Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh had a working session with European Union (EU) officials to foster economic and trade cooperation and settle existing problems, thus speeding up the signing and ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and Vietnam.
At the working session between Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh and European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malstrom (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – Minister of Industry and Trade Tran TuanAnh had a working session with European Union (EU) officials to foster economicand trade cooperation and settle existing problems, thus speeding up the signingand ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and Vietnam.
In a meeting between Anh and European Commissioner for Trade CeciliaMalstrom, the two sides agreed to continue efforts to reach consensus on thedeal.
They will work to re-structure the agreement to suit the proposal toseparate the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) issues to a new dealapart from the FTA, as the EU uses separate procedures to settle disputes thanto ratify FTAs.
Anh said that both sides also discussed solutions to finalise theagreement in early 2018.
With the separation of the deal, the FTA is expected to be completed andstart in 2018 or 2019, while the ISDS will be discussed and agreed in lateryears.
During his visit, Anh and Stefano Manservisi, EU Director-General forInternational Cooperation and Development, signed an agreement for the EU toprovide 108 million EUR (129 million USD) as non-refundable aid to Vietnam.
The funds will be allocated to 23 projects in power supply for 23 ruraland mountainous localities from 2018-2020.
Manservisi said that the support will help expand the renewable networkand resources for rural and remote areas, while reducing greenhouse gasemissions, part of measures to implement the agreement reach during the ParisClimate Change conference.
During his stay, Anh also worked with some European businesses toencourage them to partner with Vietnamese firms.-VNA
The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) needs to balance both sides’ interests and respects the articles that they have agreed on, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue told Ambassador Bruno Angelet, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam.
European officials and international friends gathered in Brussels on November 29 to mark the second anniversary of the Vietnam – EU parliamentary friendship group in the European Parliament (EP) (November 11).
Vietnam and the European Union are working to finalize legal and language – related issues for the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) towards the official signing and ratification of the trade deal next year
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
At the working session between Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh and European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malstrom (Photo: VNA) 
