At the ministry’s regular press conference on May 28, Viet responded to reporters’ questions about the National Assembly (NA) voting on the two agreements at the current ninth session.
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Vice Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet |
He noted that following active negotiations and close and effective coordination between Vietnam and the EU, the European Parliament ratified the two agreements on February 12. On March 30, the European Council approved the European Parliament’s ratification, finalizing the EU’s internal legal procedures regarding ratification of the EVFTA.
The EVIPA, meanwhile, still requires ratification by the parliaments of member nations.
Viet said the two agreements are expected to generate considerable, concrete, and practical benefits for the economies, businesses, and people of both Vietnam and the EU, thus creating new momentum for the comprehensive cooperative partnership.
The NA is scheduled to consider and vote on the EVFTA and EVIPA at this ninth session, he added.
In response to reporters’ questions about when Vietnam will resume transport links and trade with foreign countries, he said ministries and agencies are preparing a proposal to the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Prime Minister to loosen immigration policies and resume a number of air routes, trade, tourism, and investment, with an eye kept on the developments of the pandemic in the country and the world.
He noted that the move is in compliance with the Prime Minister’s direction.
Translated by Chung Anh