Pakistan, Oct. 18 -- Vietnam has signed a free-trade agreement with Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein to strengthen economic ties. The deal was signed in Hanoi with members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It aims to expand trade between the Southeast Asian country and the four European nations. Negotiations, which had stalled for years, resumed last year amid global tensions over US tariffs.

The agreement will gradually reduce tariffs on Norwegian exports to Vietnam. Around 50% of Norway's exports will become tariff-free once the deal takes effect. The Norwegian government expects more than 98% of its exports to enter Vietnam without tariffs within seven years. Negotiations concluded in July, paving the way fo...