Hanoi (VNA) – Secretary of the Hanoi municipal Party Committee Vuong Dinh Hue on September 23 said the European Union (EU) is a significant economic and trade partner of Vietnam, including Hanoi.

During a working session in the capital city with Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Pier Giorgio Aliberti, Hue lauded the significance of the agreements signed by Vietnam and the EU over the past years, especially the recently-ratified EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He highlighted Hanoi has gone through six weeks without COVID-19 transmission in the community, and its socio-economic development indicators remain high, surpassing the country’s common average.

Stressing that the capital city always works to improve business climate and welcome investors, including those from the EU, Hue affirmed that Hanoi is ready to work with the EU to seek cooperation in promising fields.

As the city is planning for its comprehensive socio-economic development strategy in the next 5-10 years, the leader hoped that with the EU’s support and agreements signed by both sides, Hanoi will soon achieve its important targets in a sustainable manner.

Aliberti, for his part, said the EU is turning its attention to Asia, with Vietnam being one of the significant partners.

He added that Vietnam and Hanoi’s impressive achievements in the fight against COVID-19 and positive economic growth are major advantages, especially at a time when many firms worldwide are shifting their operation.

He hoped that more discussions on bilateral cooperation will be held, particularly in fields of the EU’s strength such as environment protection, air and water quality improvement, and others.

In the afternoon the same day, Hue hosted a reception for outgoing Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Tanee Sangrat./. 
VNA