Ha Noi (VNA) - Viet Nam has taken major big steps towards the equal treatment of investors in Viet Nam, Jean Michel Caldagues, a representative of the European Commerce Chamber (Eurocham) told the Viet Nam Business Forum held in Ha Noi on Monday.

Eurocham was impressed by the huge legal work accomplished or under preparation to improve the business environment in anticipation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession, he said. Eurocham has always been very supportive for the quickest accession to WTO for Viet Nam and was proud that European Union (EU) is the first major trading partner of Viet Nam to complete bilateral negotiations with Viet Nam, the Eurocham representative stressed.

Eurocham hoped that the bilateral deal with the EU provides a basis for Viet Nam to conclude other bilateral negotiations in time for a WTO meeting in Hong Kong next year.

However, Eurocham delegates to the forum said, both foreign and Vietnamese investors are seeking equal legal treatment, an equal legal framework governing both foreign and domestic investment and business operations. They also need a level playing field for entities. So the delegates recommended that the principles of non-discrimination and free movement of people, goods, services, and investment capital be incorporated into the new laws, namely the Unified Enterprise Law and Common Investment Law.

This year, Viet Nam Business Forum attracted nearly 400 representatives from international organisations, donors and Vietnamese and foreign businessmen. The forum was held ahead of the Consultative Group (CG) Meeting scheduled for early December.