Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Vuong Dinh Hue asked the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee to facilitate the signing of the Vietnam-European Union free trade agreement (FTA).

He made the request during a meeting with Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee Bernd Lange in Hanoi on April 7.

Hue underscored that in addition to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in November 2014, the FTA will be a milestone towards elevating bilateral ties.

The EU is a key partner of Vietnam, said Hue, expressing his hope of bolstering comprehensive cooperation with the EU, especially in trade and investment.

The host said that Vietnam gives top priority to the negotiations of the FTA with the EU, as the comprehensive agreement would bring practical benefits to both sides.
For his part, Bernd Lange said that his visit to Vietnam is significant as the two sides are celebrating the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and taking the final stage of FTA negotiations.

He pledged that the Committee would consider Vietnam’s proposals, including the recognition as a market economy, and promote the conclusion of FTA negotiations.-VNA