It is essential to exploit the great potential of EVFTA

The EU is one of Vietnam's leading partners in trade and investment, especially when the results of the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) after more than 1 year of entry into force show economic benefits for both sides, trade increased by 18% despite many difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Immediately after arriving in Brussels, Belgium, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue had a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel. During the exchange, the two sides agreed that it is necessary to continue and further promote cooperation in the fields of cooperation, including the very important role of the National Assembly of Vietnam and the European Parliament, creating conditions for effective implementation of EVFTA.

National Assembly President Vuong Dinh Hue meets with European Council President Charles Michel

The President of the European Council welcomed the President of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to visit and work with the European Council (EC) and the European Parliament (EP) to discuss many issues of mutual interest between Vietnam and the EC, including promoting bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially supporting each other in Covid-19 prevention and post-pandemic recovery, and strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU)…; highly appreciating the significance of this visit in the EU by the Vietnamese National Assembly delegation after a long time affected by the pandemic.

In order to strengthen cooperation comprehensively, especially in the field of investment, the National Assembly Chairman suggested that the EC continue to support the business communities of both sides and hope the Parliaments of EU countries to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Towards the development goals of 2025, 2030, 2045, Vietnam wants the EU to support and share experiences in areas where the EU has strengths and Vietnam has needs such as sustainable development, digital economy, green economy, development of high-quality human resources...

Sharing with the EU's concerns about the IUU yellow card for Vietnam's fishing, the President of the National Assembly announced that Vietnam has made great efforts to implement many measures to overcome and has achieved very positive results and requested the EC's support for the European Commission to soon remove the yellow card from Vietnam, contributing to ensuring the livelihoods of Vietnamese fishermen as well as the interests of European consumers, especially in the context of difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides shared that in the face of impacts and consequences caused by Covid-19 and climate change, it is necessary to restructure the global economy as well as participate in joint efforts and actions to respond to climate change. The two sides also shared views in favor of a stable, cooperative and prosperous ASEAN region; maintaining security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight on the basis of respect for international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

“Vietnam continues to closely coordinate with the EU and EP in multilateral cooperation mechanisms; to be ready to act as a bridge to promote EU-ASEAN relations commensurate with the framework of the recently signed ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership," the National Assembly Chairman affirmed.