Vietnam signs free trade deal with four European nations

Vietnam and the four member nations of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) signed a free trade agreement in Hanoi on Sunday. The ceremony was attended by Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, and representatives from the EFTA governments. This agreement aims to diversify Vietnam's international markets by strengthening economic ties with European nations outside of the European Union.

The deal focuses on the removal or reduction of customs duties across several sectors. The agreement covers a range of goods, including industrial products, fish, and various agricultural commodities, facilitating increased trade flow between the Southeast Asian economy and the EFTA member states.