Viet Nam and EU conclude first round of negotiation on PCA

The first round of negotiations on the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Co-operation and Partnership (PCA) between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) was held in the capital of Brussels, Belgium, from June 17 – 18.

At the negotiations, the two sides discussed multifaceted co-operation between Vietnam and EU in the coming time and took note of dynamic and strong development of co-operative ties in many fields, mainly since the Framework Agreement on Vietnam – EC Co-operation was signed in 1995.

The two sides agreed to build the PCA on the basis of turning the Framework Agreement in 1995 into a comprehensive agreement, including dialogues and co-operation on cultural development.

The Vietnamese side also expressed its deep regret and disappointment at the decision made recently by the European Commission on removing a group of Vietnam goods in List XII from its generalised system of preferences (GSP) from 2009.

At the first round, Vietnam and EU initially discussed structure and scope of the PCA in the future.

The two sides agreed that the second round of negotiations will be held in Viet Nam this autumn.