EFTA and Vietnam have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement covering goods, services, investment, intellectual property, government procurement, rules of origin and sustainable development.
The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, improve market access and strengthen economic cooperation.
Footwear and apparel remain among the EFTA’s leading imports from Vietnam.
It is intended to reduce or remove customs duties, ease trade and support sustainable development.
Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway said: “At a time of global uncertainty, strengthening ties with trusted trade partners is more important than ever. I am pleased that we have reached an ambitious and forward-looking free trade agreement that will significantly improve market access for goods and services, while also strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade and sustainable development and intellectual property rights.”
Vietnam’s Vice Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, said, “The agreement establishes a foundation for elevating economic relations between Vietnam and the EFTA States to a new stage of development. With its comprehensive and high-standard commitments, the agreement will help create a stable, transparent and predictable business environment, further facilitating the flow of trade, investment, technology and knowledge between the two sides.”
The bilateral trade between the EFTA states and Vietnam grew steadily over the past decade. In 2025, footwear and apparel were among the top EFTA imports from Vietnam, alongside electrical machinery and mechanical machinery. These import categories each recorded annual average growth above 10 per cent over the last ten years, added the statement.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk
