Vietnam courts European leaders amid concerns over US tariffs

BANGKOK – Fearing retaliatory U.S. tariffs, Vietnam is turning to Europe, hosting a succession of senior figures over the next two months. On Tuesday, President Luong Cuong met with Belgian’s monarch, King Philippe, and a business delegation, encouraging them to invest in key industries such as high tech manufacturing, renewable energy and infrastructure, state media reported. Philippe said he hoped Belgian businesses specializing in wastewater treatment, energy and rare minerals would set up shop in Vietnam. Cuong also asked Belgium to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, signed six years…