Vietnam and Liechtenstein agree to ratify EFTA trade deal

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas met on October 18, 2026, to discuss economic cooperation, Vietnam.vn reported. The two leaders agreed to promptly ratify the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association. [1]

Vietnam.vn reported that both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in green transformation, renewable energy, circular economy, emission reduction, and adaptation to climate change. According to VOV.VN and en.baochinhphu.vn, the bilateral discussions also covered expanding partnerships in finance, high-tech sectors, trade, investment, and innovation. [1][5][6]

The European Free Trade Association consists of four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Vietnam is a Southeast Asian nation with a population exceeding 102 million people. Liechtenstein lies on the Rhine River in Central Europe. [7][8][9]

The agreement will move to formal implementation after member states complete their domestic ratification procedures, Vietnam.vn reported. Related reports from Asharq Al-Awsat, Global Banking and Finance Review, and Devdiscourse noted that the deal will link Vietnam with the four European states to lower tariffs and expand regional trade. [1][2][3][4]