“Building on recent agreements and on strong growth both in Vietnam’s exports to Europe, and in Europe’s investments in Vietnam, Vietnam and Europe can look forward to a very fruitful year in 2011,” said EU Ambassador/ Head of the EU Delegation, Mr Sean Doyle.
A media briefing was organised in Hanoi on January 11 by the EU Delegation to Vietnam to mark the arrival of 2011 and the fruitful developments expected in EU-Vietnam relations this year. Mr Doyle was accompanied by the Ambassador of Hungary Mr László Vizi, as Hungary will manage the rotating, 6-month ‘Home’ Presidency of EU ministers (except foreign ministers)’ meetings during the first half of 2011.
Ambassador Doyle noted that the EU is Vietnam’s biggest source of development assistance (in grants), the second largest market for its exports and its biggest source of committed Foreign Direct Investment.
In particular, he noted that Vietnam’s exports to the EU reached almost € 10 billion (over US$12 billion) in 2010 – up 15.9 percent on 2009; and that new EU FDI also rose significantly - by more than 6 times - in 2010. Such results indicate that Vietnam’s fears of a declining European market for its exports and for incoming investment are largely unwarranted.
The New Year 2011 will continue to witness a number of important developments that will broaden and deepen bilateral relations between the EU and Vietnam:
First, the initialling of the EU – Vietnam Partnership & Cooperation Agreement (PCA) by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and President Barroso of the European Commission in October 2010 will be sealed by the official signing of the agreement in 2011, followed by ratification by Vietnam’s President and by the EU Member States’ and the European Parliaments.
The PCA will develop the existing institutional framework and increase dialogue and co-operation between the EU and Vietnam. It envisages a new forward-looking and modern agenda, reflecting the needs and interests of both Vietnam and the EU, and will be a powerful catalyst to bring the partnership to its full potential.
Secondly, Vietnam and the EU agreed in 2010 at the top level to start negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA); they will be officially launched as soon as possible in 2011 once preliminary technical preparations are completed.
Ambassador Vizi of Hungary outlined the main areas in which Hungary will chair the discussion of EU policies during the first semester of 2011:
First, Hungary will lead Europe’s efforts build a stronger Europe on good foundations and protecting the future, by reinforcing economic coordination, strengthening financial discipline and establishing a European Stability Mechanism. Growth, jobs and social inclusion will be high priorities.
Secondly, Hungary will chair other EU policies and initiatives affecting external relations, including further enlargement of the EU (to Croatia, and progress with Turkey); a new debate on evolving EU development policy; and support to the EU’s new External Action Service & the EU Delegations in third countries such as Vietnam.
Thirdly, Hungary will support the Asia-Europe Meetings (ASEM), a 2-yearly cycle of political, economic & cultural dialogues, under which Vietnam successfully chaired a meeting of Foreign Ministers from the two continents in Hanoi in May 2009. Hungary will organise the Ministers’ meeting in Budapest in June 2011.
Giang Tu
Vietnamese
