Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnam Mission to the EU Vuong Thua Phong (Photo:Kim Chung/VNA)

At a Tuesday meeting of EP’s Committee on International Trade (INTA), Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnam Mission to the EU Vuong Thua Phong provided information on Vietnam’s efforts in economic reform and promoting regional and global integration, and said Vietnam has always valued its relations with the EU. Vietnam – EU trade turnover reached a new height last year – nearly 52 billion USD. The EU is now among the five biggest foreign investors and is the largest non-Asian investor in Vietnam with 2,000 projects worth 22 billion USD. The deal will open up more trade and investment opportunities, Phong said, adding that it will promote both sides’ strengths and prepare for a future FTA between the EU and ASEAN. Vietnam will continue to work hard on issues concerns to the EU related to the Vietnamese Labor Code, conventions of the International Labor Organization that Vietnam joins in, and combining trade with sustainable development, he said.