Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue and Vice President of the European Commission Jyrki Katainen have agreed to facilitate all-level visits, particularly the Vietnam visit by President of the European Council Donald Tusk. 

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and European Union Chief Negotiator for the EVFTA Mauro Petriccione

During their meeting in Brussels on September 18, both leaders shared view that the approval of the Vietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement has created an important legal framework to further deepen Vietnam-EU relationship. 

About the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Hue said amid rising protectionism, the signing and ratification of the deal are significant to facilitating trade liberalisation. 

The two sides pledged to step up final procedures for the early signing and ratification of the agreement. The EU side will also improve Vietnam’s capacity to fully and effectively enforce EVFTA’s commitments. 

Within multilateral cooperation framework, Vietnam and the EU will continue working closely together and strengthening consultation to enhance cooperation efficiency, especially at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the ASEAN-EU Dialogue. 

Hue asked the EU to maintain official development assistance to Vietnam via bilateral and multilateral channels while supporting Mekong Sub-regional cooperation programmes, the ASEAN Community and its central role in the evolving regional architecture. 

Meeting Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Kunio Mikuriya, Hue urged the WCO to continue assisting member customs agencies and suggested specific cooperation areas between the two sides. 

He proposed the WCO backs Vietnam in realising the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA), affirming that his country sees the implementation of the deal as part of activities to reform administrative procedures, develop the economy and attract foreign direct investment. 

Mikuriya, for his part, spoke highly of Vietnam’s achivements in trade liberalization and facilitation. He shared information regarding apparatus and governance as well as joint work between customs and management agencies in border areas. 

The same day, the Vietnamese official met European Union Chief Negotiator for the EVFTA Mauro Petriccione. 

He also delivered an opening speech and hosted a round-table meeting with nearly 100 business representatives from Belgium and the EU. 

Earlier on September 17, the Deputy PM held a working session with Rent-A-Port, which specialises in design and development of marine infrastructure and industrial zones in Belgium. 

Host and guest discussed Rent-A-Port’s underway projects in Vietnam and the possibility of developing green industrial zones and renewable energy projects in Vietnam in the near future.

VNA