Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân (r) welcomes European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

HÀ NỘI — Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân and European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom exchanged ideas related to the signing and ratification of the EU-Viêt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) during their meeting in Hà Nội yesterday.

The top legislator highly valued the role of the EU and the trade official in promoting the signing of the two agreements.
Malmstrom said the signing shows remarkable progress in the relations between Viêt Nam and the EU which helps reinforce the bilateral partnership and comprehensive cooperation.
With the two pacts, the two sides hope bilateral relations will reach further based on the implementation of joint commitments focusing on trade and investment.
The signing marked an important historical milestone, she said, adding that the EU will continue supporting Viêt Nam to implement the follow-up work related to the agreements.
Malmstrom stressed the importance of implementing the pacts, including the programme on trade and sustainable development, to bring benefits for employees and locals.
Chairwoman Ngân said at the working session of the NA at this year’s end, the legislature will conduct the ratification of the EVFTA and continue improving the legal system to implement the two deals.
She said the two trade pacts will help elevate the bilateral relations to a new height and open up numerous cooperation opportunities for their businesses.
The top legislator said she believed that after being ratified and implemented, the two agreements will bring benefits for Vietnamese and EU peoples, businesses, and investors.
The two sides agreed that the maintenance of dialogue is important not only in the process of implementing the agreements but also deepening the cooperative ties within the framework of the EU-Viêt Nam Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA).
Viêt Nam and EU’s relevant agencies will closely work together to prepare the next steps to submit to the Vietnamese NA and the European Parliament for early ratification.
Chairwoman Ngân said that the common perception of Viêt Nam and the EU is enhancing cooperation not only for the benefits of the two sides, but also for the world’s prosperity.

Later the same day, Malmstrom met Vietnamese Vice President Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh. VNS