New project to support trade agreements in Vietnam

Expanding and enhancing values for exported  products from Vietnam. (Photo: vasep) CPV: "The US Government, through the USAgency for International Development (USAID), on October 28, announces a new project withVietnam to continue supporting national efforts to enhance trade and Vietnam’s fuller integration into the global economy", informed the US Embassy to Hanoi. This three – year - 11.7 million USD project builds on USAID’s previous Support for Trade Acceleration (USAID/STAR), extending through September 2013. It will assist the Vietnamese Government as it implements new legal documents to fulfill the country's international commitments in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other trade and investment related agreements. “Technical assistance under this project will provide experts, training and, in general, help buildVietnam’s capacity to implement and enforce existing legislation to meet the commitments of, as well as, seize opportunities presented by current and developing trade and other international agreements”, said USAID Mission Director Francis Donovan. USAID's implementing partner, DAI/Nathan Group, will work with the main Government counterpart, the Ministry of Justice, and other Vietnamese authorities to train staff, help develop institutions, and build the capacity of state agencies and support Vietnam’s further global economic integration, including preparation of legal conditions required to participate in multilateral international treaties.   Since 2001, USAID has provided technical support to Vietnamese authorities drafting 150 laws, of which 115 have been adopted. These include trade-facilitating laws on the labor code, credit institutions, securities, standards, and arbitration. Recent activities include consultations with Vietnamese officials on regulations affecting imports/exports, investment, and intellectual property rights.