Deputy PM welcomes heads of EP’s International Trade Committee

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang received Chairman of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) at the European Parliament Bernd Lange in Hà Nội on Thursday. Affirming that the EU is a partner of leading importance in Việt Nam's foreign policy, the host official applauded the positive results of Việt Nam's cooperation with the EU as well as members of the bloc. The Deputy PM asked Lange, with his role and prestige, to raise an important voice to promote the 10 remaining EU members’ ratification of the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) so as to step up equal and mutually beneficial investment ties. Quang also suggested his guest help persuade the European Commission to remove the “yellow card” warning for Việt Nam's seafood exports on the basis of the recognition of Việt Nam's efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With regard to the issue of IUU fishing, he spoke highly of Việt Nam's efforts over the recent past, particularly in monitoring fishing vessels and perfecting the legal corridor, and recommended the country promote law enforcement in its localities.