EFTA and Vietnam proceed with free trade negotiations

Published 06-06-2014
The eighth round of negotiations on a broad-based free trade agreement between the EFTA States and Vietnam was held from 3 to 6 June 2014 in Geneva.

Negotiating teams of the two sides pursued their work on most topics to be covered by the free trade agreement. Meanwhile, expert discussions, along with workshops involving a broader audience, on rules of origin and intellectual property rights are being organised in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

During the round, Director Sveinung Røren from Norway headed the EFTA side, whilst Director-General Tran Trung Thuc from the Ministry of Industry and Trade acted as Vietnam’s chief negotiator. It was agreed to convene the next round of negotiations in late August 2014. 

In 2013, merchandise trade between EFTA and Vietnam amounted to USD 1.76 billion, up from USD 1.5 billion the previous year. Vietnamese exports to EFTA were valued at USD 1.12 billion, while the EFTA States exported goods worth USD 640 million to Vietnam.

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