The European Union (EU) is ready to support Vietnam's bid for early accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the EU sees no further obstacles to Vietnam’s rapid accession except for some technical issues to be done, said EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.
Mr Mandelson made the statement at a joint press conference with Vietnamese Trade Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen in Brussels on September 7 following two days of talks. He described the talks as "intense and fruitful” and that both sides "have reached an agreement on all remaining WTO issues."
The EU Trade Commissioner revealed that the two sides discussed the prospect of further enhancing trade and financial ties between the EU and Vietnam and of "a potential free-trade agreement between the EU and Southeast Asian countries." He stressed that Vietnam has made "a substantial contribution" to this initiative.
Meanwhile, Minister Tuyen expressed his satisfaction at the successful results of negotiations, which he said will benefit both sides.
(Source: VOV)
