BRUSSELS — Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ and Vice President of the European Commission Jyrki Katainen have agreed to facilitate all-level visits, particularly the visit to Việt Nam by President of the European Council Donald Tusk.

During their meeting in Brussels on September 18, both leaders shared the view that the approval of the Việt Nam – EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement has created an important legal framework to further deepen the relationship between Việt Nam and the EU.

Regarding the EU – Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Huệ said amid rising protectionism, the signing and ratification of the deal would be meaningful to the promotion of trade liberalisation.

The two sides pledged to step up final procedures for the early signing and ratification of the agreement. The EU side will also improve Việt Nam’s capacity to fully and effectively enforce EVFTA’s commitments.

Within the multilateral cooperation framework, Việt Nam and the EU will continue working closely and strengthening consultation to enhance cooperation efficiency, especially at the Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the ASEAN – EU Dialogue.

Huệ asked the EU to maintain official development assistance to Việt Nam via bilateral and multilateral channels while supporting Mekong Sub-regional cooperation programmes, the ASEAN Community and its central role in the evolving regional architecture.

Meeting Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Kunio Mikuriya, Huệ urged the WCO to continue assisting member customs agencies and suggested specific cooperation areas between the two sides.

He proposed the WCO backs Việt Nam in realising the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA), affirming that his country sees the implementation of the deal as part of activities to reform administrative procedures, develop the economy and attract foreign direct investment.

Mikuriya, for his part, spoke highly of Việt Nam’s achivements in trade liberalisation and facilitation. He shared information regarding apparatus and governance as well as joint work between customs and management agencies in border areas.

The same day, the Vietnamese official met European Union Chief Negotiator for the EVFTA Mauro Petriccione. He also delivered an opening speech and hosted a round-table meeting with nearly 100 business representatives from Belgium and the EU.

Earlier on September 17, the Deputy PM held a working session with Rent-A-Port, which specialises in the design and development of marine infrastructure and industrial zones in Belgium.

Host and guest discussed Rent-A-Port’s current projects in Việt Nam and the possibility of developing green industrial zones and renewable energy projects in Việt Nam in the near future. — VNS