National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyễn Đức Hải and the European delegations in Hà Nội on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn Tấn

HÀ NỘI — National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyễn Đức Hải has praised European businesses in general, the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC), and the European Chamber of Commerce in Việt Nam (EuroCham Việt Nam) for their positive contributions to the country's socio-economic development and the Việt Nam-EU comprehensive partnership and cooperation.

Hosting a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for a delegation led by EU-ABC chairman Jens Rübbert and EuroCham Việt Nam chairman Dominik Meichle, Hải affirmed that the Vietnamese NA and government always accompany and offer all possible support to firms to do business successfully and sustainably in Việt Nam.

Looking ahead, he encouraged increased investment and trade under the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and other bilateral agreements.

He specifically urged the EU to expedite the ratification of the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by all member states.

Hải also called for the European Commission’s early removal of the "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood exports, taking into account the country's efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the challenges and differences in fisheries management capacity and challenges faced by Vietnamese fishermen.

The NA vice chairman affirmed Việt Nam's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and continuously improving its legal framework to align with international standards.

He highlighted the openness to feedback from European businesses on enhancing the Việt Nam-EU relationship, particularly in economic and trade spheres.

EU-ABC Chairman Jens Rübbert expressed the interest of European businesses in investing and doing business across various sectors in Việt Nam, and affirmed the EU-ABC's support for EVIPA's ratification by EU member parliaments.

EuroCham Việt Nam Chairman Meichle echoed the sentiment, emphasising their commitment to continued collaboration with Vietnamese authorities for future development.

Discussions also covered Việt Nam's priorities in fiscal policy, public financial management, and business environment improvement.

Attracting foreign investment and incorporating gender-responsive budgeting methods were also on the agenda. — VNS