PM Greets European Parliament’s Trade Head

PM Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the European Union (EU) to soon ratify the Framework Agreement on Cooperation and Partnership Comprehensive (PCA) and  recognize Viet Nam's full market economy status.

At a reception for Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, and his entourage in Ha Noi on April 7, the PM urged the two sides to make more efforts in negotiations for the signing of a free trade agreement in-2015.

He welcomed the guest's visit as of extreme importance when the two sides are celebrating their 25-year diplomatic ties and in the final stage of the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung expressed his pleasure that the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU have been growing over years, especially cooperation in trade and investment which has yielded remarkable achievements.

Affirming the EU is one of the most important partners of Viet Nam, the Prime Minister said that besides the signed PCA, the two sides are actively working towards the signing of the FTA since it could bring their ties to a new high.

The Prime Minister suggested the European Parliament support the early signing of the Viet Nam-EU FTA given the organization's crucial role in FTA signing, ratification and enforcement supervision. He called on the EU to adopt a flexible approach to considering Viet Nam's legitimate interests in agro-fishery products, footwear, and garments in the FTA negotiations.

He said that FTAs will not only promote bilateral economic cooperation, but also help Viet Nam perfect its market economy institutions, push up extensive integration as well as creating an open, transparent and convenient environment for investors at home and abroad.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung also reaffirmed Viet Nam's commitment to welcoming and creating favorable conditions for EU businesses to invest and operate long-term business in Viet Nam.

Bernd Lange said the EU has always attached great importance to promoting cooperation with Viet Nam. The International Trade Committee will pay attention to Viet Nam's proposals, including the EU's consideration to recognize Viet Nam's full market economy as well as to ratify the PCA with Viet Nam.

He also expressed his belief that the FTA between the EU and Viet Nam will soon be signed as it is a comprehensive agreement, which will bring great benefits to both sides.

Bernd Lange appreciated Viet Nam's commitments to and a clear roadmap for FTA talks and implementation.