EU, Vietnam ramp up co-operation in EVFTA implementation
VOV.VN - Two-way trade exchanges between Vietnam and the European Union during the opening months of the year witnessed positive growth thanks to the enforcement of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which came into effect on August 1, 2020.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien was speaking at a working session in Hanoi on June 11 alongside Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam to discuss bilateral co-operation and the implementation of the EVFTA.
He quoted data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, saying the January – April import-export turnover between both sides enjoyed an annual surge of 20.1% to US$18.26 billion.
Both Dien and Aliberti affirmed the importance of the Vietnam – EU comprehensive partnership, especially in the fields of economics, trade, and energy, while pledging to effectively ramp up co-operation in joint schemes ahead.
Dien congratulated the EU on its COVID-19 containment, noting that with the implementation of bailout packages and expanded vaccinations, its economy is expected to recover swiftly.
He voiced his optimism about prospects for developing trade and investment co-operation between Vietnam and the EU in the context that the global economy is facing numerous difficulties caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both host and guest devised orientations aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation and effectively implementing the trade deal to ensure benefits for the two business communities.
The MoIT representative expressed his hope that the EU will continue to increase co-operation programmes and projects, especially in the fields of tourism and energy such as the EU-Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Program (SETP) and the Vietnam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG).
Vietnam is keen to attract investment and technology transfer from the EU in order to support the building of a strong and modern industry, especially relating to the processing, manufacturing, and supporting industries, Minister Dien emphasised.
Ambassador Aliberti pointed out that the EVFTA is considered an important milestone in bilateral ties, adding that both sides should overcome challenges in the enforcement of the trade pact.
