The press conference on the outcomes of the ASEAN-EU Economic Ministerial Conference in Hanoi on March 9. (Source: VNA)
Nhan Dan Online/VNA – EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht is touring Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar from March 17-20 with the aim of strengthening trade ties between the EU and ASEAN.
“I’m looking forward to constructive talks with our partners in Southeast Asia“, said the commissioner. “Experience is showing how opening up to trade is helping these dynamic countries raises living standards. At the same time, their markets provide opportunities for European exporters, so we really do have a win-win situation.”
His arrival in Hanoi, the first stop on his tour, coincides with the start of the 7th round of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam, scheduled for March 17-21.
Once concluded, the agreement will boost bilateral trade and investment ties and provide more co-operative opportunities for the businesses of both sides. The agreement covers trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights and non-tariff barriers, along with food safety and hygiene issues.
Bilateral trade between Vietnam and the EU has seen strong development. Last year, Vietnam became the EU’s fourth-largest ASEAN trade partner. In 2013, two-way trade approached US$30 billion.
In Cambodia, Mr De Gucht will hold talks with Minister of Commerce Sun Chanthol, during which they will discuss the activities of the recently established EU-Cambodia Joint Committee.
Their two-way trade increased to US$3.9 billion in 2013 from US$2.9 billion in 2012.
During his first visit to Myanmar, the EU trade commissioner will meet Minister of National Planning and Economic Development Kan Zaw and Minister of Commerce Win Myint. He is expected to launch negotiations on an EU-Myanmar investment protection agreement.
Two-way trade between the EU and Myanmar enjoyed a year-on-year increase of 41 percent last year, from US$559 million in 2012 to US$790 million in 2013.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
