Vietnam, Iceland to ramp up cooperation following VEFTA trade deal
VOV.VN - Vietnam and Iceland have discussed the expansion of cooperation in trade, investment and energy infrastructure following the signing of the Vietnam–EFTA free trade agreement (VEFTA), with both sides looking to translate the deal’s commitments into practical benefits.
The possibility of increasing bilateral cooperation was discussed during a meeting in Hanoi on October 18 between Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and his Icelandic counterpart Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.
Gunnarsdóttir is visiting Vietnam to attend the signing of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) that comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Trung welcomed the positive development of bilateral relations and said there is considerable potential for further cooperation. He also commended Iceland and its foreign minister for their contributions to the negotiations and signing of the Vietnam–EFTA free trade agreement.
The Vietnamese minister proposed that the two foreign ministries maintain close coordination and strengthen their leading role in promoting bilateral cooperation. He also called for coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate the early implementation of the newly signed agreement, creating fresh opportunities for people and businesses in both countries.
Expanding cooperation in areas of shared interest
Gunnarsdóttir shared Trung’s assessment of bilateral ties, praised Vietnam’s role and standing in the region, and expressed her desire to work with her Vietnamese counterpart to further expand cooperation in areas where the two countries have strengths and shared interests.
She highlighted economic cooperation, trade and investment, as well as energy infrastructure, as areas with considerable potential. Icelandic people and businesses, she added, have high expectations for the opportunities arising from commitments under the Vietnam–EFTA free trade agreement.
Gunnarsdóttir also invited Trung to visit Iceland at a mutually convenient time.
Vietnam and EFTA pen landmark free trade agreement in Hanoi
VOV.VN - Vietnam and the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have signed a free trade agreement, opening new prospects for trade, investment and innovation following 14 years of negotiations.
