AGRI-3 Increases Competitiveness

To increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in the world market, in AGRI-3 framework, Multilateral Trade Assistance Project II (Mutrap II) is assisting Vietnam in the study of WTO regulations on equivalence and mutually recognition (MRA), on bilateral agreements between WTO members of special interests to Vietnam. The project will also suggest areas and products for the negotiations.

 

Speaking at the seminar on SPS/TBT (safety and technical barrier), Mr Nguyen Viet Vinh, chief senior officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that Vietnam so far has 17 agreements and 9 MOUs on food safety with other countries in Asia, Europe, Australia and the USA. Regarding technical barriers (TBT), Vietnam has five agreements with Russia and Ukraine on standard, measuring and mutual recognition. Vietnam has also signed protocol with ASEAN countries on aqua-products and soon with APEC and ASEAN on processed foodstuff.

 

Mr Vinh also pointed out that due to limited resources and technical constraints, Vietnam remains below the international standards and inferior to imported products. Meanwhile other speakers warned that Vietnam will face with TBT/SPS barrier from regulations on trademarks to accommodation of national and international standards, especially on aquatic and agricultural products and processed foods.