Hanoi (VNA) - National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan receivedvisiting Chairperson of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) Bernd Lange in Hanoi on July 26, during whichthe two sides discussed cooperation potential between Vietnam and the EuropeanUnion (EU) for times ahead.

TheVietnamese top legislator spoke highly of and thanked the contributions made byBernd Lange in promoting friendship between the Vietnamese NA and the European Parliament (EP), sayingthat it has helped to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation betweenVietnam and the EU.

She affirmed that with the existing potential and wishes of both sides, theVietnam-EU collaboration can be fostered.

The official signing and approval of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)and the free trade agreement between Vietnam and four members ofthe European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will create newfound momentum forthe two sides to maximise on their potential, thus bringing more cooperationand investment opportunities for business communities and people in Vietnam andthe EU, she stressed.

Ngan affirmed that the Vietnamese NA and Government are actively completinglegal frameworks to better the country’s business and investment environment,making it easier for foreign enterprises in general, and European firms in particular,to operate stably and effectively in Vietnam.

Forhis part, Bernd Lange said that the stable economic development with highgrowth has contributed to helping promote poverty reduction in Vietnam.

He said the EP is making every effort to promote the official signing and approval of the EVFTA, which isslated for late 2018.

The INTA commits to doing its best in making the signing and approval of theagreement effective on the basis of cooperation with the National Assembly ofVietnam and to solve any outstanding issues.

Duringthe reception, the Vietnamese top legislator also affirmed Vietnam is aresponsible member in implementing commitments during the process of joining new-generationFTAs and international conventions.

She asserted the Vietnamese NA’s commitments to examining the legal system,thus continuing to legalise commitments and international treaties that Vietnamhas joined.

Ngan affirmed that Vietnam has always listened to the opinions given by Europeaneconomic policymakers and enterprises so that when the EVFTA is ratified, it willbe implemented in the most effective way, bringing practical benefits to bothsides.

Sheasked Bernd Lange, as Chairman of the INTA of the EP, to continue to supportand actively promote the two sides to sign the agreement in October this year onthe occasion of the 12th ASEM Summit.
 
Shealso hoped the EP will soon approve the EVFTA.–VNA