The EU on June 18 released the Green Book 2013 featuring its newest policies on financial support and cooperative fields with Viet Nam in 2012.
In 2012, the EU dispersed US$513 million for Viet Nam in spite of heavy impacts of the economic crisis.
In 2007-2014, the EU pledged US$5.2 billion credits, including 43% of non-refinancing aid (€2.25 billion) and 57% of preferential loans (€2.97 billion).
EU Ambassador to Viet Nam Franz Jessen said he believes that the bilateral support would contribute to accelerating the policy reform process in Viet Nam in such areas as legal regulations, public finance management and healthcare.
The EU also wants to help Viet Nam integrate into assisting civil society and strengthen cooperation in energy, tourism and climate change.
According to the Green Book, Viet Nam is facing challenges since it became a medium-income country, pointing to slowing economic growth rate and rising inequality. The EU also proposed solutions to the challenges.
According to Mr. Franz Jessen, the negotiation round for a free trade agreement between two sides kicked off in June 2012, promising to open up vast potentials for further economic boosts and job generation for both when the EU would become the leading export market of Viet Nam./.
Source: chinhphu.vn