The European Union (EU) pledges to work closely with Ho Chi Minh City in food safety and origin of agricultural products in the context of the upcoming signing of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan (L) receiving gifts from Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem. (Source: voh.com.vn)

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan made the statement during his meeting with Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem in HCM City on November 4.

He informed the host of the outcomes of his meetings with the Prime Minister and representatives from ministries, sectors and enterprises, saying that leading EU businesses in agriculture wish to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular.

Vice Chairman Liem said the EU is the city’s important trade partner with two-way trade value reaching seven billion USD in the first 10 months.

He acknowledged support EU member countries have provided for the city in the fields of transport, agriculture, and climate change adaptation, and expressed his hope for the EU’s continued cooperation and assistance in infrastructure, climate change, food safety, and hi-tech agriculture.

Source: VNA