EVFTA expected to be signed late 2018

Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, has said he expects the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to be signed at the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in October or sometime in November this year.
A factory of the Lam Giang Yarn Company (Photo: VNA)

A factory of the Lam Giang Yarn Company (Photo: VNA)

At a press meeting in Hanoi on July 27, Lange, who is on a working trip to Vietnam, said the EVFTA has now been finalised after a series of efforts to solve technical problems. It is now ready to be translated into the 24 official languages of the European Union (EU) and sent to the 28 member countries for consideration.

With regard to the ratification of the deal, he said this is the responsibility of both sides, adding that he hopes the ratification will be finished within this term of the European Parliament, which will end around March or April 2019.

He noted that during his visit to Vietnam, he met with leaders of the Vietnamese Government to discuss such issues as reforms of the Labour Code and amendments to the Trade Union Law. 

The two sides need to make efforts to solve outstanding problems while the European Parliament considers and ratifies this agreement, the official added.

The EVFTA will bring about a number of opportunities for both the EU and Vietnamese businesses, thus supporting the development of both sides in the long run, Lange affirmed.

He also said that he is impressed with Vietnam’s recent stable economic growth, with its average GDP growth rate of over 6 percent. 

This agreement will offer Vietnam a chance to grasp better access to the EU market and attract more FDI from the EU, he said, adding that this is of interest for both sides.

Lange also told the press that there are certain challenges that the EU and Vietnam need to handle, including how to improve awareness amongst businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, of the EVFTA’s benefits. Not many small- and medium-sized firms really understand the direct benefits of this trade pact, and so the two sides should assist companies in capacity building.

VNA

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.