Prime Minister added that the formation of a free trade area in the region would bring efficiency to trade and international investment. The PM urged ASEM members to support start-up enterprises, which are vulnerable to economic-social upheaval and take part in global value chain. Prime MinisterPhuc said ASEM was an important partner for Vietnam and that Vietnam was working with ASEAN countries to promote the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, and the ASEAN - EU Free Trade Agreement. The PM stressed that Vietnam welcomed investment and co-operation from Asian and European businesses and was committed to building a partnership in ASEM.