Vietnam Among EU’s Top 10 Largest Goods Suppliers

European Union and Vietnamese flags are seen at the signing ceremony of EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement at the Government Office in Hanoi, June 30, 2019. Photo: Reuters

One year after the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into force, the bilateral trade reached US$54.87 billion, a rise of 12.1% from the same period last year, of which exports and imports expanded by 11.3% and 14.04%, respectively, heard a forum in Hanoi on October 27.

The Vietnam - EU Trade Forum 2021 was co-hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).

Despite adverse impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, two-way trade has posted positive growth, standing at US$ 41.3 billion, up 13.4% year-on-year.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An. Photo: VNA

In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An said a number of local businesses have optimised incentives presented by the EVFTA through the use of certificates of origin (C/O).

The competitiveness and market share of Vietnamese goods have also improved significantly in the EU market, he added.

With a strong commitment to ensuring transparency, openness, and convenience in the current business climate, Vietnam has attracted high-quality investments from the EU, including high-tech projects.

An said the pandemic has caused changes in consumption trends, leading to the development of digital transformation and e-commerce. Given this, the Governments of several countries globally have put forth solutions to promote the digital economy, particularly e-commerce, opening up bright prospect for cross-border trade channel in the near future.

At the forum, domestic and foreign experts expressed their optimism about prospects for economic recovery and growth of EU-Vietnam trade and investment relations in the new normal. They also took note of challenges in the time ahead.

Vietnam shoul build scenarios matching the latest situation in a flexible and effective manner, optimise all possible resources for economic recovery and growth, and address bottlenecks for businesses, they suggested.

Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam. Photo: VNA

Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, said the EVFTA is set to give a boost to the export of Vietnamese fruits and farm produce to the EU. However, firms have been facing obstacles in entering the EU market due to complicated procedures.

EuroCham Chairman Alain Cany suggested the two sides closely cooperate in addressing current issues, saying with various advantages, Vietnam has chances to attract new investment inflows from European investors who are seeking a stable, safe, prosperous and competitive destination./.

One year after the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into force, the bilateral trade reached US$54.87 billion. Photo: VNA

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