This information was released during talks between Vietnamese Minister of Trade and Industry Vu Huy Hoang and his Norwegian counterpart Monica Mæland in Hanoi on March 19, as part of the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon Magnus’s official visit to Vietnam from March 18-21 at the invitation of Vietnamese State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan.

Seafood is one of Vietnam's key exports items to Norway

The two ministers agreed that the FTA between Vietnam and the EFTA (comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) will boost bilateral trade ties and create a legal framework for investors from both sides.

Minister Hoang thanked Norway for its continued support and called for relevant parties to speed up FTA negotiations and boost cooperation in hydro-electricity, navigation aquaculture, and support industries.

In response, the Norwegian guest pledged his determination to expedite FTA negotiations between Vietnam and the EFTA, with a view to taking full advantage of trade liberalisation and fostering trade links.

The two sides expressed hope that Vietnam-Norway trade and investment will continue to grow, especially post signing of the FTA.

They also reached consensus on exchange visits to promote mutual understanding and offer further cooperation opportunities in the future.

A round-table discussion is due to be held among senior officials regarding the FTA between Vietnam and this bloc.