Deputy Minister of Trade Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan made the announcement at a conference in Hanoi on October 31 to discuss the implementation of the master plan. She said the Vietnamese side has made every effort to implement contents of the master plan and the Government’s action programme.

The master plan has received strong support from the EU since it was approved by the Prime Minister in June 2005, noted Mrs Ngan.

“The master plan is of strategic importance with the aim of building an equal partnership and comprehensive and long-term cooperation between Vietnam and the EU for peace and development,” said Mrs Ngan.

Finish Ambassador to Vietnam Kari Alanko, incumbent president of the EU praised Vietnam’s efforts to complete its negotiation process for joining the World Trade Organisation and expressed his belief that relations between Vietnam and the EU will further develop, particularly in economics, trade and investment after the country joins the WTO. He said that EU businesses are keen to invest in Vietnam in such areas as transport, energy, telecommunications and environment.

He also congratulated Vietnam on its being nominated as the sole Asian candidate for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 term by a group of Asian countries. He expressed his belief that Vietnam will make active contributions to promoting peace and security in the world.