EEU entering final stage in negotiating free trade treaty with Vietnam — Medvedev
"I have just discussed the issue with the Economic Development Minister, and he told me that our talks with Vietnam have entered the final stage," Medvedev said. "We've moved forward on many issues and intend to conclude these talks in the near future." Medvedev said that the document may become the first agreement the EEU will sign with a third country. "This would give Vietnam access to a huge market, which includes not only Russia but also its partners, who together have over 40 million people," he said adding that "we need to work some more on the investment aspect of the agreement, including industrial processing, to enable our companies to succeed in Vietnam's economic conditions." "There are also issues related to services," Medvedev said. "In short, I hope that the upcoming talks and my visit to friendly Vietnam will yield the desired results," the Russian prime minister said.