PM Phuc said apart from the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA), which has now come into force, the upcoming signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement would be an important milestone helping lift bilateral ties to new heights.

The same day, Mr. Lange met with Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung who pledged that Vietnam will strictly abide by set agreements on labor within the framework of the EVFTA. Vietnam is finalizing its legal regulations and policies related to signing and implementing the deal, including the Labor Code, which is expected to be approved at the National Assembly meeting next October.

"A consensus has been reached on certain major contents of the Labor Code, such as the age of retirement, overtime working hours, and worker’s organizations. Other issues on negotiations and agreements concerned by the EU have been put into the Code. Along with amendments to the Labor Code, Vietnam is also planning to revise its Law on Trade Unions.", said Minister Dao Ngoc Dung. 

The Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade praised efforts made by Vietnam in this aspect. He said that this is not his first time in Vietnam and he has seen more and more progress in bilateral ties. He expressed his hope that both sides will achieve good results to bring about practical benefits for people of Vietnam and the European Union.

Vietnam and the EU is expected to sign the EVFTA by the end of this year. The agreement needs the European Parliament’s approval before next March.