4th DAG-to-DAG meeting under the EU-Viet Nam FTA

The EU and the Viet Nam Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs), established under the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement, met in a "DAG-to-DAG meeting" on 20 January 2026. The event started with a workshop on EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), discussing consequences for SMEs and farmers and how to navigate in this area.

The agenda covered discussions on the implementation and ratification of ILO conventions, labour aspects of the sustainable transition in the textile and garment sectors, as well as EU stakeholder involvement in relation to the EUDR, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and a proposal to establish a Joint Technical Working Group on sustainable aquaculture standards.

In the final part of the meeting, members discussed the importance of the EVFTA and the need to uphold high standards in the current global context.

A joint statement, prepared by both sides, was discussed and adopted.

The DAG members also met on 22 January at the Joint Forum on Trade and Sustainable Development, open to civil society organisations from both sides.