Member of the European Parliament (EP) Geert Bourgeois has hailed the EP’s February 12 ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), saying they aim at developing a mutually-beneficial partnership.
Paris (VNA) – Member of the European Parliament (EP) GeertBourgeois has hailed the EP’s February 12 ratification of the EU-Vietnam FreeTrade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement(EVIPA), saying they aim at developing a mutually-beneficial partnership.
Speaking to VietnamNews Agency correspondents in France, Bourgeois, a rapporteur of the Committeeon International Trade on the EVFTA and the EVIPA, stressed that the documentsare the most ambitious new-generation agreements the EU has signed with adeveloping country.
He described Vietnamas a rapidly developing and competitive economy and one of the most openeconomies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The ratification ofthe EVFTA is an important step towards the final goal of establishing a freetrade region between the EU and ASEAN, he stated, adding that the EVFTA,together with similar ones the EU has signed with Japan and Singapore, willtighten connectivity between the EU and Asia.
The two documents weresigned in Hanoi on June 30 last year. They include intensive, extensive andcomprehensive commitments covering the fields of economy, trade, investment andsustainable development issues.
At the EP’s plenarysession in France, the EVIPA was passed with 407 votes for, 188 against and 53abstentions; and the EVFTA, with 401, 192 and 40, respectively.
According to researchconducted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the two deals will helpVietnam increase its GDP by 4.6 percent and its exports to the EU by 42.7percent by 2025. Meanwhile, the European Commission has projected the EU’s GDP willincrease by 29.5 billion USD and its exports to Vietnam by 29 percent by2035.-VNA
The ratification of the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the European Parliament (EP) has reflected its high valuation of and trust on Vietnam as a comprehensive and important partner in all areas, not only in Asia but the world also.
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh on February 12 described the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) as a lever for growth, opening up opportunities to infiltrate into a market with a gross domestic product of 18 trillion USD.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) office in Vietnam on February 12 said it welcomes the European Parliament’s ratification of the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in Paris earlier the same day, which is expected to bring economic benefits to both sides.
The European Parliament (EP) on February 12 ratified the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
The European Parliament (EP) on February 12 ratified the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
European Parliament's February 12 plenary session (Source: VNA) 
