Brussels (VNA) – Vietnam and the European Union (EU)demonstrated their efforts to push the early signing, ratification andimplementation of their free trade agreement and Investment ProtectionAgreement (IPA) during Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s ongoing visit toEurope.

On October 17 noon, the EuropeanCommission (EC) agreed to submit the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) tothe European Council to seek its approval for the signing of the deal slatedfor late 2018 and to the European Parliament (EP) for ratification in 2019.

At a press conference on October17 afternoon, the EU affirmed its commitment to putting the document in placeas soon as possible.

During his trip, PM Phuc heldtalks with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz ofAustria, which is assuming the EU Presidency, and with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium, which accommodates EUagencies.

He also metwith other leaders and businesspeople of the two countries, and deliveredspeeches at business forums, calling for the implementation of these documents.

The same day,the PM had a meeting with Bernd Lange, Chairman of the EP’s International TradeCommittee.

He applaudedthe role and contributions of Lange to enhancing the partnership between Vietnam and theEU in general and between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the EP inparticular.

Lange expressedhis delight at the EC’s decision to send the EVFTA to the European Council forsigning, saying this is an important step so the EP can begin the ratification process.

He affirmed hissupport for all-round cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

During hismeeting with EP President Antonio Tajani the same day, PM Phuc praised thefruitful relations between the Vietnamese legislature and the EP, saying Vietnamconsiders it an important pillar of the Vietnam-EU comprehensive cooperation.  

For his part,Tajani stressed the EP will make efforts to ratify the documents in early 2019,which, he said, would support both sides and benefit trade in Europe and Asia.

The EP willcontinue with its support for the implementation of cooperation programmesbetween the EU and Vietnam,as well as Vietnam’ssustainable development, he said.

He lauded cooperationbetween the EU and Vietnamat international forums and organisations, affirming his support for efforts tomaintain peace and security, avoid escalating tension and respect interests ofparties concerned in the East Sea on the basis of international law.

The EC’s adoptionof the EVFTA ahead of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit,which opens on October 18, has demonstrated all sides’ efforts to step upconnectivity between Asia and Europe.

In a press release,the EU cited EC President Jean-Claude Juncker assaying that the trade and investment agreements with Vietnam are exemplary of Europe'strade policy. They bring unprecedented benefits to European and Vietnamesecompanies, workers and consumers.

“By adopting them a few hours before welcoming theparticipants to the ASEM Summit in Brussels, thecommission shows its commitment to open trade and engagement with Asia,” he said.

Juncker said he expects the EP and EUmember states to work to ensure the agreements enter into force as soon aspossible.

EC Commissionerfor Trade Cecilia Malmström saidVietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in SoutheastAsia, with a vibrant market of more than 95 million consumers, anemerging middle class and a young, dynamic workforce.

She expressed her hope the EP and EU membercountries will approve the agreements swiftly to allow businesses, workers,farmers and consumers to reap the benefits as soon as possible.-VNA