Over 700 businesses representatives from ASEAN and EU have called on the
governments of ASEAN and EU countries to minimise non-tariff barriers,
as well as harmonising procedures and regulations on goods and services
to further facilitate investment and trade activities.
At their consultation meeting with ASEAN economic ministers and
European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Karel DeGutch in Hanoi on
March 9, the businesses also asked ASEAN member countries to facilitate
the flow of human resources within the region by harmonising standards
and procedures in terms of labour training, immigration and security.
In particular, they urged the ASEAN to build a common set of
regulations in finance and banking, and a joint payment mechanism among
ASEAN’s banks to serve businesses in the region.
Chairman of the European Business Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) Preben
Hjortlun said investors all want transparent and fair policies and laws
on investment.
Participants also shared ideas on the
need for ASEAN member countries to have fair treating treatment for
enterprises of all economic sectors.-VNA