The European Union (EU) leaders have committed to support Vietnam to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2005.
The commitment, made at the October 7 EU-Vietnam Leaders’ Meeting on the eve of ASEM-5, covers the acceleration of bilateral negotiations and opening of market access for Vietnam’s textile companies under the Early Harvest Program, before Vietnam’s accession to the WTO.
On October 9, Vietnam and the European Commission (EC) signed a USD 48 million cooperation package for the 2005-2006 national indicative program. The two sides also inked financing agreements for two new projects, the private sector support program and the multilateral trade policy assistance program, phase 2.-