(VOV) -Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are in negotiations over a free trade agreement, the 7th round of negotiations, which was held in February, is due to be completed by the end of this year.
- Vietnam to accelerate FTA negotiations with EFTA
- EFTA bloc presents farm export opportunities
- Vietnam, EFTA hold FTA negotiations
This information was released during talks between Vietnamese Minister of Trade and Industry Vu Huy Hoang and his Norwegian counterpart Monica Mæland in Hanoi on March 19, as part of the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Magnus’s official visit to Vietnam from March 18-21 at the invitation of Vietnamese State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan.
Seafood is one of Vietnam's key exports items to Norway
The two ministers agreed that the free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the EFTA (comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) will boost bilateral trade ties and create a legal framework for investors from both sides.
Minister Hoang thanked Norway for its continued support and called for relevant parties to step up FTA negotiations and boost cooperation in hydro-electricity, maritime, aquaculture, and support industries, as well as fostering ASEAN integration process.
In response, the Norwegian guest pledged her determination to speed up FTA negotiations between Vietnam and the EFTA, with a view to taking full advantage of trade liberalisation and increasing trade links.
The two sides expressed hope that Vietnam-Norway trade and investment relations will continue to develop, especially post signing of the FTA.
They also reached consensus on exchange visits to promote mutual understanding and offer further cooperation opportunities in the future.
A round-table discussion is due to be held among senior officials regarding the FTA between Vietnam and the EFTA.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
