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VN expects Spain to accelerate EVFTA signing and ratification

VGP – Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh has urged Spain to accelerate the signing and ratification of the Viet Nam-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), thus bringing about practical benefits for both sides.

May 16, 2018 9:15 AM GMT+7

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh receives Spanish Ambassador to Viet Nam Maria Jesus Figa Lopez-Palop, Ha Noi, May 16, 2018

Politburo member Minh made the request while hosting a reception for Spanish Ambassador to Viet Nam Maria Jesus Figa Lopez-Palop in Ha Noi on May 16.

He spoke of the diplomat’s contributions to enhancing the Viet Nam-Spain relations during the first year of her tenure, affirming that Viet Nam attaches importance to strengthening friendly ties and multifaceted cooperation with Spain.

The deputy PM suggested the two sides strengthen the exchange of delegations, especially at the high level, thereby creating a driving force to boost bilateral relations across spheres, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and investment.

Spain is currently the largest trade partner of Viet Nam in the EU, with the two-way trade rising sharply to US$3.1 billion in 2017, he said.

The host called on the Spanish Government and Ambassador Maria Jesus to take measures to push forward bilateral trade and investment, while encouraging and supporting Spanish firms to make investments in Viet Nam, especially in clean technology, renewable energy, and environment.

For her part, the Spanish diplomat affirmed that Spain always attaches importance to strengthening ties with Viet Nam, suggesting the two countries continue to implement the existing cooperation mechanisms, aiming to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership.

Spanish firms are interested in the Vietnamese market, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure, she said, pledging to actively push forward the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Viet Nam and the EU and the official signing and ratification of the EVFTA, seeking to open up new prospects in bilateral trade and investment cooperation in the near future./.

By Vien Nhu