Top legislator holds talks with EP President

National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (L) shakes hands with President of the European Parliament (EP) Antonio Tajani, April 4, 2019 - Photo: VNA

Chairwoman Ngan expressed her gratitude to the EP leader for his contributions to the strengthened partnership between Viet Nam and the European Union, as well as between the Vietnamese NA and the EP. 

President Tajani said that the EU and Viet Nam have shared a sound political and economic partnership, with the EU currently a large trade partner of Viet Nam. 

According to the President, the EU provided €400 million for Viet Nam to develop socio-economic performance. This is evidence of the EU’s efforts in promoting collaboration with Viet Nam, said Mr. Tajani. 

The EP President applauded the attempts by Viet Nam and ASEAN countries in general in dealing with intra-bloc differences, as well as regional matters.

The Chairwoman took the occasion to brief her host on the socio-economic situation in Viet Nam, adding that Viet Nam has signed and implemented 12 free trade agreements and is negotiating for four other deals. 

The EU is currently the fourth largest trade partner, second biggest export market, and fifth largest investor of Viet Nam, she noted. 

The Vietnamese NA leader said that in order to further promote economic, trade, and investment partnerships, the two sides have concluded negotiations and processing for the signing and ratification of the EU-Viet Nam free trade agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

NA Chairwoman Ngan said the EVFTA and IPA will bring multi-faceted benefits to both Viet Nam and the EU, adding the early signing and ratification of the EVFTA will open up many opportunities to realize the benefits that the agreement will bring to both two signatories. 

The Vietnamese top legislator hoped that EP President Antonio Tajani would further his support so that the EVFTA ratification can be put into the EP's agenda at the beginning of the new tenure.

The Chairwoman said that Viet Nam always facilitates optimal conditions for foreign enterprises, including those from the EU, to land investments in the country.

Viet Nam honors international trade commitments and creates equal opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors, she said, adding that Viet Nam stands ready to discuss issues of mutual concern with the EU to put forth the signing and ratification of the EVFTA and the IPA.

Mr. Tajani said that the EU attaches importance to the two agreements as they are significant to competent parties. He added that, in his role as EP President, he has spared no effort to accelerate the signing and ratification of the deals.

All issues related to the pacts will be considered after the EP completes its election procedures and begins a new term, he added.

NA Chairwoman Ngan and EP President Tajani expressed their delight over the sound relations between the Vietnamese NA and the EP, with various delegation exchanges and experience sharing in law building, among others.

Chairwoman Ngan affirmed that Viet Nam is willing to exchange information with and welcome EP parliamentarian groups, as well as organize dialogues with them to discuss issues of mutual concern in the spirit of cooperation and construction, thus helping the EP better understand the situation in Viet Nam.

She hailed the active operation of the two sides’ friendship parliamentarians’ groups, which helps promote the cooperative relations between Vietnamese NA and EP in particular, and between Viet Nam and EU in general.

The Vietnamese top legislator asked the two friendship parliamentarians’ groups to continue cooperating by sharing information and experience in the field.

President Tajani said the EP welcomes Vietnamese National Assembly delegations to visit and work with the EP agencies.

He added that the talks hold significant meaning, illustrating Viet Nam’s determination to cooperate with the EU, especially as more European investors are seeking cooperation opportunities in Viet Nam./.

By Khanh Phuong