(For illustration only. Photo: vietrade)

A July 6 seminar in Hanoi saw Vietnamese experts discuss a framework for negotiations that could lead to a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Speaking at the seminar on “Trans-regional EU-ASEAN Trade Initiative” (TREATI), Pham Manh Dung, Director of the Legislation Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said the negotiation process must be flexible for each partner and should prioritise the needs of developing countries in ASEAN.

According to a representative from the Ministry of Fisheries, negotiations on the ASEAN-EU free trade agreement should focus on tariffs reduction on ASEAN aquatic products and encourage the EU’s support for the bloc to build and operate food safety standards.

Activities under TREATI concentrate on four preferential areas, including agriculture, electronics, aquaculture and woodwork.

Source: VNA