Two-way trade between Viet Nam and the European Union (EU) grew 16.2 per cent year-on-year in the first five months of 2017, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Of the figure, Viet Nam’s exports to the EU rose 4.2 per cent, mostly apparel, footwear, agro-forestry-aquatic products and computers, while its imports from the EU up 14 per cent, including machinery, equipment, pharmaceuticals and dairy products.

The country’s major importers were Germany, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.

Exporters hope that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which is expected to take effect in 2018, will increase Viet Nam’s exports to the bloc by 50 per cent by 2020.

The ministry said in order to navigate the demanding EU market, domestic firms must overcome technical barriers by meeting strict requirements regarding food safety and hygiene and origin traceability.

First Counsellor of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Miriam Garcia Ferrer said through the EVFTA, the EU could help Viet Nam improve trademark and product quality. — VNS