Second FTA negotiation round between Vietnam and Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus

01/07/2013    40

Implementing negotiation agenda approved by the Governments, the second FTA negotiation round between Vietnam and Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus took place under the chairs of Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang and Mr. A. A. Slepnev, Minister for Trade, Asia – Europe Economic Committee.

At the second negotiation round, Negotiator Chief at technical level, Mr. Dang Hoang Hai, from Ministry of Industry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Mr. A. V. Tochin from Asia – Europe Economic Committee, and 10 working groups had negotiations on Agreement’s text including trade in goods, trade in service, investment, cooperation in customs, SPS, TBT, legislation-institution… and obtained certain understanding on partner’s approach.

At plenary session, two Negotiator Chiefs, Minister Vu Huy Hoang and Minister A. A. Slepnev, reaffirmed that FTA will be negotiated in conformity with WTO’s rules taking into account sensitive sectors and difference in economic development level.

In cooperative and frank spirit, two sides had reached initial consensus on chapters related to goods, service, investment, personal movement, rule of origin, cooperation in customs. The second negotiation round of Vietnam – Customs Unions of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus FTA was conducted at open-minded and mutual understanding atmosphere. Two sides agreed to accelerate internal and bilateral consultations for the third negotiation round expected to be held from September 9th to 13th, 2013 in Republic of Belarus.

Source: MOIT