Vietnam calls for early ratification of trade agreement (BTA)



Ha Noi, May 23 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has reiterated its stance that undue delay in ratification of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S. would harm the interests of entrepreneurs and hinder the normal development of relations between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told delegates at the opening ceremony of the ongoing ninth session of the National Assembly on May 23 that the BTA would be of mutual benefit.
Any attempt to delay the ratification process and linking it with other issues would be detrimental to businesses of both countries, he said.
Mr. Dung also stressed that the Government will create all favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to raise their competitiveness and penetrate foreign markets.

This was part of initial efforts to comply with bilateral and multilateral commitments on trade liberalization and investment as the nation prepares to integrate into the ASEAN Free Trade Area.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to prepare and take negotiations further towards Viet Nam's admission into the World Trade Organization, the deputy prime minister said.--VNS/VNA