During the plenary session (10-13 February 2020) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on on the free trade and investment deals between the EU and Vietnam. Statements by Geert BOURGEOIS (ECR, BE), Rapporteur, and Phil HOGAN, European Commissioner for Trade.

Conclusion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: extracts from the joint debate

Title: Conclusion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: extracts from the joint debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Geert BOURGEOIS (ECR, BE), Rapporteur, It is of the utmost importance to stress, first of all, the economic value that will give a boost to the prosperity both to the EU and Vietnam. It represents a great opportunity for European exporters and investors. It will eliminate 99 percent of tariffs within seven years and this will result in additional exports in both directions.

SOUNDBITE (English), Geert BOURGEOIS (ECR, BE), Rapporteur, Vietnam has a vibrant economy of more than 90 million consumers, a growing middle class and a young dynamic workforce. The country is open to the world and embraces modern standards. Vietnam was the first in the world, even before Canada, to accept the principle of a modern ICS system (Investor Court System). A modern ICS proposal that has mostly been drafted by this very parliament with independent judges, a code of conduct, protection of the right to regulate and facilitated access to the court for its SMEs.

SOUNDBITE (English), Geert BOURGEOIS (ECR, BE), Rapporteur, These agreements are also instruments to promote and protect European standards and values. Vietnam respects clear commitments too. The ratification of two additional core ILO conventions, its revised labour code, its improved labour and human rights situation, and the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement.

SOUNDBITE (English), Geert BOURGEOIS (ECR, BE), Rapporteur, The fact that the EU is taking responsibility to set the standards worldwide and taking the lead on rules based trade in times of rising trade tensions in times of protectionism and unilateralism. I therefore ask for the consent of this house so that the peoples of the European Union and the people of Vietnam can further strengthen their ties in the future.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, European Commissioner for Trade, The benefit of the agreements are many preferential access to a vibrant to come economy of almost 100 million people. Removal of non tariff barriers for our exporters, which they currently face. For example, on cars and wines and spirits harmonise sanitary and phytosanitary rules, allowing for more predictable procedures and removing access barriers for EU products. EU companies will have access for the first time to the Vietnamese public procurement market and there will be protection of the European geographical indications such as Parmigiano reggiano, Champagne and Rioja wines.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, European Commissioner for Trade, On labour issues. Vietnam adopted the new Labour code last November, which recognizes the principle of freedom of association at enterprise level. The revised code also includes new provisions on collective bargaining in line with the ILO Fundamental Convention, which was recently ratified by Vietnam. Vietnam has now ratified six out of the eight ILO conventions and it has a clear plan to ratify the outstanding conventions by 2021 and 2023. Work is also ongoing in Vietnam to eradicate child labour.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, European Commissioner for Trade, The human rights situation is certainly an area of concern in our relationship with Vietnam. But I remain convinced that constructive channels of communication, including the annual human rights dialogue, is the way to voice our concerns and address these shortcomings.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, European Commissioner for Trade, Our failure to ratify the deal would leave the European Union with fewer options to pursue to pursue a reform agenda in Vietnam. I would undermine the credibility of the European Union as a reliable partner.

Ilustrations of Vietnam: street vendors, shops, European products in Vietnam, 14 shots

Conclusion of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: extracts from the joint debate

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