The results of the 19th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat, the 12thAEM -EU Consultations and the third ASEAN-EU Business Summit wereannounced at a press conference in Hanoi on March 9.
ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh noted that the average growth of 7percent in two-way trade reflected the strong commitment of both sidesto facilitating trade and investment. The consultations between ASEANEconomic Ministers and the EU also recognised progresses in implementingbilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
In addition,Minh said the consultations discussed the possibility to resumenegotiations on the bilateral free trade agreement between the ASEAN andEU.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN-EU Business Summit exchangedviews on promoting trade and facilitating investment and listened toenterprises’ feedback.
EU Trade Commissioner Karel DeGucht underscored the success of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat,saying this will create a more favourable business and investmentenvironment for EU-ASEAN cooperation.
The negotiation ofthe ASEAN-EU FTA will be accelerated, he affirmed, emphasising EU’sinterest in ASEAN, an active developing market.
At present, bilateral trade deficit is being reduced as a number of ASEAN member nations have a huge demand for EU products.
He said he believed that EU will soon become ASEAN’s largest economicpartner and the formation of the ASEAN Community by 2015 will have agreat significance for the EU.-VNA
ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh noted that the average growth of 7percent in two-way trade reflected the strong commitment of both sidesto facilitating trade and investment. The consultations between ASEANEconomic Ministers and the EU also recognised progresses in implementingbilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
In addition,Minh said the consultations discussed the possibility to resumenegotiations on the bilateral free trade agreement between the ASEAN andEU.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN-EU Business Summit exchangedviews on promoting trade and facilitating investment and listened toenterprises’ feedback.
EU Trade Commissioner Karel DeGucht underscored the success of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat,saying this will create a more favourable business and investmentenvironment for EU-ASEAN cooperation.
The negotiation ofthe ASEAN-EU FTA will be accelerated, he affirmed, emphasising EU’sinterest in ASEAN, an active developing market.
At present, bilateral trade deficit is being reduced as a number of ASEAN member nations have a huge demand for EU products.
He said he believed that EU will soon become ASEAN’s largest economicpartner and the formation of the ASEAN Community by 2015 will have agreat significance for the EU.-VNA
