EFTA and Vietnam pursue free trade talks

Published 21-01-2013
A third, comprehensive round of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EFTA States and Vietnam was held in Hanoi from 14 to 17 January 2013.

Building on the understanding achieved during the previous rounds, expert working groups continued examining topics such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment, competition, government procurement, intellectual property rights, legal and horizontal issues, sustainable development and cooperation. 

Deputy Director General Sveinung Røren from Norway acted as EFTA spokesperson, while the Vietnamese negotiating team was led by Director General Tran Trung Thuc. The two sides agreed on a schedule of further meetings for 2013. 

With bilateral EFTA-Vietnam merchandise trade (imports and exports) amounting to USD 2.1 billion in 2011 and significant economic interests also in the services sector, the parties expect to further expand their economic ties through a free trade agreement.

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