Vietnam and Italy have consented to plans for post-pandemic economic recovery and optimising the benefits from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) as a way of promoting economic ties between the two nations.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang Anh addresses the meeting

During the sixth meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, held virtually, between the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Vietnam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, both sides reviewed cooperation in economics and trade, especially in the areas of energy, industry, industrial machinery, garments and textiles, footwear, and mining.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang Anh said the time-honoured bilateral friendship and cooperation have been strengthened in recent years, adding that as the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam congratulated Italy on its position as an ASEAN development partner, there by paving the way for closer cooperation between the European nation and other ASEAN member states.

Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Manlio Di Stefano highlighted Vietnam as a “bright spot” in economic growth amid the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Italy will be the host of the next meeting in 2021.