EU supports central role of ASEAN in cooperative relations in Asia-Pacific (Illustrative image. Source: internet)Xavier Nuttin, an advisor of Asian policies ofthe European Parliament made the remark in a recent exchange with reportersfrom Vietnam News Agency in Brussels, Belgium, on the occasion of the 50thfounding anniversary of ASEAN.
He said ASEAN plays a significant role in theglobal arena, both politically and economically.
The 10-member bloc is the sixth largest economyin the world and is expected to become the fourth biggest by 2050, he said.
The EU is ASEAN’s second biggest trade partnerand largest investor, accounting for 20 percent of total foreign investment inthe region, he said, noting that trade plays an important role in cooperationprogrammes the EU is sponsoring for ASEAN with nearly 50 percent of investmentpoured into the economic sector.
The two sides aim to sign a free trade agreement,an initiative they launched in the 2000s. The EU has opened negotiations fortrade deals with many ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam.
Vietnam and the EU concluded negotiations on abilateral trade agreement in 2015, with the deal awaiting ratification.
Nuttin evaluated Vietnam as an important memberin ASEAN with a special geographical location, large population and rapidlydeveloping economy.
Relations between Vietnam and the EU began in1996 with the signing of a cooperation agreement allowing the establishment ofthe EU delegation in Vietnam.
The 2016 partnership agreement opened upbilateral cooperation in various fields from energy to culture. The EU is thebiggest provider of non-refundable aid packages for Vietnam with 400 millionEUR in 2014-2020, he said.
He affirmed that EU will continue supportingVietnam to build on its achievements and improve the lives of Vietnamesepeople.
Meanwhile, Gerhard Will, Southeast Asia expertat the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and ThomasEngelbert from Asia-Africa Institute of Hamburg University, recognised ASEAN’saccomplishments in politics, economy and security.
Will said Vietnam plays a crucial role in thebuilding of ASEAN, while Engelbert said Vietnam has actively engaged in thebloc’s activities.-VNA
VNA
