Vietnam and Australia have just concluded bilateral negotiation on Vietnam’s WTO accession. Trade Vice Minister Luong Van Tu, Vietnamese negotiator discussed the progress of Vietnam’s accession to the WTO.
The bilateral negotiation between Vietnam and Australia started in 2002 with 11 rounds at WTO headquarters in Geneva and the capitals of the two countries. In October 2005, in Canberra, agreements were made on commodities and services as well as MFN status for Australian businesses. Australia is always at the forefront in WTO negotiation and makes high demands. Vietnam as a less-developed country must maintain suitable conditions. The agreement will promote bilateral trade relations.
What is the most difficult problem in the negotiations with Australia?
Australia is strong in agriculture and asks Vietnam to open the market for Australian products. We explained that Vietnam is also an agricultural country with large population, small area and much weaker competitiveness. Australia should readjust the demand and finally they accepted it.
What are the specific readjustments?
For instance, Australia asked for a very low tariff on imported beef and Vietnam maintained a reasonable rate of 20% and Australia accepted it.
The multilateral round will take place in March, what is Vietnam’s goal?
Vietnam will try to finalise important issues with the WTO such as agricultural subsidies, State-owned enterprises and related laws. Vietnam has made important progress in law-making efforts. The National Assembly has given high priority to laws relating to administrative reform and economic renovation in conformity with WTO accession.
Will Vietnam have a bilateral talk with the US during the multilateral round?
During the bilateral meeting on January 16-18, 2005, the two sides agreed to have a meeting in March either in Geneva or Washington D.C. Presently, Vietnam has to negotiate with only four countries : the US, Mexico, Honduras and Dominican Republic. The main round is with the US. Regarding Mexico, there remain only few problems on services and tax rates. I hope that early conclusion will be reached with those partners.
Could with conclude negotiations with Mexico, Honduras and Dominican Republic in the next round of multilateral negotiations?
In fact, the real negotiation will be with Mexico for Vietnam has almost no trade relations with Honduras and Dominican Republic, however, in due regard to their rights we have to negotiate with them.
Many people believe that Vietnam can access the WTO before the APEC Summit in November?
We are trying to join the WTO as soon as possible. However, whether the goal can be achieved this year or not depends on the goodwill of concerned parties.
Tuan Anh
Vietnamese
