Despite a number of outstanding differences, relations between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) have grown strongly over the past two decades, thanks to joint efforts from both sides.
This was a common comment made by local and international delegates at a seminar with the theme, “Vietnam-EU relations: Achievements and prospects” held in Hanoi on November 29 to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Vietnam-EU diplomatic ties.
Delegates agreed that after 20 years, bilateral economic and trade relations had seen a huge leap. EU has emerged as one of Vietnam ’s largest trade partners, with two-way trade reaching almost 13 billion USD in 2009. It is currently the second-biggest foreign investor in Vietnam , accounting for one-fifth of the disbursed capital so far.
EU is also the biggest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam and supports the country’s prioritised areas, including human resources development, socio-economic reforms and international integration.
Having applauded Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic and political spheres over the past 20 years, James Moran, Director for Asia of the Directorate General for External Relations of the European Commission (EC), said the initialling of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in early October ushered in a new stage in bilateral relations, laying a necessary foundation for the two sides to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
To make the cooperative relationship on par with the growing international stature of both sides, delegates recommended Vietnam and EU increase dialogues, deal thoroughly with remaining differences and fully tap their potential.
Ambassador Sean Doyle, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam , said the EU planned to provide a bigger slice of funding for Vietnam in the years to come, although the bloc was still facing financial difficulties./.
This was a common comment made by local and international delegates at a seminar with the theme, “Vietnam-EU relations: Achievements and prospects” held in Hanoi on November 29 to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of Vietnam-EU diplomatic ties.
Delegates agreed that after 20 years, bilateral economic and trade relations had seen a huge leap. EU has emerged as one of Vietnam ’s largest trade partners, with two-way trade reaching almost 13 billion USD in 2009. It is currently the second-biggest foreign investor in Vietnam , accounting for one-fifth of the disbursed capital so far.
EU is also the biggest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam and supports the country’s prioritised areas, including human resources development, socio-economic reforms and international integration.
Having applauded Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic and political spheres over the past 20 years, James Moran, Director for Asia of the Directorate General for External Relations of the European Commission (EC), said the initialling of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in early October ushered in a new stage in bilateral relations, laying a necessary foundation for the two sides to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
To make the cooperative relationship on par with the growing international stature of both sides, delegates recommended Vietnam and EU increase dialogues, deal thoroughly with remaining differences and fully tap their potential.
Ambassador Sean Doyle, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam , said the EU planned to provide a bigger slice of funding for Vietnam in the years to come, although the bloc was still facing financial difficulties./.
