“The European Union (EU) is one of the major markets for Vietnam’s woodworks and handicrafts with an export turnover of US$741.8 million in 2016. In particular, export growth prospects of furniture and handicrafts in the EU market are forecast to be more positive for 2017.” This is information presented by Ms Bui Thi Thanh An, Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency (Viettrade),Ministry of Industry and Trade at the workshop “Promoting furniture & handicraft exports to the European market” recently held in Ho Chi Minh city. The workshop was organised by Trade Promotion Agency in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA) in Ho Chi Minh City, with the support of the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU-MUTRAP). Many opportunities Ms Jana Herceg, First Counsellor/ Deputy Head of Economic & Trade Affairs of the EU Delegation to Vietnam stated that EVFTA and VPA/FLEGT will create favourable conditions for Vietnam furniture and handicrafts to penetrate deeper into EU market. According to Ms Miriam Garcia Ferrer, Head of Economics & Trade Section of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, of the 10 ASEAN member countries, only Vietnam and Singapore signed a free trade agreement with the EU and this will create a huge advantage for Vietnam. In addition, according to the tariff reduction schedule, when EVFTA officially comes into force, most handicrafts and furniture exported from Vietnam to the EU will enjoy a zero tax rate (tax rate before EVFTA is 3 percent for processed wood…
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