National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan received visiting Chairperson of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) Bernd Lange in Hanoi on July 26, during which the two sides discussed cooperation potential between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) for times ahead. 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) receives Chairperson of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange

The Vietnamese top legislator spoke highly of and thanked the contributions made by Bernd Lange in promoting friendship between the Vietnamese NA and the European Parliament (EP), saying that it has helped to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and the EU. 

She affirmed that with the existing potential and wishes of both sides, the Vietnam-EU collaboration can be fostered. 

The official signing and approval of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the free trade agreement between Vietnam and four members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will create newfound momentum for the two sides to maximise on their potential, thus bringing more cooperation and investment opportunities for business communities and people in Vietnam and the EU, she stressed. 

Ngan affirmed that the Vietnamese NA and Government are actively completing legal frameworks to better the country’s business and investment environment, making it easier for foreign enterprises in general, and European firms in particular, to operate stably and effectively in Vietnam. 

For his part, Bernd Lange said that the stable economic development with high growth has contributed to helping promote poverty reduction in Vietnam. 

He said the EP is making every effort to promote the official signing and approval of the EVFTA, which is slated for late 2018. 

The INTA commits to doing its best in making the signing and approval of the agreement effective on the basis of cooperation with the National Assembly of Vietnam and to solve any outstanding issues.

During the reception, the Vietnamese top legislator also affirmed Vietnam is a responsible member in implementing commitments during the process of joining new-generation FTAs and international conventions. 

She asserted the Vietnamese NA’s commitments to examining the legal system, thus continuing to legalise commitments and international treaties that Vietnam has joined. 

Ngan affirmed that Vietnam has always listened to the opinions given by European economic policymakers and enterprises so that when the EVFTA is ratified, it will be implemented in the most effective way, bringing practical benefits to both sides.

She asked Bernd Lange, as Chairman of the INTA of the EP, to continue to support and actively promote the two sides to sign the agreement in October this year on the occasion of the 12th ASEM Summit.

She also hoped the EP will soon approve the EVFTA.–VNA