(VOVworld) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received on Tuesday Chairman of the European Parliament's Trade Committee Bernd Lange and his delegation in Hanoi. Prime Minister Dung proposed that the EU ratify the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Vietnam, and recognize Vietnam’s market economy status. He called on both sides to gear up efforts to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) by the middle of this year.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked the European Union to consider Vietnam’s low development level and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural, seafood, leather. footwear, garment and textile products, during negotiations on the FTA. He believed that Vietnam’s signing of the FTA with EU would not only boost bilateral economic cooperation, but also help Vietnam improve its market economy institutions and investment environment. He reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to welcome and offer EU businesses favorable conditions to invest in Vietnam.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (R) receives Chairman of the European Parliament's Trade Committee Bernd Lange in Hanoi. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP
|
Bernd Lange said the EU dims its cooperation with Vietnam important, adding that the European Parliament’s Trade Committee will take into consideration Vietnam’s requests. He expressed his confidence in an FTA between Vietnam and the EU to be signed as soon as possible, as this could result in huge benefits for both sides.
Earlier, while meeting with Bernd Lange in Hanoi, the Chairman of the Central Economic Commission, Vuong Dinh Hue said Vietnam considers the EU one of its most important partners and desires extensive cooperation with the EU, especially in trade and investment.