Page 254 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - AUGUST 2024

8/29/24, 4:30 PM PM urges early conclusion of Vietnam-UAE CEPA negotiations
Welcoming the Minister of State and business leaders from sectors such as logistics, energy,
minerals, food, investment funds, finance, and banking, PM Chinh commended the progress

in CEPA negotiations and highlighted the role of Al Zeyoudi as the UAE's chief negotiator.

Congratulating the UAE on its remarkable achievements, particularly in economy, the PM

expressed Vietnam's eagerness to learn from the UAE's experiences.

Vietnam values its multifaceted friendship and cooperation with the UAE, one of its leading
economic partners in the Middle East, he said.

Both sides expressed their delight at the recent positive development of the bilateral ties,

with regular exchanges of all-level delegations and two-way trade estimated at nearly 4
billion USD in the first seven months of this year, up 47% year on year

They expressed determination to further bolster comprehensive cooperation and elevate the
bilateral relations by finalising and signing the CEPA.

PM Chinh suggested facilitating cooperation and investment between businesses of both

countries, considering the possibility of reducing tariffs on certain goods to leverage
complementary strengths of their economies, aiming for a two-way trade target of 10 billion

USD.

Both sides need to work closely to realise the agreements already reached, well prepare for
the 6th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee in 2025, and step up cooperation in

the energy, oil and gas sectors, he said.

They should also enhance collaboration in developing the Halal food industry, promoting the
Vietnamese export of Halal products, seafood, fresh fruits, and processed foods to the UAE

and the Middle East, PM Chinh said, encouraging the UAE to support the establishment of
an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and invest in other sectors.

As both sides should enhance collaboration in labour, culture, sports, tourism, and people-

to-people exchanges through easing visa requirements and launching direct flights, he said

Vietnam would step up its efforts to train human resources to meet the UAE's needs.

PM Chinh noted that Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge for the UAE to strengthen
cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while considering the

UAE as a gateway to foster collaboration with the Middle East.

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