VGP – Viet Nam will do its utmost for the best implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), affirmed PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at his reception for out-going Ambassador Bruno Angelet, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam in Ha Noi on August 2. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Ambassador Bruno Angelet,
Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam  at the Government Office
in Ha Noi on August 2, 2019. Photo: VGP

The PM spoke highly of the Ambassador’s positive and effective contributions to enhancing and deepening the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU, remarkably the official signing of the EVFTA and the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in June this year.

As the EU remains the leading trade, investment and cooperation development partner of Viet Nam, Phuc urged the EU side to soon ratify the two trade and investment deals to bring benefits to their peoples.

The two-way trade hit US$56 billion in 2018, Phuc said, adding that European investors have poured US$25 billion in investment projects in Viet Nam.

Regarding issues of the EU’ concerns such as labor, sustainable development, fishing, forestry and business and investors’ rights, both sides need to continue discussions and the Vietnamese Government will continue drastic and effective measures as committed.

Phuc asked the EU to closely cooperate with Viet Nam as the country will assume ASEAN Chairmanship and UNSC non-permanent membership since 2020.

He took the occasion to convey his greetings to European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen, expecting the two new leaders will soon visit Viet Nam to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Angelet said the EU expects to boost cooperation with Viet Nam-an ASEAN member that has signed the largest number of agreements and cooperation programs with the EU and has the biggest number of students studying in the EU.

He suggested the two sides focus on deploying the agreements and programs, pledging the EU will work closely with Viet Nam in all spheres and support the Southeast Asian country’s international integration process.