Encouraging signal of VN-EU trade and investment deals

VGP – One of the most remarkable outcomes of PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s on-going tour to Europe is that both Viet Nam and the European Union are determined to accelerate signature and ratification of their free trade agreement (FTA) and investment protection agreement (IPA).

October 18, 2018 9:34 AM GMT+7

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade in Brussels, Belgium on October 17, 2017. Photo: VGP

“The European Commission today adopted the EU-Viet Nam trade and investment agreements, paving the way for their signature and conclusion. Through this adoption, the Commission is demonstrating its commitment to putting these agreements in place as soon as possible,” said the Commission on its website.

The two agreements will be submitted to the European Council for approval and they are expected to be officially signed at the end of 2018, and then to the European Parliament for ratification in early 2019.

This is the fruit of active coordination and a good news for business communities of both Viet Nam and EU.

Right after the European Commission’s adoption of the agreements, PM Phuc met with Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade.

During the meeting, PM Phuc highly valued Bernd Lange’s role and active contribution to enhance cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU in general and between Vietnamese Legislature and the European Parliament in particular.

Mr. Bernd Lange affirmed that the Committee on International Trade will continue supporting stronger partnership across fields between Viet Nam and the EU.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani in Brussels, Belgium on October 17, 2018. Photo: VGP

The same day, PM Phuc also had a meeting with President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, during which the former asserted Viet Nam always attaches importance to cooperation with the European Parliament.

The Vietnamese Government chief suggested the European Parliament would soon ratify the trade and investment agreements.

The adoption of the two agreements before opening session of the 12^th ASEM is a new and strong message and a practical action reflecting efforts to foster connectivity and cooperation between Asia and Europe./.

By Huong Giang