Vietnam to Devise Action plan for post-WTO Era

The Vietnam government is working out an action plan to take full advantage of opportunities, and overcome challenges, after the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem emphasized on November 27.

 

Khiem made remarks at a conference on Vietnam’s WTO commitments in Hanoi, pointing out opportunities awaiting Vietnam to expand markets and raise its competitive edge for goods and services, promote socio-economic renewal as well as luring foreign investment and technology.

 

The Deputy PM Khiem, the Chairman of the National Committee for International Economic Cooperation also emphasized that WTO membership will enable Vietnam to play an equal role in the multilateral trade system without unfair treatment, and improve its status on the international arena.

 

However, Khiem pointed out challenges Vietnam has to face when joining the world trade body, including increasing pressure from trade competition and adverse impacts on the society.

 

On this occasion, Ambassador Markus Cornano, Head of the European Commission (EC) in Vietnam, said the country’s WTO entry clearly proves the countries success in 20 years of doi moi (renewal). He affirmed EC’s continued support for Vietnam’s international integration.

 

The conference was held by the National Committee for International Economic Cooperation and the Multilateral Trade Assistance Project (MUTRAP) with focuses on results of Vietnam’s talks for WTO accession, commitments on tariff and implementation, Vietnam’s WTO commitments relating to trade and services, possible impacts on Viet Nam's agriculture and challenges to businesses and the government.

 

After this event, two other similar ones will be organized for the central and southern regions. The National Assembly is scheduled to discuss and approve the country’s WTO bid document on November 28. (The People, New Hanoi, Youth)