PM calls for swift conclusion of Vietnam-UAE CEPA talks

PM Pham Minh Chinh Urges Swift Conclusion of Vietnam-UAE CEPA Talks

HANOI – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Bin Ahmed at a reception in Hanoi on August 26 for an early end to negotiations on the Vietnam-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Al Zayudi and leaders of 19 major UAE corporations.

Welcoming Ministers of State and business leaders from sectors such as logistics, energy, minerals, food, investment funds, finance and banking, PM Chin lauded the progress in the CEPA negotiations and highlighted Al Zeyoudi’s role as the UAE’s chief negotiator.

Appreciating the remarkable achievements of the UAE, the Prime Minister expressed Vietnam’s desire to learn from the UAE’s experiences.

Vietnam values ​​multilateral friendship and cooperation with the UAE, one of the leading economic partners in the Middle East, he said.

Both sides expressed their happiness at the recent positive development of bilateral relations, with regular exchanges of delegations at all levels and estimated two-way trade of nearly US$4 billion in the first seven months of this year, an increase of 47% year-on-year.

They expressed determination to further strengthen comprehensive cooperation and enhance bilateral relations by finalizing and signing CEPA.

Aiming at a two-way trade target of US$10 billion, Prime Minister Chin suggested facilitating cooperation and investment between businesses from the two countries, considering the possibility of lowering tariffs on certain products to take advantage of the complementary strengths of their economies.

Both sides need to work closely to implement the agreements already made, prepare well for the sixth meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee in 2025, and enhance cooperation in energy, oil and gas sectors, he said.

They should increase cooperation in developing the halal food industry and promoting Vietnamese exports of halal products, seafood, fresh fruits and processed foods, Prime Minister Chin said, encouraging the UAE to support the establishment of an international organization. Financial center in Ho Chi Minh City, investment in other sectors.

He said Vietnam would step up efforts to train human resources to meet the UAE’s needs, as the two sides should increase cooperation in employment, culture, sports, tourism and people-to-people exchanges by easing visa requirements and starting direct flights.

Considering the UAE as a gateway to promote cooperation with the Middle East, PM Chin noted that Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge for the UAE to strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Al Zeyoudi updated the Prime Minister on the CEPA negotiations, assuring that UAE ministries and agencies are actively working with their Vietnamese counterparts to finalize and sign the agreement.

The UAE wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese firms in producing and processing halal food, he said, adding that the UAE plans to establish a business cooperation council with Vietnam to increase the efficiency of Vietnam-UAE cooperation, especially in trade and investment. .