Norway wants a modern FTA with Vietnam

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 delegation of the Norwegian Parliament led by Ms. 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 private interview with the head of the delegation, Aslaug Sem-Jacobsen, focusing on two aspects: the FTA negotiations between Vietnam and EFTA and the Fair Energy Transition Partnership Agreement (JETP) 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? - Bilateral trade between Norway and Vietnam has increased 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. The conclusion of 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 rapid 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, and create 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 seems that the negotiations have not made much progress since the negotiators last met for a full round in 2018. The Norwegian Parliament hopes that this situation can be reversed and that negotiations can resume very soon. Norway and EFTA are ready to resume the process when 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 that does not have an agreement with EFTA. We hope that this situation will change soon when an FTA with Vietnam is concluded in the near future. EFTA is prioritising the development of its relations with ASEAN and its member states. Last year, a joint declaration on cooperation between ASEAN and EFTA was adopted. We believe that signing 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 250 million USD from 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 JETP. Firstly, together with UNDP, Norway has supported the work of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam to develop a framework for Marine Spatial Planning, which was approved by the National Assembly of Vietnam last year. Secondly, 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 sector. This could reduce Vietnam's total greenhouse gas emissions by almost 20%. * Last year, during the visit of Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan 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 a common interest in combating climate change and ensuring clean, healthy oceans. Much of our current cooperation is related to these goals, both in multilateral and 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 ride to the North of 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 many exchanges on this field during this trip.

Tuoitre.vn

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/na-uy-muon-co-fta-hien-dai-voi-viet-nam-20250118225057345.htm#content