(VOVworld)- A workshop was held in Hanoi on Thursday to help businesses keep abreast of Vietnam’s economic prospects in 2013 and future challenges when a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU is signed. Jean Jacques Bouflet, Minister Councillor of the European Commission delegation to Vietnam, pointed to the fact that the EU and Vietnam have great potential for stronger economic and trade ties as the EU is a large market of approximately 500 million consumers. The EU is the fourth largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam, committing US$1.77 billion in 2011. It is also a key provider of official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam. He expressed his belief that the PCA will bring substantial benefits to Vietnam, helping improve its economy in the global production chain.