Negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) began in 2012. The Norwegian parliament is sending positive signals.
Ms. Aslaug Sem-Jacobsen, head of the Norwegian Parliament delegation, visited Vietnam - Photo: Norwegian Parliament
From January 20 to 23, a Norwegian parliamentary delegation led by Aslaug Sem-Jacobsen of the Centre Party will visit Vietnam. With representatives from many parties with seats in the Norwegian Parliament, the delegation visiting Vietnam this time can be considered the voice of the Norwegian legislature.
On this occasion, Tuoi Tre had a separate interview with the head of the delegation, Aslaug Sem-Jacobsen, about two aspects: the FTA negotiations between Vietnam and EFTA and the Fair Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement in which Norway is a participant.
* The FTA between Vietnam and the EFTA bloc including Norway has not yet concluded negotiations. What is the Norwegian Parliament's view, Madam?
- Norway-Vietnam bilateral trade has been growing steadily over the past 10 years but the potential for further growth is huge. This is why the Norwegian Parliament welcomes a comprehensive, modern and ambitious FTA between EFTA and Vietnam. We hope that the negotiations will be accelerated and concluded soon.
Signing an FTA with Vietnam is a priority for our government and the Norwegian Parliament. The ratification process in the Norwegian Parliament will be smooth and fast once the agreement is signed. The negotiations have the full support of our Parliament.
An FTA will increase the trade potential between Vietnam and Norway, while creating a long-term, stable and predictable framework for broad economic cooperation. This will open the door to new and effective cooperation in the blue and ocean economies, which will benefit both countries.
Unfortunately, it appears that the talks have made little progress since negotiators last met for a full round in 2018. The Norwegian parliament hopes that this situation can be reversed and that talks can resume very soon.
Norway and EFTA are ready to resume the process as both sides are willing to move forward, with the ambition of concluding a modern and comprehensive FTA. EFTA has recently concluded an FTA with Thailand and hopes to conclude negotiations with Malaysia by the summer of 2025. By then, Vietnam will soon be the only ASEAN country with a significant economy without an agreement with EFTA. We hope that this situation will change soon with the conclusion of an FTA with Vietnam in the near future.
EFTA is prioritising the development of relations with ASEAN and its member states. Last year, a joint declaration on cooperation between ASEAN and EFTA was adopted. We believe that concluding trade agreements with individual ASEAN countries such as Vietnam is an important step on the path to broader cooperation with ASEAN and the bloc.
* Norway is one of the international partners participating in JETP with Vietnam. After Vietnam announced its plan to mobilize resources to implement JETP, what will Norway do to realize its commitment to Vietnam?
- Through JETP, Norway has committed to invest up to USD 250 million through the Climate Investment Fund managed by NORFUND. The Norwegian Government’s investment fund for developing countries is actively seeking investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector in Vietnam as well as other projects that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, Norway is supporting two of the first eight projects under the JETP. First, together with UNDP, Norway has supported the work of the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to develop the framework for the Marine Spatial Planning, which was approved by the Vietnamese National Assembly last year.
Second, through the transfer of co-processing technology from the Norwegian research institute SINTEF, we are also working with the cement industry to scale up co-processing in the industry. This could help reduce total greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam by nearly 20%.
* Last year, during Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan's visit to Norway, the two sides discussed the possibility of establishing a strategic partnership in the field of energy transition and sustainable ocean economy. Could you elaborate on this?
- Various modalities are being discussed between relevant ministries on both sides and it is hoped that such a partnership can be established soon.
Clearly, Norway and Vietnam share common interests in combating climate change and ensuring clean, healthy oceans. Much of our current cooperation is related to these goals, in multilateral as well as bilateral forums.
Norway is a global leader in sustainable solutions in renewable energy and green shipping, as well as aquaculture and the circular economy. More than 40 Norwegian companies have invested in Vietnam, mostly in these areas.
A strategic partnership on the green energy transition and sustainable ocean economy will provide Norway and Vietnam with a platform to strengthen our cooperation in these high priority areas.
Former Prime Minister Erna Solberg returns to Vietnam
Sharing with Tuoi Tre, former Prime Minister Erna Solberg - Deputy Head of the Norwegian Parliament delegation visiting Vietnam this time - said she has many good memories of her visit to Vietnam as Prime Minister in 2015.
“A train trip to northern Vietnam that year left me with a great impression of your beautiful country and I look forward to visiting many more places this time.” Many discussions during her 2015 visit focused on sustainable development and she hopes to have more exchanges on this area during this trip.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/na-uy-muon-co-fta-hien-dai-voi-viet-nam-20250118225057345.htm
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