(VOVworld) - President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Durao Barroso will pay a 2-day visit to Vietnam this Monday.

President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso

This will be the 2^nd visit by the President to Vietnam in the context of positive development in bilateral relations. In an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Brussels, President Barroso said during the visit, he will promote existing outcomes in bilateral ties and boost progress in Free Trade Agreement negotiation. He expected this will create advantages for Vietnamese exports to the EU, which is Vietnam’s largest export market. Vietnam – EU trade turnover has increased by 20% year on year, generating 27 billion euros this year. European Union member states are Vietnam’s largest non-refundable aid providers. Between 2014 and 2020, the EU has committed 400 million euros of non-refundable aid for Vietnam’s national development.

President Barroso praised Vietnam’s coordinating role in EU-ASEAN relations. He said despite Vietnam’s progress since its open-door policy launch and WTO admission, including success in inflation control, foreign exchange stability and people living standards, Vietnam still faces a challenge as a mid-income country heading towards a market economy.

Regarding the East Sea, Mr Barroso reiterated the EU policy lenient towards peace and stability while encouraging all related parties to seek for a peaceful solution through dialogue and cooperation based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea for maritime safety and freedom of navigation. He expected an early finalization of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and express his confidence on Vietnam’s potential and bilateral relations.