Vietnam, EU prepare for free trade launch
Vietnam and the EU have reached a framework agreement on the creation of a free trade zone under which almost all customs barriers between the partners will be eliminated.
The deal, which follows two and one-half years of talks, will once fully implemented remove nearly all tariffs on goods traded between the two regions over seven to 10 years. In addition to commercial goods trade, it will eliminate tariffs and barriers to trade in services and government procurement and provide for expanded investment opportunities.
