, role and activities of the Center for Community Welfare and Diversity, particularly in areas such as advancing sustainable development, protecting workers’ rights, safeguarding the environment and empowering women.

The mission successfully achieved all its stated objectives, contributing to improved consultation processes and supporting the effective implementation of Chapter 13 of the EVFTA, while reaffirming Viet Nam’s responsibility and standing in international cooperation on trade and sustainable development.

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The Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) of Viet Nam was established under Decision No. 1972/QD-BCT of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, pursuant to Article 13.15 of the Chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development of the EVFTA.

The Viet Nam DAG operates as a forum of social organisations, tasked with consolidating information, presenting views, and providing recommendations, advice and comments on the implementation of the Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter of the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the European Union (EVFTA), in line with the commitments set out in the Agreement. These views and recommendations are submitted to the EVFTA Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development.

The Center for Community Welfare and Diversity (CWD) is the eighth of ten members of the Domestic Advisory Group (DAG), pursuant to Decision No. 2694/QD-BCT dated 1 October 2025 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.