Vietnam explores FTA with Egypt, upgrading bilateral ties with Norway

Vietnam and Egypt agreed to soon finalise the action programme for implementing the Vietnam-Egypt Comprehensive Partnership framework.

Chinh proposed the two sides promptly convene a joint working group to study the feasibility of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), establish a joint business council, accelerate negotiations for an agreement on double taxation avoidance, strengthen investment cooperation and facilitate Vietnamese enterprises in participating in Egypt’s new administrative and urban development projects.

He also suggested both sides boost agricultural cooperation, promote agricultural product exports and open the market for products of each other.

The Egyptian PM encouraged Vietnamese firms to invest in Egypt, especially in telecommunications, infrastructure and artificial intelligence, as per Vietnamese media reports.

Chancellor Merz told Chinh Vietnam is an important partner in Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and expressed Germany’s wish to expand cooperation in areas of mutual strength and need.

While meeting his Norwegian counterpart, Chinh expressed his desire for both sides to jointly work to sign a letter of intent to set up a green strategic partnership, aimed at strengthening cooperation in green transition, circular economy and climate change adaptation.

He also urged Norway to continue to encourage enterprises and investment funds there to invest and expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in marine economy, green transition, renewable energy and circular economy.

The two leaders agreed to enhance the exchange of high-level delegations, towards upgrading the bilateral relations to a higher level in the near future; and to promote the early conclusion of negotiations and signing of an FTA between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Vietnam.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)