WT/TPR/M/287  
15 October 2013  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/42  
Trade Policy Review Body  
17 and 19 September 2013    
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
VIET NAM 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr Joakim Reiter (Sweden) 
 
CONTENTS 
 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARK S BY THE CHAI RPERSON ...................................................... 2  
2   OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF VIET NAM ................................... 4  
3   STATEMENT BY THE DISCU SSANT ............................................................................... 7  
4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS........................................................................................ 11  
5   REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF VIET NAM AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 35  
6   CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ........................................................ 41  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Viet Nam are reproduced in docu ment WT/TPR/M/287/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/englis h/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The first Trade Policy Review of Viet Nam was held on 17 and 19 September 2013. The 
C h a i r p e r s o n  H . E .  M r  J o a k i m  R e i t e r  ( S w e d e n )  w e lcomed the delegation of Viet Nam headed by 
H.E. Mr Quoc Khanh Tran, Vice-Minister of Industry  and Trade; the rest of the delegation from 
Viet Nam; Mr Trung Thanh Nguyen, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the WTO and to 
other colleagues from the mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Mr Francisco Pirez Gordillo (Uruguay). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of th e Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Viet Nam was contained in document WT/TPR/G/287 and that of the WT O Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/287. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing at least two weeks in 
advance and had been transmitted to the delegation of Viet Nam: El Salvador; Australia; 
Switzerland; Pakistan; Malaysia on behalf of ASEAN; the United States; Singapore; Chile; the Republic of Korea; Chinese Taipei; Indonesia; India; New Zealand; China; the European Union; 
Brazil; Colombia; Japan; and Thailand. The following delegations submitted written questions after 
the two week deadline: Hong Kong, China; the Dominican Republic; Canada; Ecuador; and Argentina. 
1.4.  This was Viet Nam’s first review after having joined the WTO in 2007. As Viet Nam pointed 
out in the Government Report, this review “allows us to highlight both the vital role that the trade and trade-related domestic policies have played  in the country’s rapid economic and social 
development, and the future direction”.   
1.5.  Obviously, Viet Nam’s journey towards integration into the global trading and investment 
system started well before the accession to WTO. Since 1986, it has pursued a persistent policy to gradually move from a centrally planned command economy towards a socialist-oriented market 
economy. These reforms, which its WTO accession process was part of and helped accelerate, 
have contributed to improved competitiveness an d thus export-led growth. They have allowed 
Viet Nam to substantially decline poverty levels among its population, to create very high rates of 
economic growth and impressive expansion of international trade, and to transform the country 
from one of the poorest in the world to a lower mi ddle income country – with the established goal 
of becoming a modern industrialized country by 2020.  
1.6.  More recently, at the macroeconomic level,  growth was supported by a generous economic 
stimulus package in 2009. Its recent slowdown has, inter alia , been the outcome of the global 
financial crisis but also the slow pace of structural reforms and tighter macroeconomic policies since 2011. Viet Nam's international competitiveness therefore seems to have increasingly come 
under threat. The surge in foreign direct investment after WTO accession has been followed by a 
decline of inflows. While the contribution of fore ign-invested enterprises to the economy has been 
noteworthy, including to export-led growth, state involvement in certain activities remains 
relatively high. These and other challenges seem to pose downside risks to Viet Nam's immediate 
economic outlook.  
1.7.  At the level of trade policy governance, and despite the impressive reforms already 
implemented and envisaged, Viet Nam's hierarchy of legal acts and other documents remains 
complex, creating uncertainties and unpredictability for economic operators (it comprises 
12-levels, and it is not always evident to what extent new legislation abrogates or supplements existing legislation). Uniform implementation of legislation across governmental authorities is also 
a continued challenge, and so is transparency, despite the fact that the Vietnamese Government 
attaches great importance to external and domestic transparency in trade policies and has strongly welcomed this review. Specifically, although Viet Nam has submitted many notifications to the 
WTO, important gaps persist for agricultural and industrial subsidies, and state trading, and 
timeliness issues can be raised with respect to import licensing, TBT, and SPS.   
1.8.  With regard to trade and trade-related po licies, very important and positive changes have 
clearly occurred in recent years, including thro ugh the implementation of WTO commitments. But, 
also judging from Members’ questions prior to this  meeting, not all changes in recent years appear 
to unequivocally aim at further opening up to trade and investment. For example, in the area of WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  tariffs and despite an overall downward trend, ther e have been changes in import duties, such as 
to stabilize domestic energy prices, as well as tariff increases towards bound levels to “support” selected industries. In the area of non-tariff measures, Viet Nam has supplemented a "line management import licensing system” with automatic licensing requirements, the identification of 
so-called "non-essential" imported commodities and consumer goods, and reference prices for 
many goods, and established additional documentatio n requirements or restrictions on the ports of 
entry for certain imports. Other possible areas to examine are the efforts to strengthen the 
protection of intellectual property rights an d Viet Nam’s implementation of its commitments 
regarding trading rights.  
1.9.  Perhaps more fundamentally, the role of state owned enterprises in Viet Nam's economy 
remains considerable. Similarly, from an industrial policy point of view, emphasis seems to be put 
on certain activities (e.g. mining, manufacturing) involving, inter alia , local content, domestic 
value-added, and market-share improvement objectives . Viet Nam’s future policy directions in this 
area, such as the “Master Plan on Economic Restru cturing” from 2012, will play an important role 
for whether it is to achieve the stated obje ctives of improving “quality, efficiency and 
competitiveness” in the years to come.  
1.10.  The Chairperson was sure that Members wished to raise many other issues as well. Overall, 
he considered that this review could offer a rather  unique opportunity for al l Members to look more 
in depth at, and gain a better understanding of, a recently acceded Member, the consequences of its accession, its achievements and remaining challenges, as well as its trade policy trajectory following its Membership to this organization. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF VIET NAM (H.E. MR QUOC KHANH 
TRAN) 
2.1.  Thank you, Mr Chairman, for the warm introd uctory remarks. It is my great honour to head 
the Vietnamese delegation to our very first Trade Policy Review today.  
2.2.  I would like to express my gratitude to his Excellency Ambassador Francisco Pirez Gordillo, 
for kindly accepting the request to act as the Discussant for our today's reviewing sessions.  
2.3.  I would like to acknowledge the hard work done perfectly well by Messieurs Sergios Stamnas, 
Adrian Cato and John Finn and other colleagues at the Trade Policy Review Division in preparing 
for the informative Report which, in my view, is a fair account and assessment of the current situation of our economy as well as our trade policies, and shall serve as an important basis for meaningful and candid exchange of views, concer ns and, more importantly, recommendations for 
improvement. 
2.4.  Let me also thank those Members and groups of Members for their nearly 476 advance 
written questions, and counting. We have been trying our best to provide responses to all of the 
questions submitted in advance, and will try to give answers to any follow-up questions.  
2.5.  Last but not least, I would like to expres s my sincere appreciation to all the distinguished 
delegates, colleagues, friends, guests and associates for setting aside your busy time to be here 
today, which demonstrates a genuine encouragement to us in the course of pursuing our economic 
reshuffle and sustained trade liberalization agen das, to continue the nation's epic quest for 
prosperity at this important juncture where the whole world is struggling to weather down the aftershocks of the recent economic downturn. 
2.6.  It is exciting for me to be here today at our first Trade Policy Review, not so long since the 
historic moment when His Excellency Pascal Lamy bang his gavel, giving effect to Viet Nam's becoming the 150th Member of this important multilateral trading system, concluding more than 
11 years of countless negotiations and domestic self-adjustment efforts. The fear of failure within 
this global playing field has gone, giving rise to optimism and even stronger determination in 
furthering our structural reforms and trade liberalization. 
2.7.  Twenty years ago, during the primitive stages of the country's international economic 
integration with the introduction of CEPT/AFTA, not so many people believed the country's ailing 
industrial and agricultural sectors would be capable to survive the already fierce competition among regional market players from our neighb ouring more developed market economies. The 
comprehensive reforms initiated with the Doi Moi aimed at transforming Viet Nam from a 
centrally-planned, command economy towards a socialist-oriented market economy also have provided our entrepreneurs, traders, and policy makers with an important guidance: make rules, 
play by the rules, and abide by the rules. Privat e ownership has been explicitly protected by the 
1992 Constitution, which recognizes this sector as  an indispensable element of the economy. The 
legal and institutional reforms undertaken as early as 1986 have provided the economy with a 
sound fundamental for change. ASEAN membership , the BTA with the U.S., and the recent WTO 
accession have catalysed the country's legislative an d regulatory drafting process, which results in 
a more transparent, stable, predictable, and efficient legal system that has gone well beyond the framework of international trade.   
2.8.  The creation of a level playing field fo r domestic and foreign market players compels 
significant changes in the legislative drafting rules. Not so long ago few people in the business community would have expected the Government to solicit their comments or inputs for a draft 
law, a government regulation, or a ministerial circular. Only a few years back not many public 
servants were able to conceptualize how to ca rry out a Regulatory Impact Assessment before, 
during, and after a measure is drafted and implem ented. Not so long ago, the business community 
would not have thought of being consulted on Market Access and Trade Liberalization issues for 
the on-going FTAs negotiations, such as TPP or EVFTA. These changes, which implied a radical departure from traditional legal and institutional practices, ultimately have brought about a rule-of-law mindset, which in turn significantly induces economic and social changes. The 
magnitude of the changes in the legal system, came along with the Doi Moi in 1986 and more 
recently the WTO accession, should not be underestimated given the difficult starting point where WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  the public sector lacks experiences in market-orien ted legislative making. This difficulty has been 
exacerbated as the majority of civil servants have been accustomed to methods of central 
economic planning for so long. 
2.9.  The radical departure from a centrally-planned economy mindset, dictated by the nation's 
imperatives to grow and prosper, has helped the country to achieve one of the most remarkable 
performances internationally in economic growth and has helped shape our vision for the next decade's structural reforms, charting the course of continued trade liberalization and fulfilling the 
Millennium Goals in the face of a rapidly changing  world. Economic growth surpassed 9% per year 
just prior to the Asian financial crisis in 1997–19 98, and exceeded 8% per year before the great 
recession and financial crisis in 2008–2009. Between 2005 and 2010 Viet Nam’s GDP has grown by 35.8%, foreign trade has expanded at the rate of nearly 20% per year in the period 1986–2006, 
and the country’s high export growth has been by far the most dynamic among Asian exporters. 
Although the economic growth has been slowed do wn in recent years due to the impact of the 
recent global financial crisis, export growth continues to be a bright spot on the nation's economic 
landscape. The high economic growth over the la st two decades has allowed impressive progress 
in raising standards of living, poverty reduction in a pretty short period of time, which has declined substantially from 58% in 1993 to 16% in 2006 and again to 14.5% in 2008, and extreme poverty 
and hunger have been halved. We did it. 
2.10.  For the Government of Viet Nam, WTO accession by no means is the end of a process, but 
rather a renewed impetus for further domestic refo rms. We believe that, by pursuing a concerted 
trade liberalization agenda, nations could prospe r by ways of maximizing their comparative 
advantages, at the same time minimizing the adverse effects brought about by the downturn 
cycles, thus increasing the aggregate welfare. 
2.11.  Being a small and open country, our econom y has never been so vulnerable to external 
shocks. Yet our commitment to trade liberalization has never been so strong and our path towards 
trade liberalization will never be reversed. Even during the mid of the recent global financial crisis, we never steered the economy toward protectionism,  resorting to protective measures. For us, the 
openness, stability and predictability that the multilateral trading system can provide in 
international trade is of utmost importance. Its rules and principles will continue to guide us in furthering the economic reforms and restructuring as stated in the Master Plan on Economic Restructuring attached to change of growth mode l towards improvement of quality, efficiency and 
competitiveness for the period 2013-2020, in which structural reforms in the financial sector, SOEs 
and public investment remain top priorities in the short run, in order to create better conditions for efficient resource allocations, level playing fiel d for market players and reinvigorated economic 
growth. Successful implementation of the Master Plan is vital for Viet Nam in attaining economic 
growth in a new, efficient, productive and internationally competitive paradigm by 2020, and achieving the goal of becoming a modern industrialized country by that time.  
2.12.  We recognize the pivotal role of the multilateral trading system as well as its relevance for 
conducting our international trade activities. We will continue to do our part in reinforcing its rules and disciplines in many multilateral arenas, and consider them as the foundation for our trade and economic policies.  
2.13.  As a newly-acceded Member, we attach a great interest to a successful completion of the 
Doha Round. We support a successful negotiated outcome of the Bali Ministerial Conference as it will contribute substantially to rebuild Members’ trust and faith in the WTO and the multilateral 
trading system. A successful WTO Ministerial will also provide impetus for world economic growth 
at this very critical moment, and that's why we ar e deeply concerned to see the deadlock it is now 
facing, and consider that an early completion of the Doha Round would allow Members to rebuild 
the confidence in the multilateral trading system, which could also be, in particular, supportive to 
the on-going major economic structural reforms within our country. 
2.14.  The aftermaths of the recent global ec onomic downturn take toll on many small and 
vulnerable economies, and Viet Nam is not an exception. A number of enterprises have been either 
dissolved or become insolvent. Many economies'  productivity and competitiveness have been 
substantially reduced. However, we remain defiant. We remain determined in pursuing the path we chose. We remain resolved in successfully pursuing the economic restructuring process, and 
the public administrative reforms. We remain re solved in furthering our international economic WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  integration agenda through a sustained and concerted liberalization effort on the multilateral, 
regional and bilateral levels.  
2.15.  Within the WTO framework, we remain committed to continue to work towards success in 
negotiating groups and urge all Members to do the same to achieve the targets set.  
2.16.  Before leaving the floor, let me take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation 
and gratitude to all of my friends, colleagues,  associates at the WTO, ASEAN and elsewhere, 
including those who have departed for other endeavours, for your tireless work and efforts made 
over the years since well before our accession, without which we could not have been able to be 
here today to tell our story.  
2.17.  Finally, I would like to thank the Secretariat staff, including the interpreters, the secretaries, 
for your excellent works leading towards this review sessions and we should be thankful and 
privileged to continue receiving such excellent services in the next couple of days, not to mention 
the next Policy Review, which, I very much hope, could well be happening within four years from now. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  I would like to begin by welcoming to this  important opportunity the large delegation of the 
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam led by His Excellen cy Tran Quoc Khanh, Deputy Minister of Industry 
and Trade. 
3.2.  I would also want to thank Viet Nam and the Secretariat for the high quality reports that 
were presented to us and that will be a very important base for exchanges during the two-day exam. 
3.3.  It is an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to be the Discussant at this first Trade 
Policy Review of Viet Nam. My comments will fo cus on (a) economic environment, (b) the trade 
policy framework and, in particular, the analysis of some sectorial policies. My intention is to constructively contribute with the discussion at this high level session. English is neither my 
mother tongue nor my country's official WTO language, but I will happily use it to facilitate 
Viet Nam's and other delegations' comprehension.  
3.4.  I must say the preparation of this interv ention was very enriching because I could take a 
c l o s e r  l o o k  a t  t h e  d i f f e r e n t  p r o g r e s s  t h a t  V i e t  N a m  i s  d o i n g .  A s  w e l l ,  i t  h e l p e d  m e  t o  b e t t e r  
understand some of the past and future challenges that this interesting country of more than 90,000,000 (ninety million people) is facing. 
Economic Environment 
3.5.  Regarding the economic environment is wort h highlighting, as noted on the Report of the 
Secretariat, the series of political and economic reforms that are taking place in the country since 
the early ‘80s, with the implementation of the Doi Moi that in Vietnamese means "Renovation". 
These reforms undertaken by Viet Nam meant great progress since the country has gone from 
being one of the poorest countries in the world to be a lower middle income country, giving also a big leap forward in improving human development. 
3.6.  During this process, the economy was tran sformed turning from being a centralized economy 
to become a more market-oriented one. This process enabled a gradual integration into the global system of trade and investment. Progressive trade liberalization, regional integration in ASEAN in 
1995, the signing of bilateral agreements with other trading partners, direct foreign investment, as 
well as Viet Nam's entry to the WTO on 11 January 2007, after 11 years of negotiations, have generated a number of benefits to the country such as achieving a significant average annual growth rate of 6.3% in 2007-2012 driven by incr eased exports, but also has allowed the country 
to keep low percentages of unemployment. 
3.7.  The remarkable growth of the Vietnamese economy has shown in recent years some signs of 
slowdown, which is an interesting challenge for the Government. However, it is important to 
mention that the country has managed to reduce significantly the large deficits that had in 
commodities trade as well in the current balance account and have even managed to have some surplus. 
3.8.  Efforts to cope with macroeconomic instability seem to have been successful so far, though 
sustainable growth, productivity and competiveness challenges remain. It would be interesting to 
know the action that has been taken and the results achieved so far.  
3.9.  Master Plan is an important policy tool in this area. Despite these important efforts, it’s going 
to be fascinating to learn the measures that the authorities are taking in order to follow up the 
implementation of the different Master Plans. 
3.10.  On a different topic, it is worth mentioni ng that the economic activity of the country is 
characterized by strong State involvement. Give n the importance of State-owned enterprises in 
the country's life, the Government had decided to implement a series of restructuring measures in this sector to achieve higher levels of competitiveness demanded by the market economy.  
3.11.  The reports highlight a number of change s that the Government has adopted in order to 
achieve a substantial improvement in the competit iveness of their different economic sectors. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  Direct Foreign Investment has greatly contributed to the growth of the country, for this reason the 
fact that the authorities are taking further measures to improve the existing commercial and economic system is very positive. As consequence, the country will receive more benefits and technology transfer through these investments. In  this context of opening its economy, foreign 
investments have been playing a critical role. Therefore, it would be interesting to know what 
measures Viet Nam is taking to attract more foreign investment. 
3.12.  The implementation of competition law and consumer protection goes in this direction, 
because it provides greater transparency to all the actors who are operating in this booming Asian 
economy. 
3.13.  Regarding tariffs, Viet Nam has consolidated  the maximum rate tariff of its nomenclature 
comprising 10,600 lines (ten thousand six hundred). All tariff lines are consolidated to ad valorem  
except second-hand vehicles that were consolidated to a mix type or 200% ad valorem . The 
Secretariat Report indicates that Viet Nam has reserved the right to apply specific import duties or compounds to certain “sensitive” products to fight against customs fraud. 
3.14.  In this topic, some Members raised some concerns over the frequent tariff changes on 
certain products introduced on short notice. So, it would be interesting to hear from the authorities the actions that have been taken to improve predictability in this area. 
Trade Policy Regime - Sectorial Policies 
3.15.  With regard to the second part of my inte rvention related with the trade policy framework, 
it is possible to identify the trade participation of Viet Nam in the international arena with a strong regional component but also open to the world, so is the case that considers ASEAN, since joining 
in 1995, as one of its main trading partners and in which several of the guidelines issued by the 
authorities aimed at improving the country's position within that regional integration. 
3.16.  At the same time we see that Viet Nam has established an extensive network of bilateral 
agreements with various trading partners and continues to negotiate with other partners. To be 
recognized as a market economy is also playing an important role in this process of openness, this is why the authorities continue their efforts to gain more recognition at this level. 
3.17.  As a member of ASEAN, Viet Nam is a party to several trade agreements and it has a couple 
of bilateral agreements as well. In common with other WTO Members it is negotiating more, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It is goin g to be important to listen how Viet Nam reconcile 
its participation in RTAs with its objectives in the WTO.  
3.18.  Regarding the analysis of some of the different sectors of the Vietnamese economy, it 
should be noted that agriculture represented in  2012 about 17% of GDP and 47% of employment, 
with rice being the main harvest in Viet Nam, followed by coffee and rubber. It is also considered 
one of the largest global producers in different products such as cashew nuts, pepper, coffee, 
rubber, rice, tea, pork and yucca. The international context where prices have remained on the rise contributed to a considerable growth of the sector. The land reform carried out has played an 
important role. However, challenges such as increasing the productivity in a sustainable manner 
and improving the infrastructure to reduce signif icant costs facing the industry today remain for 
the authorities. 
3.19.  Given the importance of the sector and the population of the country it would be interesting 
to know from the authorities the steps that are taking to address the issue of food security. 
3.20.  In relation with the fish sector, it would be interesting to know the measures being taken or 
planned by the authorities to reduce overfishing.  
3.21.  The manufacturing sector has had a reduct ion in the share of GDP due to the increasing 
importance of agriculture and the extractive sector. However, the numbers show that labour productivity had an interesting increment. 
3.22.  The services sector remains the most important of the economy; the Report of the 
Secretariat states that this sector has been liberalized in terms of the commitments made by the WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  country under review during its accession process. In this sense, it would be interesting to know 
how the authorities evaluate the implementation of  the Master Plan Services Sector Development 
which was commissioned in 2011 to address the weaknesses in certain aspects of this area of the Vietnamese economy. 
3.23.  Viet Nam is an observer in the Plurilateral Government Procurement Agreement, and has 
also agreed to join the Plurilateral Agreemen t on Information Technology. Regarding sectorial 
initiatives, the country only participates fully in medical equipment. 
3.24.  With respect to Intellectual Property, it is important to note the progress that Viet Nam has 
been doing, according to Global Innovation Inde x 2013 is located on the place 76 (seventy sixth) 
among 142 countries, and fifth among ASEAN countries . Also, it stands in the 75th (seventy-fifth) 
place among 144 countries according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013. Moreover, 
it should be noted that Viet Nam has become a country that also provides technical assistance, as 
is the case with Lao PDR. 
3.25.  Regarding this area, it would be interesting to know what steps have been designed by the 
 authorities to resolve the issues of counterfeit and pirated goods, a situation that raises 
 concerns in some trading partners. 
3.26.  Also, it would be good to listen to Viet Nam's experience in protecting IPRs. 
3.27.  Finally, regarding the energy sector, I would like to indicate that the oil and gas industries 
are a major source of income for Viet Nam. The Se cretariat Report shows that despite being one of 
the leading exporters of crude oil in Southeast Asia, Viet Nam remains a net importer of refined petroleum products. The big challenge ahead seems to be to take some measures that help the 
country to reduce considerably this dependency. 
3.28.  Also, improving efficiency of the electric ity sector appears another important challenge to 
face.  
Conclusions 
3.29.  Entering into the final part of my speech of this first day, I want to highlight some points 
that may be considered by the authorities in future analysis. 
3.30.  From the documentation reviewed for this occasion, it is possible to conclude that Viet Nam 
has made tremendous progress since the 80’s. Like everything in life and despite success there are 
some challenges to face and solve in the future in order to maintain and improve the rate of annual growth that the country has been having  to increase the competitiveness of business 
sectors and to achieve higher levels of inclusive development. In this sense, it is positive to see 
the economic restructuring Master Plan for the period 2013-2020 through which the Vietnamese authorities aim to resolve and strengthen those areas that today would be identified as less strong. 
Some of them are: 
 Specialization of the country –currently- cent red in the competitiveness of low added value 
 products; 
 Efficiency of the business environment; 
 Problems caused by the lack of infrastructure; 
 Reform of public sector; 
 Operability of the banking system. 
3.31.  Additionally, it would be interesting to know the actions the Government of Viet Nam will 
take to prevent that the signing of certain regional agreements that through complex and restrictive rules of origin could prevent the country from provided raw materials and intermediate 
goods from other regions. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  3.32.  Unfortunately the short time is not enou gh to analyse in greater detail the process of 
openness, integration and active participation in the global trade community that Viet Nam has been carrying out for quite a while now. I believe that these days of exercise will be of paramount importance to further familiarize ourselves with the dynamics of this amazing country. At the same 
time, I think it will be an instance of great use to the Vietnamese authorities in its internal reform 
process. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
MALAYSIA  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN   
4.1.  Viet Nam has been actively contributing to ASEAN over the past eighteen years and has done 
a lot by opening up its economy and liberalizing trade within the region. Viet Nam accounts for 
around 9% of total trade in ASEAN, and its total commitment is shown through Viet Nam's active 
participation towards our collective efforts to bu ild and ASEAN Community by 2015, in all the three 
ASEAN pillars of political and security, socio-cultural and economic cooperation. 
4.2.  ASEAN congratulates Viet Nam on its impressive economic performance as reported by the 
Secretariat and the Government. A remarkable annual average growth rate of 6.3% from 2007 to 2012, low unemployment, improved trade and current account deficits over the past years, and increasing foreign exchange reserves are indicators that Viet Nam has progressed in the right 
direction with its economic policies. 
4.3.  Viet Nam's commitments to the multilateral  trading system and the World Trade Organization 
are encouraging. We commend Viet Nam for the progressive role in the global trade such as the 
simple average MFN tariff having declined from 18.5% in 2007 to 10.4% in 2013 and their 
continuing efforts in equalizing the treatments accorded to Vietnamese and foreign investments. 
We also noted the fact that Viet Nam continues to restructure its state-owned enterprises. 
4 . 4 .   S o m e  o f  u s  i n  A S E A N  h a v e  s u b m i t t e d  w r i tten questions to the Vietnamese delegation to 
clarify particular issues. We thank them for their written responses and we are certain that Viet Nam will be able to carry on all the necessary reform obligations and become an open and liberalized economy. 
4.5.  We congratulate Viet Nam on the notable economic progress it has achieved in the WTO and 
ASEAN, and we would particularly like to thank Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh and his team for their constructive efforts and engagement with all delegations, especially with ASEAN members 
here in Geneva.  
SWITZERLAND
  
4.6.  Both reports by the Secretariat and the Government of Viet Nam highlight Viet Nam's 
remarkable achievements in economic development,  fuller integration into the multilateral trade 
system as well as poverty reduction. My delegation would like to echo this. 
4.7.  However, Viet Nam's economy is currently ex periencing its longest spell of slow growth since 
the early days of political and economic reforms in the late 1980s. This is the first time that 
Viet Nam faces two consecutive years of 5% growth, the lowest level since 1998. Significant 
weaknesses persist and the delayed implementation of important structural reforms, such as strengthening the regulation and supervision of the financial sector or restructuring the 
state-owned sector could have further advers e effects on economic prospects undermining 
investors' confidence. 
4.8.  Despite these challenges, I am very plea sed to say that the economic relations between 
Switzerland and Viet Nam are both excellent and diversified. In recent years, Viet Nam is both 
excellent and diversified. In recent years, Viet Nam has been reinforcing its position among our important economic partners in Asia and the bilateral economic relations continue to grow. In 2012, the bilateral trade volume of Viet Nam and Switzerland has amounted to about 
US$960 million. Swiss exports have increased by 25 % last year and comprise mainly machinery, 
pharmaceutical and chemical products. 
4.9.  Swiss business continues to perceive Viet Nam as an interesting market with a huge growth 
potential. This is reflected in a steady growth of Swiss foreign direct investments in Viet Nam 
securing over 14'000 jobs. 
4.10.  Furthermore, Switzerland is convinced th at the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement 
currently under negotiation between Viet Nam and the EFTA States will further boost bilateral 
trade and strengthen our economic ties. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.11.  In addition, Viet Nam is a priority country for Swiss economic development cooperation. In 
the past five years, Switzerland's assistance in this regard amounted to over 40 million in grant funding. The Swiss economic cooperation programme aims at fostering sustainable and inclusive growth by supporting sound legal and business fr amework conditions, enhancing productivity and 
increasing the competitiveness of SMEs, as well as by promoting environmentally friendly policies. 
4.12.  Despite Viet Nam's remarkable progress since its accession to WTO, there is still potential 
for further improvement. In its written questions, Switzerland raised a number of concerns and 
areas where further reform is needed, in particul ar, we would like to highlight the following:  
4.13.  Switzerland attaches considerable importance to an adequate and effective protection of 
intellectual property rights as an essential pre-requisite for attracting investment and encouraging research and development. We welcome the efforts made by Viet Nam to improve the legal 
framework pertaining to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and patents, 
especially so regarding pharmaceutical products which are of particular importance for (a significant part of) Swiss companies (that are) active in Viet Nam. Switzerland will closely follow 
the developments in this field. 
4.14.  Swiss companies thus heavily invest in Viet Nam's health sector and signalled a strong 
commitment to further increase their presence. However, pharmaceutical companies have 
encountered a number of obstacles. It seems that Viet Nam still imposes additional obligations for 
the import of finished products by foreign-owne d pharmaceutical companies, thus restricting the 
import trading rights of foreign-owned pharmaceut ical companies. Also, they encounter additional 
regulatory burdens, such as delays in the re newal of market authorization registrations. 
Furthermore, Viet Nam does not recognize clinical trials for New Chemical Entity registration 
already conducted under international standards with the consequence that such clinical trials again have to be conducted in Viet Nam. These di fficulties and limitations are of great concern to 
my Government and the Swiss companies concerned. 
4.15.  At last, we would like to mention that ma ny of our firms have reported a certain lack of 
transparency in public procurement procedures. In this regard, Switzerland has very much 
welcomed Viet Nam's request for observer status in the Committee of government procurement of 
the WTO in 2012 and would like to strongly encourage an expedited accession to the Government Procurement Agreement in order to further improve Viet Nam's government procurement regime. 
4.16.   Let me conclude by emphasizing the importance of Viet Nam as a fast-moving and 
developing trading partner, as well as the important role it plays for the WTO. A solid rule-based 
system is crucial for a small, highly integrated  and open economy like Switzerland. We therefore 
attribute utmost importance to a full respect of WTO rules by all our partners, as well as to the 
further development of multilateral trading system. In this respect we appreciate Viet Nam's 
efforts and progress in integrating into and thereby strengthening the multilateral trading system. 
PAKISTAN 
4.17.  It is a matter of great satisfaction to note  that Viet Nam has emerged from a state of acute 
poverty to the ranks of a lower middle income country, also signalling a successful transition from state monopoly on trade to free trade and from import substitution to export–oriented policies. It is one of the most dynamic emerging countries in East-Asia region. Its series of reforms has led to 
an increase in its competitiveness making it an active player in export-led growth. It remains an 
attractive destination for FDI and reflects a long term growth potential, registering an annual average growth rate of 6.3% from 2007-12, that was spurred by strong domestic investment, the 
export sector and the 2009 stimulus package. 
4.18.  Other indicators also reflect an equally impressive success story, including a high degree of 
decentralization leading to inclusive development, poverty reduction, human development and 
income equality. 
4.19.  Viet Nam has been posting a strong performance in production and merchandise trade, and 
has achieved surpluses in current account since 2011 and trade account since 2012. Production and trade of agricultural products has increased and Viet Nam exports several agricultural 
products, including rice, coffee, and cashew nuts, and with a large surplus in trade in agricultural WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
- 13 - 
 
  products. Viet Nam has a large trade surplus in fisheries products as both marine catch and 
aquaculture production and exports have increased over the past few years. However, overfishing remains a serious problem to be addressed.  
4.20.  Viet Nam also faces considerable issues. Significant weaknesses noted include 
macroeconomic instability, the quality and sustainability of growth, relatively incomplete transition 
to a market economy, undercapitalized banking sector, addressing systemic risks facing the financial sector (i.e. level of non-performing loans, liquidity crises, stability of foreign reserves), 
and delays in SOE reforms. The country also experiences competitiveness issues, increase in 
external debt ratio, and a high rate of protection in certain sectors including apparel and clothing, footwear, ceramic products, automobiles and moto rcycles. Viet Nam’s simple average MFN tariff 
has declined significantly from 18.5% in 2007 to  10.4% in 2013. However, differences between 
bound and applied rates have been used to provide additional protection to selected industries 
since 2008. 
4.21.  It needs to improve the operational fram ework of trade-related sectors (e.g. electricity 
supply, transport infrastructure), and to intensif y SOE restructuring, besides regulatory reforms 
and trade liberalization in certain sectors. The Secretariat Report recommends that a key challenge for Viet Nam is to prioritize trade and trade-related policies conducive to the attainment of these 
objectives within a stable, transparent, and predictable policy framework. 
AUSTRALIA 4.22.  Viet Nam has made remarkable economic progress since introducing its “Doi Moi” initiatives 
in the late 1980s. Vietnam has benefitted from acceding to the WTO in January 2007 and it stands 
to gain further benefits from future multilateral trade liberalization through the WTO. Australia 
encourages Viet Nam to continue the process of trade policy reform, and looks forward to continuing our support for Viet Nam’s efforts to develop its economy further, as well as its greater 
integration into the global trading system. A more prosperous and confident Viet Nam will improve 
the quality of life of its citizens, contribute to regional security, and become an even more significant export market and trading partner for Australia. 
4.23.  Viet Nam’s future trade trajectory holds many challenges and opportunities. Reducing trade 
barriers has been an important part of Viet Nam’s domestic economic reform process, strengthening trade and competitiveness and supp orting long-term economic growth. Continuing 
structural reform of the economy is essential if Viet Nam is to realize its full potential. Long-term 
commitment to macroeconomic stabilization measures such as Resolution 11 will be important to 
ensure the enduring prosperity of the country.   
4.24.  Viet Nam, like many other WTO Members, faced economic challenges resulting from the 
Global Financial Crisis. Australia and others have been concerned about the direction of some of 
Viet Nam’s trade policies, particularly relating to non-tariff barriers and import licensing. We welcome recent improvements, as outlined in the Secretariat’s Report. This underlines the 
importance of transparency and international efforts to help us all resist pressures to resort to 
protectionist policy responses.  
4.25.  Australia looks forward to continuing to work with Viet Nam and other WTO Members to 
achieve a credible package of outcomes at MC9. Au stralia also encourages Viet Nam to participate 
in the ITA expansion negotiations. 
4.26.  In 2013, Australia and Viet Nam marked the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations.  
Australia and Viet Nam share a strong bilateral trade and investment relationship. The 
Australia-Viet Nam Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2009 underscores the breadth of the 
relationship, which encompasses dialogue and cooperation on many fronts and provides a structure to support further cooperation, including on trade and economic issues.   
4.27.  Viet Nam and Australia are both members of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade 
Agreement, which entered into force in 2010. Australia is pleased that Viet Nam has committed to negotiate regional free trade initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which will provide additional bilateral export 
opportunities and increase Viet Nam’s economic integration with the region.   WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.28.  In terms of specific issues which have been raised previously with Viet Nam in the WTO, 
Australia notes the announcement that Viet Nam has lifted the ban on imports of white offal from 
1 September 2013. Australia looks forward to the opportunity to consider any conditions on the import of white offal that are transparent, ba sed on scientific principles and not more trade 
restrictive than necessary to meet Viet Nam’s appropriate level of protection. We would welcome 
Viet Nam’s advice on the development of proposed  conditions on the import of white offal, and 
whether it plans to expedite outstanding processes to restart trade in a timely way. 
4.29.  Similarly, Australia would appreciate advice on further notifications Viet Nam expects to 
issue to guide the operation of the Law on F ood Safety. Finally, Australia would encourage 
Viet Nam to submit notifications to the WTO in a more timely manner and ensure greater consultations with trading partners.   
UNITED
 STATES 
4.30.  Viet Nam is an important commercial partner for the United States. Our bilateral trade 
relationship has deepened significantly since the signing of the United States–Viet Nam Bilateral 
Trade Agreement (BTA) in 2001 and since Viet Nam’s accession to the WTO in 2007. Bilateral 
trade between the United States and Viet Nam has grown by more than 1500% since the BTA entered into force, and more than 150% since Viet Nam joined the WTO. By 2012, Viet Nam was 
the 29th largest goods trading partner of the United States with US$24.9 billion in total two way 
goods trade. Foreign investment also has grown steadily, with stock of U.S. foreign direct 
investment in Viet Nam totalling US$1.1 billion in 2012, an increase of 10.4% from 2011. 
4.31.  The United States and Viet Nam continue to work together to further advance the 
multilateral trading system, as well to expand our bilateral trade relationship. In June 2007, the 
United States and Viet Nam signed a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.  Additionally, in 2010, Viet Nam joined the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), 
representing an important next step to further enhance the trade and investment relationship 
between the United States and Viet Nam. Through the TPP negotiations, the United States, Viet Nam and other TPP parties seek to develop a comprehensive, high-standard, 21st-century 
regional trade agreement that will support economic integration across the Asia-Pacific and 
promote regional prosperity and stability. Duri ng President Obama and President Sang’s meeting 
in July of this year, the Presidents welcomed efforts to further bilateral economic, commercial, and investment ties and affirmed their commitment to  opening a new phase of bilateral relations.  
4.32.  We recognize the economic and political reforms that Viet Nam has undertaken since the 
1980s, which have facilitated Viet Nam’s integration into the international trading system.  However, despite significant achievements by Viet Nam, there are certain areas in which the 
Government of Viet Nam could make further im provements and implement additional reforms, 
thereby further enhancing its competitiveness in the multilateral trading system.  
4.33.  For example, the United States appreciate s that Viet Nam publishes laws, regulations and 
administrative procedures of general application in its Official Gazette. Further, Viet Nam posts full 
drafts of legal acts on a government website, and provides opportunities for public comment before these legal documents go into effect. Ho wever, we note that there have been several 
examples where Viet Nam has not posted draft measures and allowed time for comment, and has 
promulgated and enacted several regulations in less than the prescribed 45 day period, creating 
some uncertainty for traders. We urge Viet Na m to ensure that it meets the procedures and 
timeframes established for all draft laws, regulations and administrative measures, including 
notices and circulars. 
4.34.  While we recognize Viet Nam’s efforts to gradually open its telecommunications market in 
line with its GATS commitments, the United States understands that Viet Nam’s Decree 72 was 
implemented on 1 September, which impairs the telecommunications commitments that were 
made in the GATS both with respect to Inte rnet Access Services, and packet-switched data 
services. We urge Viet Nam to ensure that, in practice, this Decree will not affect the ability of internet service providers to continue offering news  and social media that sustains the viability of 
the commercial internet market, and that this Decree will not affect the free flow of online 
information necessary to support growth of electronic commerce. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.35.  We are also concerned that, as the Secretariat’s report suggests, since Viet Nam’s accession 
six and a half years ago, Viet Nam has not properly notified or clarified its import licensing procedures in light of the WTO Import Licensin g Procedures Agreement. We look forward to 
Viet Nam’s complete response to the questionnaire regarding its import licensing regime prior to 
the upcoming annual 30 September deadline.  
4.36.  The Secretariat’s Report also states that, according to Vietnamese businesses, the 
application of HS codes at the time of importation is sometimes inconsistent. The identical goods 
are often subject to different classification and therefore different tariff duties, and exporters and 
importers report that product misclassification remains a significant challenge. We ask that Viet Nam take steps to address these concerns and to ensure uniform application of all customs regulations. 
4.37.  With regards to SPS issues, we encourage Vi et Nam to provide notifications required by the 
SPS Agreement at an early stage to ensure a re asonable period of time for consideration of 
comments prior to adoption and enforcement of final rules. We acknowledge Viet Nam’s 
commitment to lift its ban on imports of offal products, which has been raised by the United States 
at the WTO SPS Committee, and look forward to Viet Nam’s notification to the SPS Committee that the ban has been lifted.  
4.38.  The United States commends the commitments made by Viet Nam on intellectual property 
protection and enforcement, which will promote investment in the Vietnamese market. We urge 
Viet Nam to notify amendments to its 2008 legislation to the TRIPS council and sign the most recent treaties negotiated in WIPO and trademark procedural treaties. The United States also 
encourages Viet Nam to ensure the robustness of criminal decrees and circulars as an effective 
deterrent against intellectual property infringement. 
4.39.  We also recognize that Viet Nam undert ook significant market opening on goods in the 
technology sector by joining the Information Tec hnology Agreement (ITA) as part of its Accession. 
As a result, Viet Nam has become a more attractive place for foreign investment and an important link in global and regional production chains fo r IT products. We encourage Viet Nam to continue 
this liberalization trend by joining th e negotiations to expand the ITA.  
4.40.  In closing, the United States wishes to commend Viet Nam for its strong efforts overall to 
implement it accession commitments and make WTO provisions the main point of reference for the onward development of its trade policies. We th ank the delegation of Viet Nam for its active 
participation in this important process, and welcome the opportunity to continue to work 
cooperatively with Viet Nam to further expand our bilateral relationship and to promote the multilateral trading system.   
SINGAPORE 
4.41.  Singapore recognizes and congratulates Viet Nam on the significance of this first WTO Trade 
Policy Review. The decision, as a Recently Acceded Member, to undergo a TPR in such a short 
period after its accession in January 2007 is testimony to Viet Nam’s commitment to the principles 
of transparency and predictability in its trade lib eralisation efforts. The benefits of WTO accession 
are abundantly clear from Viet Nam's impressive GDP growth rate of 6.3% from 2007-2012 and the surge in FDI following accession. These dovetailed with Viet Nam’s successful Doi Moi reform 
measures. Also noteworthy, has been Viet Nam’s resistance of protectionist measures during the 
global economic downturn of 2008-2009 despite rising inflationary pressures. This steadfast 
attitude against protectionism has meant that Viet Nam was strongly poised for the post-downturn 
rebound in international trade. Viet Nam’s trade volume grew by double digits annually in the past 
three years, reaching US$228.9 billion in 2012, recording a trade surplus for the first time in 20 years.   
4.42.  Viet Nam and Singapore enjoy strong political and economic ties, with our two countries 
agreeing recently to establish a Strategic Partnership to enhance cooperation in several spheres.  Bilateral trade has almost tripled over the last decade to US$15.8 billion in 2012. In 2012, Singapore was Viet Nam’s 7th largest trading partner while Viet Nam was Singapore’s 15th largest 
trading partner. As of June 2013, Singapore was the second largest foreign investor in Viet Nam, 
with registered cumulative investments of US $28.3 billion in more than 1000 projects. Despite WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  global economic uncertainties, Singapore companies continue to see Viet Nam as an attractive 
investment destination, particularly in the areas of real estate, industrial parks, logistics, hospitality, retail and modern services. 
4.43.  Singapore warmly welcomes the progress that Viet Nam has made in areas such as the 
reform of SOEs, its financial system, the liberalization of services such as banking, construction, 
health and tourism, and the creation of a more even playing field for Foreign Direct Investment. 
Its trade facilitative customs modernisation strategy to develop more simplified and effective 
customs procedures harmonised with internationa l standards and best practices by 2020 is also 
prescient to what Members at the WTO are aiming to do with the TF Agreement. This includes a national customs single window, integration with the ASEAN Single Window and the set-up of modern customs IT system.   
4.44.  Singapore and Viet Nam share a deep belief in the importance of a rules-based multilateral 
trading system. At the multilateral level, we appreciate that Viet Nam’s simple average MFN tariff fell from 18.5% in 2007 to 10.4% in 2013, and Singapore encourages further improvements in 
this area. Both countries have also worked  together on pursuing complementary trade 
liberalisation at the regional and bilateral levels. Within ASEAN, Viet Nam has made good progress towards the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. We are also close partners in the on-going 
negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP), which we hope will serve as building blocks for greater regional trade liberalisation. Advancing trade and investment liberalization through such efforts will help spur greater regional economic integration and supp ort the multilateral trading system. We also 
encourage Viet Nam to strongly consider joining the Information Technology Agreement, which 
several ASEAN countries are already party to.   
4.45.  Singapore looks forward to working closely with Viet Nam in furthering our common goal 
towards deeper and more progressive trade liberalisation at all levels.  
CHILE 4.46.  Chile fue el segundo país latinoamericano, después de Cuba, en establecer relaciones 
diplomáticas con Viet Nam en 1971. Hace prácticamente 10 años Viet Nam reabrió su Embajada 
en Santiago y Chile abrió su Embajada en Hanoi en octubre de 2004, y dos años después abrió una Oficina Comercial de ProChile en la ciudad de Ho Chi Minh. 
4.47.  Actualmente, las relaciones políticas entre ambos países se encuentran en un excelente 
nivel que se demuestra con el nutrido intercambio de visitas de altas autoridades nacionales. Se 
destaca la visita del Presidente de Chile, Sebastian Piñera, en marzo del año pasado. Durante el 2012 visitó Chile el Vicepresidente de la Asamblea Nacional. Por cierto que durante este año se 
han intensificado las visitas bilaterales. 
4.48.  Existen importantes coincidencias entre ambos países, especialmente en el ámbito 
multilateral y en diversas áreas de cooperación. Chile apoyó activamente el ingreso de ese país a 
esta organización y al APEC. Además ha extendido el reconocimiento a Viet Nam como Economía 
de Mercado.  
4.49.  Felicitamos el crecimiento de 6,3% que Viet Nam ha tenido durante cinco años, la reducción 
del déficit en el comercio de mercancías y en el saldo por cuenta corriente. No cabe duda que la 
economía de Viet Nam está muy orientada al exterior, prueba de esto es que el comercio de 
bienes y servicios representa un 171,5% del PIB.  
4.50.  En este mismo sentido, alabamos el avance en la equiparación del trato a los inversores 
extranjeros y locales y reconocemos a Hanoi por los esfuerzos realizados en la consolidación de 
todo su arancel cuando ingresó a la OMC. 
4.51.  Quisiéramos destacar que gracias al conjunto de reformas de Viet Nam, incluyendo la 
introducción de la política de Doi Moi (renovación) y la adhesión a la OMC en 2007, en quince años 
ha logrado disminuir la pobreza desde un 58% (1993) a un 14,5% (2008). Además, ha mejorado en el índice de Desarrollo Humano y ha cumplido 5 de sus 10 Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio.   WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.52.  Sin embargo, alentamos a Viet Nam que en un futuro cercano se establezca un sistema de 
ventanilla única para el registro de empresas y la obtención de licencia para invertir. También creemos que sería muy positivo para el país que se autorice la propiedad privada de la tierra. 
4.53.  Si bien, el intercambio comercial entr e Viet Nam y Chile no ha alcanzado volúmenes 
importantes (575 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2012), éste se ha expandido en casi 800% desde 
2004.   
4.54.  Ambos países suscribieron un Acuerdo de libre comercio en noviembre de 2011. El TLC 
aborda exclusivamente las mercancías y considera en categoría de excepción un 4,1% del universo 
arancelario. Desde su entrada en vigencia, cerca del 73% del monto total exportado por Chile a Viet Nam ingresará libre de arancel.  
4.55.  En materia de Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio se estableció un Comité que constituye el 
punto de contacto para resolver los eventuales conflictos. De manera similar se enfrentó el tema 
de las Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias.   
4.56.  Asimismo, el acuerdo incluye un capítulo de “cooperación” para áreas de interés recíproco. 
Además, se crea un foro que fomentará las actividades de cooperación y hará el seguimiento de 
éstas, abriendo una posibilidad para estrechar los vínculos entre ambos países más allá de lo estrictamente comercial. 
4.57.  Chile confía en que Viet Nam concluirá y notificará a Chile antes de fin de año el término de 
sus procedimientos internos, a objeto de que el TLC entre en vigencia. 
4.58.  Quisiera destacar que ambos países son miembros activos en el proceso de negociación 
Trans Pacific Partnership. La presencia en dicho proceso sin duda alguna permitirá fortalecer los 
canales de interacción comercial entre ambos países e incorporará a la relación bilateral disciplinas 
sobre el comercio de servicios y las inversiones, actualmente no incluidas en el TLC bilateral. 
4.59.  Por otra parte, Chile sigue muy de cerca los múltiples procesos de integración económica en 
la región. En este contexto, Chile celebra el ingreso de Viet Nam como miembro ASEAN al 
“Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership” (RCEP), atractivo proceso el cual apunta a crear una de las zonas más grandes de libre comercio y que ciertamente es de gran interés para todos 
los países en la ribera del Pacífico. 
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.60.  It is worth noting that both Viet Nam’s launch of across-the-board economic reform some 
30 years ago in 1986 which is well-known as “Doi Moi” and its WTO accession 6 years ago in 2007 
have transformed the nation into one of the mo st brilliant models among developing countries. 
Endowed with its human and natural resources, its trade liberalization and inward foreign direct investment have been driving forces that have resulted in Viet Nam’s improved competitiveness 
and growth as we see today.  
4.61.  During the period under review, the Viet namese economy has grown at an annual average 
rate of 6.3% thanks to its vibrant export and domestic investment. Indeed, Viet Nam is an 
outward oriented economy, with its trade in goods and services accounting for 171.5% of GDP. As 
the Secretariat also indicates, we are pleased to note that Viet Nam has successfully integrated itself into the global trading system. We very much hope that today’s first TPR will provide a good opportunity for both Viet Nam and its trading partners, including Korea, to assess the points of 
progress as well as to help identify further ways forward. 
4.62.  On the bilateral front, Korea and Viet Nam celebrated 20 years of diplomatic ties last year 
which is characterized by an ever expanding grow th in trade and people-to-people exchanges over 
the past two decades.  
4.63.  Specifically, the bilateral trade betwee n our two countries in 2012 reached US$21.7 billion, 
which represents a whopping 40 fold increase since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 
between our two countries in 1992.  WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.64.  .What’s equally important is that Korea’s total stock of investments in Viet Nam has steadily 
increased, reaching US$15.3 billion last year. Viet Nam is currently Korea’s 4th largest investment destination globally, and the largest within ASEAN.   
4.65.  .In this regard, we are very pleased to note  that our President’s successful visit to Viet Nam 
last week will further boost such an excellent “s trategic and cooperative partnership” between our 
two countries. Along these lines, Korea and Viet Nam will make every effort to conclude their FTA negotiations at an early date, as the leaders of both countries reaffirmed in Hanoi last week.  
4.66.  As the Secretariat’s Report indicates, there are issues that are of interest to us and perhaps 
to other Members as Viet Nam works hard to continue improving certain economic aspects that would need to be addressed for Viet Nam’s continued growth and development. I would like to touch upon some of them.  
 First, it appears that the Government provides  domestic support to manufacturing activities 
 in the form of tax and non-tax incentives as well as government procurement practices.  Industry–specific domestic support is also given to some key areas such as the steel 
 industry while the automotive sector is under consideration. Thus, providing more 
 information on its subsidy and incentive scheme in this regard would be appreciated.  
 Second, as the Secretariat’s Report notes a Steering Committee for restructuring SOEs 
 (State-Owned Enterprises) was set up to examine the process of legally separating state 
 ownership from the State’s regulatory function. Given that the state-owned sector continues  to account for a lion’s share of its GDP, which is 38%. Viet Nam is expected and encouraged  to further intensify its efforts to reform SOEs in a way that will make its economy more 
 competitive. 
 Third, intellectual property protection is currently the focus of attention of Viet Nam as well 
 as many of its trading partners, including Korea. We hope and expect that the Vietnamese 
 Government will continue to work hard to further improve in this important area.  
SEPARATE
 CUSTOM  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.67.  Since joining the WTO in 2007, Viet Nam has been implementing, almost continuously, a full 
programme of economic reform measures and throughout this time its economic and export 
performance has been truly outstanding. Its econ omy grew at an average annual rate of 6.3% 
over the years between 2007 and 2012, and it ha s now become one of the leading exporters of 
agricultural products in the world and a very attractive foreign investment destination. Viet Nam’s 
broadening regional economic integration within the ASEAN community and beyond is continuing 
to boost its exports. While it may be experienci ng a slowdown in growth at the present time, 
Viet Nam already seems to have taken most of the actions needed to deal with these new 
challenges.  
4.68.  As far as trade policy is concerned, we are encouraged by the fact that Viet Nam is a strong 
advocate of the rules-based multilateral tradin g system, as embodied in the WTO. The trade 
policies practiced by its Government, including its commitments undertaken on becoming a WTO 
Member, appear to be helping Viet Nam to reach its development goals.   
4.69.  However, having said this, we still find that there is room for improvement. Firstly, although 
Viet Nam’s investment regime is gradually opening up to foreigners, restrictions still apply in some 
areas and the approval process for investment remains quite burdensome. In this respect, we 
would encourage Viet Nam to liberalize further in this area as a matter of urgency. Secondly, we have noted a certain tendency on the part of Viet Nam to discourage the importation of 
“non-essential” goods. Hopefully, the Viet Nam Government can confirm that the trade regulatory 
measures being employed do not constitute non-ta riff barriers. And, thirdly, as indicated in the 
Secretariat Report, State-owned enterprises (SOEs) currently account for 38% of Viet Nam’s GDP 
and enjoy favourable market access in certain sectors. The restructuring and privatization of SOEs 
could help to increase overall efficiency and productivity, and improve the competitiveness of 
Viet Nam’s whole economy. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.70.  We enjoy very close and long-standing economic ties with Viet Nam. In 2012, the total 
value of two-way trade between us amounted to  over US$10 billion, which makes us Viet Nam’s 
fifth largest trading partner. Aside from trade, our investment in Viet Nam reached a cumulative total of US$27.46 billion by the end of July 2013, making us its third largest source of foreign 
investment. If investments made via third count ries are included, we are Viet Nam’s largest 
foreign investor.  And, despite all this, we are still convinced there is enormous potential for further expanding the volumes of trade and investment between us in the future. 
4.71.  Like us, Viet Nam is a member of the Group of Recently Acceded Members (the RAMs) and 
as coordinator of the Group we naturally continue to work closely with the Viet Nam Mission here in the WTO. Also, we know that the Viet Nam Government attaches great importance to developing the Information Technology sector therefore we take this opportunity to invite them to 
consider joining us in the ITA expansion negotiations that are taking place right now. 
4.72.  In conclusion, we hope Viet Nam will continue its structural reforms in the various sectors 
mentioned previously and we see it gaining greater economic and trade integration through further 
liberalization at the multilateral, regional and bilateral levels in the future. 
INDONESIA 4.73.  Indonesia regards its trade and investment re lations with Viet Nam as very important. Trade 
balance between the two countries in 2012 was around US$4.87 billion, 103% higher compared to 
2008. Indonesia’s export to Viet Nam for the same period increased by 35.9% reaching US$2.27 billion in 2012, while its import from Viet Nam increased by 259% from around 
US$0.72 billion in 2008 to US$2.59 billi on in 2012. These figures reflect the strong economic ties 
between the two countries. Indonesia has every co nfidence that our economic partnership will 
continue to grow in the future, especially since both countries are members of ASEAN which envisions further regional economic integration through ASEAN Economic community by 2015. 
4.74.  Despite the increasingly growing trade relations, Indonesia is concerned that some of 
Viet Nam’s Trade policies have unfavourably affected Indonesia’s export interests to the country. We have submitted a number of specific question s to the delegation of Viet Nam to clarify 
individual points and would like to highlight some of them, as follows: 
4.75.  Several agricultural products from Indonesia have been rejected by Viet Nam due to the 
issuance of a new regulation on food safety for imported foodstuffs of plant origin on 16 March 2011. This regulation has caused loss of market of Indonesia agricultural products in 
Viet Nam. In this regard, Indonesia would like to call Viet Nam to provide sufficient transition time 
before a new regulation enters into force; to use data on production sites of the registered 
Indonesia's exporters in exchange of verification process to each production site of Indonesia; and 
to provide the standard requirement for imported  seeds of maize and the result of the risk 
assessment done by Vietnam on seeds of maize of Indonesia. 
4.76.  Indonesia also has a concern on the lengthy procedure and process for registration of 
Indonesia’s pharmaceutical products which has caused higher cost and delay of importation. Time 
for registration requires around 18-24 months, while time for renewal of registration is 10-15 months. Viet Nam also applies different period of registration for the registration of enterprises and products, which respectively last for 2 and 5 years. Indonesia requests Vietnam to 
consider shortening or optimizing the registration time and equalizing the validity period of 
pharmaceutical product registration. 
4.77.  Our concern also relates to Viet Nam’s treatment on antidumping and safeguard 
investigation. On antidumping investigation practice, particularly regarding imports of cold-rolled 
stainless steel, we request Viet Nam to exclude import from Indonesia from the measure since its quantity is relatively small. As for the safeguard investigation on vegetable oil, we also request 
similar treatment since Indonesian producer only contributes a very small portion of Viet Nam’s 
total import of the subject good. In this opportunity, we would like to request Viet Nam to seriously take into account the cooperative Indonesian producers. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  INDIA 
4.78.  India and Viet Nam share close and friendly ties, marked by wide-ranging cooperation on 
various fronts. Bilaterally, trade and economic linkages have grown significantly under India’s look-east policy, paying rich dividends. Two wa y trade crossed US$6 billion in 2012-13. Viet Nam 
is also an attractive investment destinatio n for Indian companies engaged in oil and gas 
exploration, mining, agro-processing, chemicals an d IT. At the Government level, India continues 
to render development assistance through concessional lines of credit and training for capacity 
building and human resource development.    
4.79.  Regionally, Viet Nam is an important partner in South East Asia under the overall umbrella 
of ASEAN, ASEM and East Asia Summit. A regular ex change of high level visits from both sides has 
helped in cementing this relationship further. 2012 was celebrated as the year of friendship 
between India and Viet Nam to mark the 40th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.  
4.80.  As a friend and partner, we have watched Viet Nam’s impressive growth with great interest. 
As we heard from Minister Tran this morning, far-reaching structural reforms implemented under 
the Doi Moi Policy launched in 1986 have transforme d Viet Nam into a socially oriented market 
economy. These domestic reforms, coupled with lib eralization on the trade and investment front, 
have catapulted Viet Nam into one of the most dynamic economies in Asia. FDI liberalization has 
played a key role in promoting Viet Nam’s economic development by attracting massive inflows of 
foreign investment, leading to improved competitiveness, growth in exports and industrial output, creation of jobs and increase in incomes. High growth rates have been accompanied by 
improvements in living standards and reduction in poverty levels. 
4.81.  Despite a difficult global economic enviro nment, we are happy to note that Viet Nam has 
worked sincerely to implement its accession commitments. Considerable progress has been made on the legislative front, establishing key institutions and creating a favourable business 
environment. Several sectors like banking services, distribution services, construction, health care, 
tourism, insurance and business services have been liberalized in line with its commitments in the services schedule. It has also abolished export subsidies for agricultural products and amended its 
IP law. The simple average MFN tariff has been brought down significantly from 18.5% in 2007 to 
10.4% in 2013.  
4.82.  As a result of these reforms, manufacturing, IT and high-tech industries now form a large 
and fast growing part of the Vietnamese economy. Viet Nam has also become a major exporter of 
agricultural products like cashew and rice. While Viet Nam has benefitted immensely from its WTO 
accession through improved market access for its products, we are encouraged to note that the 
Government of Viet Nam considers WTO accession as a means for further domestic reforms and 
not as an end in itself.  
4.83.  With trade in goods and services accounting for 171% of its GDP, Viet Nam has followed a 
successful export led growth strategy. However,  the deteriorating external environment has 
negatively impacted the Vietnamese economy, bringing down its growth rate in recent years. We 
hope that the 2012 Master Plan on economic rest ructuring will help the Government overcome its 
current challenges and achieve the desired objectiv es of stable and long term economic growth.  
4.84.  As a fellow developing country, we understand Viet Nam’s challenges and share several 
common concerns. Like Viet Nam, we value the multilateral trading system and the stability and 
predictability it provides. We therefore agree with Viet Nam that early completion of Doha Round negotiations and a successful Bali Ministerial would allow Members to rebuild confidence in the 
multilateral trading system. 
NEW
 ZEALAND   
4.85.  New Zealand joins other Members in recognizing the significance of Viet Nam's first WTO 
Trade Policy Review since becoming the organization's 150th Member in 2007. The last six years 
have seen continued, impressive economic and trade growth in Viet Nam. This demonstrates that Viet Nam has taken advantage of opportunities created by WTO Membership. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.86.  New Zealand is pleased to note that, ov er this same period, our bilateral economic 
relationship with Viet Nam has deepened, with two way trade in goods and services doubling. Viet Nam is a close regional partner for New Zealand; the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) has offered benefits, and we are now cooperating to negotiate the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). 
4.87.  New Zealand acknowledges the continued ambitious trade and economic reform agenda 
pursued by Viet Nam since 2007. The process of moving from a state-controlled to market-led 
economy has not been without challenges, and some remain. It is to Viet Nam's credit that it has 
retained, and even strengthened, its commitment to global economic integration and further trade liberalization throughout this period. We welcom e Viet Nam's active engagement in Geneva and 
proactive trade policy, which is supported by it s busy FTA negotiating agenda, including in TPP 
negotiations. 
4.88.  We also recognize the increasing leadersh ip role played by Viet Nam in ASEAN and the 
wider Asia-Pacific region on trade and econom ic issues, typified by its achievements as 
ASEAN/East Asia Summit Chair 2010 and its contributions to the development of an ASEAN 
Economic Community. 
4.89.  New Zealand is pleased that Viet Nam has recently removed a number of measures that had 
impacted on our bilateral exports to Viet Nam to varying degrees. This will help both countries to 
achieve our stated goal of US$1 billion in two-way trade by 2015. 
4.90.  As reflected in our questions submitted on  Viet Nam's Trade Policy Review. However, New 
Zealand has concerns about some of Viet Nam's trade policies and practices which have had a 
negative impact on bilateral and regional trade in the period under review. 
4.91.  Viet Nam's policy and legal systems and processes remain complex. The review notes 
Viet Nam's twelve levels of legal and regulatory documents. A wide range of government ministries 
and other agencies are involved in aspects of trade policy formulation and implementation. We 
urge Viet Nam to continue its efforts to progress meaningful administrative reform in the trade policy area, and to ensure government agencies are joined up and acting consistently in 
interpreting and implementing policy and regu lation. We would also encourage removal of 
unnecessary administrative burdens such as automatic import licensing, and greater clarity in some critical areas such as the implementation of Viet Nam's Law on Food Safety. 
4.92.  Given the complexity, it is particularly important that Viet Nam continues to improve 
transparency and provision of accurate information to trading partners consistent with its WTO 
obligations. This includes the early and full notification of proposed new or amended policies to the WTO, to allow trade partners to consult and prepare; and provision of other information such as 
subsidy notifications required under the Agreem ent on Agriculture and Agreement on Subsidies 
and Countervailing Measures, as well as state-trading enterprises. 
4.93.  New Zealand is concerned at the support programmes, including subsidies, which Viet Nam 
applies to the fisheries sector, and in particular the possibility that these are increasing fishing 
effort on stocks that are already overfished. We encourage Viet Nam to review its programmes in order to redirect support away from effort and capacity enhancing support. 
4.94.  We also encourage Viet Nam to continue to ensure that foreign investors enjoy a stable and 
predictable investment environment. This is essential if Viet Nam is to maintain FDI flows as a 
desirable investment destination. The review highlights issues such as repeated tax and royalty increases in some sectors. Changing policies in areas such as foreign employment and business 
licensing can also have a negative impact on investor sentiment. 
4.95.  Lastly, New Zealand strongly urges Viet Nam to avoid recourse in future to any 
trade-restrictive actions and policies that are inconsistent with its WTO obligations. As one 
example, New Zealand has questioned the Viet Nam Government's past circulation and 
implementation of a list of "items not encourag ed for import". Viet Nam has generally embraced 
trade liberalization principles and practices. We urge this positive orientation to continue, despite periodic economic challenges that may arise. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  CHINA 
4.96.  Viet Nam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world since its accession to 
the WTO in 2007. As pointed out in Viet Nam’s Government Report, WTO accession was a logical consequence of its domestic reforms and trade liberal ization that it had been pursuing for decades; 
it was also a milestone in the process of reform and international economic integration. It 
witnessed not only a surge in foreign trade and investment, but also successful integration into the global value chain.  
4.97.  This could be exemplified by the commendable efforts of Viet Nam, as a Recently Acceded 
Member (RAM), to implement its accession commitments. The simple average MFN tariff has declined significantly and services market has been gradually liberalized. What’s more, the country has taken steps to establish a comprehensive legal system that aligns with the WTO rules, 
providing an ever more equal, transparent and foreseeable business environment. As a strong 
outward-oriented economy, Viet Nam recognizes the pivotal role of the multilateral trading system and has been committed to play a constructive part in the efforts to reinforce the role of WTO by 
bringing DDA to a successful conclusion. It has also been pursuing trade liberalization and regional 
integration in Asia and Pacific through ASEAN, as well as through bilateral initiatives. 
4.98.  China applauds these achievements and believes that Viet Nam is just another good 
example of economic success boosted by the acce ssion to the WTO, domestic reforms and trade 
liberalization. This will surely inspire other acceding countries to follow suit and expedite reforms and liberalization.  
4.99.  Having said this, we also notice that Viet Nam still has room for further improvements in 
trade and investment policies and measures. We agree with what the Secretariat Report has 
pointed out in the following issues. 
4.100.  Investment regime: concerns have been raised about unequal treatment towards 
Vietnamese and foreign investors, difficult and time-consuming approval process for investment 
and establishment of businesses, complex administrative procedures as well as un-coordinated implementation of laws and regulations by responsible government agencies. China would 
encourage Viet Nam to take more proactive actions to facilitate foreign investment. 
4.101.   Tariff regime: Viet Nam reserved the right to apply specific or compound import duties on 
certain “sensitive” goods to address customs fraud, which has so far not proven necessary. Viet Nam also increased a number of tariffs to afford protection to certain domestic sectors. China 
would encourage Viet Nam to take more prudential approach to assess the rationality of these 
measures and promote further trade liberalization.  
4.102.  Transparency: China is concerned with the inspection system related to issuance of the 
license for import and export goods. In addition, some information such as plans in support of 
manufacturing activities, budgetary outlays and tax expenditure related to these plans are not available from the authorities. The Secretariat Repo rt also pointed out that some notifications are 
still overdue. China would encourage Viet Nam to make more efforts and enhance transparency in 
its trade and investment policy.  
4.103.  Finally, China and Viet Nam share good economic and trade relations and common grounds 
on many issues in the WTO. We stand ready to continue working with Viet Nam to strengthen the 
multilateral trading system, including through the Bali Ministerial Conference as well as the 
successful conclusion of DDA. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.104.  This is Viet Nam’s very first Review, following its accession to the WTO in 2007, and I 
would like to start by noting that Viet Nam is a very good example of how the participation in the WTO can help a country to boost its economy.  
4.105.  The impressive transformation of Viet Nam from one of the poorest countries in the world 
to a lower middle income country and from a centrally planned economy towards a more market oriented economy has been possible thanks to the political and economic reforms (Doi Moi, WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  “renovation”) launched in the 80's, but it should be emphasized that this process of economic 
modernisation has been further enhanced by Viet Nam’s accession to WTO and its gradual integration into the global trading system.  
4.106.  Just to mention some data, between 1990 and 2010, Viet Nam’s economy grew at an 
annual average rate of 7.3%, the per capita income almost quintupled and Viet Nam managed to 
reduce the yearly inflation rate around 6-7%. In terms of trade in goods, Viet Nam is today a significantly integrated economy, with exports re presenting approximately three quarters of its 
GDP. 
4.107.  Viet Nam is an important economic and po litical player in ASEAN and the Asia region. But 
Viet Nam is becoming an increasingly important pa rtner also for the EU. In terms of trade, the EU 
has gradually become the most important export market for Vietnamese products, and it is now 
the second largest two-way trade partner after China. 
4.108.  The EU has an interest in intensifying its bilateral relations with Viet Nam. The signing of a 
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the launch of the negotiations for a bilateral Free 
Trade Agreement in June 2012 are a demonstration of our enhanced cooperation.  
4.109.  Despite these impressive achievements, Viet Nam is facing a number of important 
challenges on its way to become a fully industrialized and modern economy, as noted by the 
Secretariat Report. 
4.110.  During the years under review, although  many of Viet Nam's economic fundamentals 
remained strong and much progress has been made in its economic transformation, significant weaknesses persist.  
4.111.  According to the Secretariat Report, further action is required by Vietnam to stabilize the 
country’s economic situation. While the macroeconomic data appears solid, the state of the financial sector and decreasing confidence in Viet Nam as an investment destination, are starting 
to have a dampening effect on the economic performance of the country.  
4.112.  The EU notes that Viet Nam, after having performed well in the first years after its 
accession, now seems to lack the necessary vigour to pursue the process of economic reforms in a 
timely manner. The EU is concerned particularly about the persisting high level of influence from 
the State in a wide number of sectors and the by ri se of trade barriers in Viet Nam, as expressed 
in the questions submitted by the EU.  
4.113.  Turning to the EU questions, let me stress that they cover several areas of Viet Nam’s 
economy. The issues we raised are considered and confirmed by EU operators as obstacles to 
trade. I will list only some of them. 
4.114.  We are concerned that trading partners are not able to compete on a level playing field 
with Vietnamese state-owned enterprises and ente rprises granted special or exclusive rights or 
privileges, in Viet Nam and also on markets outsid e Viet Nam where they are in competition. While 
the EU recognizes fully the right of Vietnam to designate and maintain state owned companies, the 
EU encourages Viet Nam to continue on the path to reform its state sector.  
4.115.  We are also particularly concerned about the restrictions still present in the field of 
distribution services, particularly for wines and sp irits, chemicals and pharmaceutical products. The 
EU industries would welcome clarifications on the new legislation adopted by Viet Nam on wine 
production and wine trading as it seems that it might result in reducing the scope of business of 
already established companies. 
4.116.  We have also expressed our concern about Viet Nam’s local content requirements in public 
procurements. While we welcome Viet Nam as a new Observer to the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement, the EU would appreciate further progress in Viet Nam’s reform for addressing these concerns. 
4.117.  The EU is confident that this TPR will provide the opportunity to examine the measures 
adopted by the Government and assess their real impact on the economy of the country and on WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  the WTO Members gathered today. The EU hopes that this will also help Viet Nam in reviewing its 
own policies so as to ensure that they are most favourable for attaining its economic and social objectives while respecting its international commitments in this forum. 
BRAZIL 
4.118.  It is a matter of great satisfaction for Brazil to participate in the first Trade Policy Review of 
Viet Nam, as the relations between our countries have experienced a very marked and positive growth over the past few years. The historic ties between our people were deepened and 
strengthened, and are now spread over many different areas. 
4.119.  Brazil’s commitment to Viet Nam goes beyo nd the political approach, as the intensification 
of technical cooperation programmes and the significant increase of trade flows demonstrate. For instance, I note with great satisfaction that, since the accession of Viet Nam to the WTO, in 2007 – 
which Brazil strongly supported since day one - until 2012, the trade flow between our countries 
has increased approximately 400%. 
4.120.  Since the launch of the Doi Moi policy, an d in particular after WTO accession, Viet Nam has 
experienced intense transformations in its economy,  with high rates of economic growth, rising 
investments and vigorous exports. There was also a sharp rise and subsequent drop in inflation rates. The country grew at an annual average ra te of 6.3% from 2007 to 2012, in line with the 
world average economic output, albeit trending slowly downward in the last years.  
4.121.  According to the Secretariat Report, Viet Nam’s economy is “strongly outward oriented”. 
Data released by the World Bank reveals that trade in goods and services currently accounts for 180% of the country’s GDP, and the representative ness of foreign direct investments in the GDP 
rose 52.47% between 2006 and 2012. Such numbers reveal the liberalization trend experienced 
by Viet Nam after the intensification of its accession procedure to the WTO. Nevertheless, it is important to stress that high state intervention, including direct control of production through 
state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in certain sectors, and differences between the treatment granted 
to Vietnamese and foreign investors are still obstacles to trade and foreign investment full liberalization.  
4.122.  As mentioned, trade flows between Brazil and Viet Nam have significantly intensified 
throughout the period from 2007 to 2012. Despite this, it remains at relatively modest levels, currently at only US$1.6 billion. Brazilian exports to the region mainly comprise raw materials, such as grains and seeds, cotton and leather. Ex ports from Viet Nam to Brazil are also well below 
their potential. Naturally, there is still room for much improvement. Bilateral trade can be further 
expanded, either in terms of value, volume and di versity of goods. As regards direct investments 
between our countries, it is still an area to be strongly developed.  
4.123.  Pursuant to the Secretariat Report, “Viet Nam bound the entire tariff schedule in the 
context of its WTO accession”, and “the simple average MFN tariff has declined significantly, from 18.5% in 2007 to 10.4% in 2013”. Nevertheless, there is a concern on a number of tariff increases 
since 2008 that apparently are motivated by a decision to afford higher protection to certain 
domestic sectors, including meat products.  
4.124.  The Secretariat Report also points out that some restrictions remain, in a way that “goods 
identified and subject to "state trading" may only  be imported by designated enterprises”. Thus, 
products such as aircrafts may only be brought in to the country by designated importers. Brazil 
urges Viet Nam to observe WTO regulations as to grant full import trading rights to foreign individuals and enterprises on par with domestic traders. 
4.125.  As regards non-tariff measures, Viet Na m prohibits the importation of goods generally 
considered harmful to human health and safety or national security. We recall that import restrictions shall only be applied when in conformity with WTO rules, international treaties and 
conventions.  WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  COLOMBIA 
4.126.  El 7 de noviembre de 2006, el entonces Director General de la OMC, Pascal Lamy, 
celebraba el ingreso de Viet Nam a la organización con estas palabras “Al convertirse en miembro de pleno derecho de la familia, Viet Nam podrá be neficiarse de las normas aplicables al acceso a 
los mercados y al comercio mundial elaboradas en el curso de los últimos 50 años. También podrá 
recurrir al mecanismo de solución de diferencias para zanjar las diferencias que tenga con otros Miembros y participar plenamente en las negociaciones en curso para diseñar las normas 
comerciales del futuro.” Y estas palabras bien señalan lo que ha ocurrido durante los últimos 
6 años. 
4.127.  En efecto, el informe de la Secretaría muestra con claridad que la economía de Viet Nam 
se encuentra muy insertada en los flujos de comercio mundiales, lo que se refleja en que el 
comercio de bienes y de servicios represente un 171,5% del PIB. Sus exportaciones, que abarcan 
una amplia gama de sectores, han venido diversificándose en los últimos años - y esa mayor integración a los flujos de comercio mundiales, en parte derivadas de su ingreso a la OMC, le han 
permitido a Viet Nam reducir en gran medida su déficit comercial. 
4.128.  También se aprecia un importante aumento de  la inversión extranjera directa que recibe el 
país, luego de su adhesión a la OMC. Viet Nam es hoy un mercado interesante para las inversiones 
extranjeras, que vienen contribuyendo a la diversificación de su oferta exportable y a la 
generación de empleos, y podría serlo más, en la medida que aún la presencia del estado es significativa en varios sectores de la economía.  
4.129.  El conjunto de reformas adelantadas durante los años pasados, que ha sido la base del 
desarrollo del sector exportador y de los flujos de inversión extranjera, ha traído consigo un 
pujante crecimiento económico en el período objeto de examen, con una tasa promedio del 6,3% a pesar de las dificultades de la economía mundial. Muy especialmente destacamos los grandes 
progresos alcanzados en materia de reducción de la pobreza y la mejora del desarrollo humano.  
4.130.  Sus retos para los próximos años, parecen enfocarse en mantener adecuados niveles de 
competitividad que soporten el crecimiento de su economía. El Informe de la Secretaría señala 
como factores a tener en cuenta las restriccion es en materia de producción de energía, la 
necesidad de fortalecer el sector financiero, el aumento de los costos inmobiliarios y de logística y la escasez en aumento de mano de obra califi cada, que requerirán de la implementación de 
reformas estructurales por parte del estado.  
4.131.  En materia de comercio exterior, el Informe de la Secretaría muestra como entre el 2007, 
año de su ingreso a la OMC, y el 2011, Viet Nam ha duplicado su comercio global y ha sabido sortear las dificultades presentadas en el 2008. Es de destacar el notable crecimiento de sus 
exportaciones, que en este período pasaron de 48 mil millones de dólares EE.UU. a casi 
97 mil millones de dólares EE.UU. y cuya composic ión ya empieza a reflejar algunos cambios.  
4.132.  Un elemento importante que contribuirá a futuro a mantener esta dinámica comercial 
estará en el área de facilitación del comercio. En esta línea, resaltamos el proyecto de 
modernización de aduanas de Viet Nam, que apunta al establecimiento de un procedimiento electrónico de despacho de aduana, como primera etapa para el establecimiento de un mecanismo de ventanilla única; la introducción prevista de un sistema automático de despacho de carga y una 
base de datos de aduanas inteligente para el próximo año, así como el programa de operadores 
económicos autorizados, que se implementó desd e el año 2011 y que ya cuenta con 14 empresas 
como operadores económicos autorizados. 
4.133.  También en esta área, destacamos que las leyes y regulaciones sean publicados, incluso 
en internet y que contemplen un plazo prudencial ante de su aprobación y entrada en vigor, pues esto permite a los operadores hacer comentarios sobre los proyectos y familiarizarse con las 
nuevas normas. Podría sin embargo fortalecerse la forma en que se aclara que aspectos de la 
nueva legislación derogan o complementan la anterior.  
4.134.  Notamos que durante el período objeto de examen, el promedio arancelario simple de 
Viet Nam ha disminuido considerablemente, pasando de 18,5% a 10,4% en 2013. Se han 
presentado sin embargo ajustes en algunos sectores, que aunque han respetado los límites WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  acordados bajo la OMC, generan incertidumbre y afectan la previsibilidad del acceso al mercado 
vietnamita. 
4.135.  Permítame concluir citando nuevamente las palabras de Pascal Lamy al anunciar la 
culminación del proceso de adhesión de Viet Nam a esta casa: “Ser Miembro de la OMC ayudará a 
Viet Nam a consolidar firmemente estas reformas y a utilizar la apertura comercial como motor del 
crecimiento y el desarrollo económicos.”  
4.136.  Los resultados que arroja este examen, a nuestro juicio, son prueba clara de la 
contribución que la OMC y el sistema multilateral de comercio pueden dar a aquellos países, como 
Viet Nam, dispuestos a seguir el camino de la liberalización comercial como ruta para su desarrollo económico.    
JAPAN 
4.137.  Let me start with Viet Nam’s macroeconomic environment and policies. Through the 
liberalization of its economy, the introduction of political and economic reforms “Doi Moi” as well as its accession to the WTO, Viet Nam has recorded hi gh economic growth led by an increase in trade 
and investment. According to the Report by the Se cretariat, GDP of Viet Nam grew at an annual 
average rate of 6.3% from 2007 to 2012. As has been pointed out, Viet Nam is a success story which can be a model of development. However, its economic growth has tended to slow down in 
recent years partly because of the global financial crisis, but partly also due to the apparent delay 
in structural reform. Japan hopes that Viet Nam will make efforts to promote further structural reforms in order to maintain high economic growth. 
4.138.  Now let me move to trade and trade-related policies. 
4.139.  First, today is the first TPR for Viet Nam since it acceded to the WTO in 2007. Japan 
commends that Viet Nam made significant efforts to shift from a national planning economy to a market oriented economy throughout the accession and the proceeding process. Japan hopes that 
Viet Nam will continue its structural reform to maintain economic growth and make contributions 
to strengthening the multilateral trading system. In this light, Japan hopes that Viet Nam will join 
in the negotiations for ITA expansion soon. 
4.140.  Second, Viet Nam has concluded regional trade agreements with many countries including 
Japan and is actively participating negotiations in new RTAs, for example TPP. Japan commends Viet Nam’s positive attitude to trade liberalization having in mind that such RTAs will serve as a complement to the multilateral trading system. 
4.141.  Further, a Viet Nam-Japan joint initiative has served to maintain and improve Viet Nam’s 
investment environment since 2003. This initiative is a process of promoting economic reforms and the improvement of the investment climate through a continuous bilateral dialogue not just by 
the government officials and donor agencies but al so with the participation of high level private 
sector representatives. Japan commends that the efforts of both sides, the joint initiative has produced concrete achievements. One of many such achievements is the improvement of the 
framework to disclose, infringement on intellectual property, which is reinforced by the 
strengthened punishment. This joint initiative will continue in order to maintain Viet Nam’s investment environment. 
4.142.  Now, let me turn to specific points. We will refer to 4 points: the legal system and its 
implementation, transport, intellectual property , and the measures for broadcasting and film 
industry. 
4.143.  First, on the Vietnamese legal system and its implementation. Apparently, the role of laws 
and that of administrative regulations are not clearly defined in Viet Nam. So certain provisions in 
administrative regulations sometimes create obligations of a disproportionate magnitude which have significant influence on foreign enterprises which are often not prepared. In addition, we can 
find inconsistent policies and measures because each ministry issues various ordinances without 
coordination among related ministries. There is a lack of coordination with local Governments to implement regulations as well. Sometimes the same regulations could be implemented in a different manner from one region to another. Th ese problems need to be properly addressed.  WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.144.  Second, on transport. According to the Annex of Viet Nam’s WTO accession protocol, it is 
supposed to abolish the foreign equity restriction on some of the transport services from January 2014, seven years after its accession. However, since it is reported that Viet Nam has not yet decided the detailed rules, foreign suppliers cannot make their investment plans in such 
certain transport services. Japan hopes that Viet Nam will establish detailed rules in a timely 
manner in advance. 
4.145.  Third, on intellectual property. As is show n in the Report by the Secretariat, statistics on 
infringement of intellectual property has been prepared by the government during the review 
period. Japan commends Viet Nam on these efforts to address counterfeited and pirated goods in Viet Nam, and hopes that it will continue to actively disclose the infringement of intellectual property. 
4.146.  Fourth, the regulations on broadcasting  and film industry. For example, the Amended 
Cinematography Law requires at least 20% of the time must be allocated for local films. There is also a requirement of translation from foreign language to Vietnamese in pay-TV programmes. 
Japan would like to know, a little bit more in detail, the background of the introduction of these 
regulations, and the possibility and the pros pect of relaxation of such regulations. 
THAILAND 
4.147.  Viet Nam is Thailand’s fourteenth trading partner, and Thailand is Viet Nam’s fifth largest 
trading partner. From 2010-2012, our trade value averaged at US$8.6 billion per year. In 2012, we traded at approximately US$9.47 billion, increasing 4.17% from 2011. Thailand also ranks among top ten of Viet Nam’s foreign direct investment in terms of value. 
4.148.  Thailand and Viet Nam have developed a stro ng bilateral relationship over the past years. 
In July 2012, the Minister of Commerce attended the first Joint Trade Committee meeting with Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam in  Hanoi, in which they consulted and exchanged 
opinions on how to strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the two countries. 
The Ministers also discussed cooperation on exchange  of information and experience with regard to 
productions, marketing and productivities of common agricultural products of both countries. 
Thailand hopes that this meaningful relationship will continue to prosper in years to come. 
4.149.  On the private sector cooperation, the Th ai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai 
Industries, and Thai Bankers’ Association have developed a close relationship with the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industries. At the Joint Trade Committee Meeting last year, the 
establishment of Viet Nam-Thailand Business Chamber was proposed, and we hope that this idea 
will grow into a concrete result, from  which business people can benefit.  
4.150.  In the multilateral trading system, Viet Nam has shown a very promising development 
since the time of its accession to the WTO. Thailand is impressed with Viet Nam’s progressive 
move in their economic and trade policies, such as the remarkable decrease of the simple average MFN tariff, the effort of equalizing treatments to foreign and domestic investors, and the 
macroeconomic policy to maintain stable account deficits and foreign exchange reserves.  
4.151.  Thailand appreciates Viet Nam’s cooperation with Thailand both as ASEAN members and in 
the WTO. We believe that Viet Nam’s strong commitments to the regional and multilateral trading systems have been fruitful and we continue to support Viet Nam’s efforts in necessary reforms in 
the future. 
HONG
 KONG,  CHINA 
4.152.  We are very glad to participate in the first Trade Policy Review of Viet Nam since it became 
a Member of the WTO in 2007. We congratulate  and are impressed by the efforts made by 
Viet Nam in liberalizing its trade regime and making substantial progress in regional and international economic integration in recent years. 
4.153.  Hong Kong, China and Viet Nam have long enjoyed close trade and economic relation. 
Moreover, Hong Kong, China and ASEAN are now pursuing and FTA. Viet Nam was Hong Kong, 
China's second largest supplier of rice in 2012. Our bilateral trade in goods has grown robustly in WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  recent years with an average annual growth rate of 31% from 2008 to 2012 in goods, and 16% in 
services.  
4.154.  On tariffs, we appreciate that Viet Nam has bound all its tariff lines at ad valorem  rates 
except second-hand motor vehicles. We also commend Viet Nam for reducing its average applied 
MFN tariffs significantly from 18.5% in 2007 to 10.4% in 2013.  
4.155.  We commend Viet Nam's continuous efforts in reducing the tariffs of agricultural products. 
We encourage Viet Nam to continue its liberalization efforts. We also urge Viet Nam to submit 
notifications on agricultural subsidies. It is noted that Viet Nam has not submitted any since its 
joining the WTO. 
4.156.  We also note that overfishing and destructive fishing remain a serious problem in Viet 
Nam. We encourage Viet Nam to review the effect iveness of the current ban effected by a Prime 
Minister's Directive and Central Steering Commit tee documents, and to consider the need to 
introduce further measures or national legislation on fishing means, quotas and bans. 
4.157.  We note that state ownership remains a major feature of Viet Nam's economy accounting 
for 38% of its GDP in 2012. While we appreciate the efforts Viet Nam has made in reforming its 
state-owned enterprises (SOEs), SOEs still account for nearly all of its domestic production of key goods and services, e.g. energy, telecommunica tions, aviation and banking. We encourage 
Viet Nam to continue its reform of SOEs and to introduce more international competition. Viet Nam 
has not made any notification of its state-trading enterprises and so we would also urge Viet Nam to comply with its notification obligations. 
4.158.  We appreciate Viet Nam's firm commitment to comply with the WTO TRIMs Agreement. 
Foreign investors have reflected certain areas in its investment regime that could be improved, 
e.g. the approval processes of investment and establishment of businesses for foreigners are 
difficult and involve complex administrative procedures. We believe Viet Nam has noted such 
opinions and will seek improvements, e.g. to op erate a one-stop shop system to simplify the 
business registration and investment licensing for investors, as appropriate. 
4.159.  On corporate governance issues, we note that corruption remains a real concern in 
Viet Nam which ranks relatively low in international comparisons in corruption indices. Corruption 
lowers investment, slows economic growth and has an adverse impact on trade. We are encouraged to note that Viet Nam's legal framework for curbing corruption is now well developed. We strongly encourage Viet Nam to continue its efforts further to fight corruption and improve its 
corporate governance. 
4.160.  We appreciate that Viet Nam has taken steps to simplify and modernize its customs 
procedures. For instance, e-customs procedures were launched in early January 2013 covering the 
electronic submission customs declarations, as well as the automatic processing of declared tests 
and analyses by the Customs. In 2011, it also ad opted an ambitious plan known as the Strategy 
for Customs Development through 2020, as another major step to facilitate trade. 
4.161.  We note that Viet Nam has undertaken various legislative changes to implement its GATS 
commitments and provided incentives to attract trade and investment during the review period. Nevertheless, SOEs are significantly involved in key services sectors such as banking, insurance, telecommunications, maritime transport and air transport. Services sectors are key drivers for its 
GDP and employment, and continued liberalization of trade in services would add to Viet Nam's 
further economic growth. We encourage Viet Nam to continue liberalizing the trade regime for foreign investment, for instance, by lifting foreign equity cap or eliminating foreign investment 
restrictions. 
CANADA 4.162.  Canada is pleased to take part in this very first Trade Policy Review of Viet Nam, and we 
are certain that this process will assist Viet Nam to better integrate into the global economy, and 
attain its international trade and investment objectives.  WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.163.  I note the strong and consistent growth of Viet Nam’s economy in the last ten years and 
more, albeit at a reduced pace since 2011, alongsid e significant progress in monetary policy and 
overall fiscal management. We are also glad to see Viet Nam constructively participating in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership alongside Canada and ten other trading partners. 
Viet Nam’s achievement of Middle Income status demonstrates its capacity to implement major 
policy and economic changes; however this achievement now creates the need for further adjustments, so that Viet Nam can compete effectively with the similar emerging economies whose 
ranks it has joined. 
4.164.  Viet Nam now finds itself in a position where it needs to further refine and clarify its trade 
policy approach and practices. This, in addition to  further work on some longstanding issues, will 
help “lock in” and capitalise on the hard-won gains of several decades of structural reforms, as 
well as avoid a slowdown or reversal of its economic development. I would like to mention three 
broad areas in which Canada believes Viet Nam should maintain and increase its efforts.   
4.165.  First, we urge Viet Nam to improve its business environment, by streamlining and 
coordinating bureaucratic procedures and legisl ative measures, including between national and 
provincial levels of government. Businesses in Viet Nam frequently have to deal with rules and procedures that are contradictory and subjectively applied, especially outside the large population 
centres. For example, while non-binding official letters and notices may be published to improve 
regional administering of legislation, such letters and notices often have the opposite effect if they enable too much official discretion, and cause confusion. Greater coherence across all levels of government and between jurisdictions would enha nce the predictability and certainty of doing 
business in Viet Nam.  
4.166.  Some policies and rules create a potential for a two-tier market access system favouring 
local companies to the detriment of foreign products, and thus appear discriminatory and 
inconsistent with WTO obligations. For example, new liquor licensing requirements restrict 
international producers, while local producers benefit from exemptions. A news article in the Hanoi English newspaper of 10 September mentions Decree 94, enacted in early 2013 by the Ministry of 
Industry and Trade, which aims to restrict alco hol imports. Under the new regulatory measure, 
“enterprises must now have a "letter of attorney" from manufacturers or alcohol brand owners in order to import alcohol”. Along with restrictions on advertising and promotion, this would appear to be another measure to hinder foreign spirits imports, along the lines of the Decree 197.   
4.167.  Another hurdle to business is when responsibility for a certain sector or product is shared 
between multiple ministries and departments. Frequently, this leaves businesses waiting for the results of lengthy internal consultations before they can start or resume their activities. Increased 
simplicity, predictability, and transparency in Vi etnam’s business environment would ensure that 
Foreign Direct Investment keeps pace with the nation’s economic growth. 
4.168.  The unpredicted increase in royalties in the mining sector is a good example of another 
challenge to foreign investment. Investors in Viet Nam’s natural resources are now facing a 
Ministry of Finance proposal which would increase royalty rates to record levels. If this proposal were to be passed, it could jeopardise the plans and operations of several Canadian and foreign mining investors. There are alternatives: other ministries and state agencies are recommending 
that other ways be found to increase state revenues – the basic requirement being a predictable 
and stable investment climate. 
4.169.  As our second key area to highlight, we recommend that Viet Nam accelerate the reform of 
its financial services and banking sectors, and its large state-owned enterprises, which continue to 
play a dominant role in many industrial sectors,  distorting the market to the detriment of the 
private sector. Lack of financial credit and excessive state ownership are limiting factors in the 
evolution to a modern market economy in Viet Nam. Both the financial sector and state-owned 
enterprises should remain targets of Viet Nam’s anti-corruption efforts. Measurements and perceptions gathered by Transparency International (TI) reveal relatively high levels of financial secrecy, corruption and lack of transparency. Th e 2012 World Bank’s Report on “Costs of Doing 
Business” ranks Viet Nam low in terms of protection for foreign investors. A healthy financial 
sector and a rationalized, focussed public sector would afford maximum opportunity for local and foreign businesses to drive Viet Nam’s development. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.170.  Third, Canada would encourage Viet Nam to allow market economy principles to play a 
greater role in the development of its trade and trade-related policies. Many current practices fail to take into account factors such as marketing strategies, product seasonality, customer segmentation or overlap with the export regulation s of most of Viet Nam’s trading partners. Such 
practices include: (i) minimum prices or reference pricing for duty valuation; (ii) insufficient use of 
HS codes to define import measures, which can th en become needlessly broad; and (iii) individual 
exporter approval systems.  
4.171.  We believe that these issues are not so much conflicts between Vietnamese state goals 
and market economy principles but rather may be the result of insufficient consultation, both internally and externally, when such policies and rules are being developed. We encourage Viet Nam to seek greater and earlier input from the private sector and other stakeholders, as well as to 
undertake technical discussions with its main trading partners during the development of policies 
and regulations.  
ARGENTINA 
4.172.  Nos complace participar en el primer Exam en de la Política Comercial de Viet Nam, país 
con el que la Argentina mantiene una excelente relación, como lo prueba la visita que la Sra. Presidente Cristina Fernández de Kirchner realizó a Viet Nam a mediados de enero de este 
año.  
4.173.  El intercambio comercial entre ambos países creció sostenidamente en los últimos años. 
Las exportaciones argentinas a Viet Nam pasaron de 331 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2007 a 870 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2012, en tanto las importaciones crecieron de 48 millones de 
dólares EE.UU. a 150 millones de dólares EE.UU. en el mismo período. De esta manera, en 2012 el 
comercio total alcanzó más de 1.000 millones de  dólares EE.UU., lo que representó un aumento 
del 15% respecto al año anterior. 
4.174.  Viet Nam constituye uno de los casos exitosos de reformas políticas y económicas, con una 
economía fuertemente orientada al exterior en la que el comercio de bienes y servicios representa más del 170% del PBI. Gracias a las reformas económicas iniciadas hacia 1986 el país tuvo un 
notable crecimiento económico que le permitió mejorar los estándares de vida y reducir la 
pobreza. 
4.175.  A pesar de haber sido afectado por la crisis financiera mundial de 2008, notamos que ha 
tomado una serie de medidas, logrando mantener sólidos fundamentos económicos y un nivel de 
desempleo bajo control. 
4.176.  Confiamos en que la determinación del gobierno de Viet Nam de continuar el proceso de 
reestructuración económica conforme al Master Plan para el período 2013-2020 le permitirá 
mejorar la calidad, eficiencia y competitividad y alcanzar su objetivo de convertirse en un país 
industrializado moderno, con un crecimiento sustentable e inclusivo.  
4.177.  En cuanto a su política comercial, destacamos que, si bien Viet Nam consolidó todo el 
universo arancelario en un rango de 0-40% cuando ingresó a la OMC, su arancel promedio NMF ha 
declinado significativamente desde 18,5% en 2007 a 10,4% en 2013.  
4.178.  Con respecto a las medidas no arancelarias, en el caso de estándares y reglamentos 
técnicos, observamos que a fines de 2012 Vietnam tenía 6800 estándares nacionales de los cuales 
sólo el 40% estaba armonizado con estándares internacionales o regionales. En el caso de las 
medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias, si bien el objetivo es armonizar completamente dichas medidas con los estándares establecidos por la OIE, el Codex Alimentarius y el IPPC, no se ha fijado una 
fecha para cumplir con ese objetivo.  
4.179.  Instamos a Viet Nam a continuar el proceso de armonización de sus medidas sanitarias y 
fitosanitarias y a finalizarlo en un plazo bien determinado. 
4.180.  Quisiéramos destacar que compartimos el enfoque de Viet Nam sobre el sistema 
multilateral de comercio, al que considera una pieza central para asegurar la estabilidad y apertura del sistema de comercio mundial y para resolver las disputas comerciales. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  PHILIPPINES 
4.181.  The Philippines fully  associates itself with the statemen t made by Malaysia on behalf of 
ASEAN.  
4.182.  It is worth noting that six years ago, Viet Nam became the 150th Member of the WTO. 
Viet Nam’s membership ensured its integration into the global economy and enabled it to gain 
more access to attractive markets while at the same time, opening its own market to others. Thanks to Viet Nam’s comprehensive economic reforms, its transformation from a centrally 
planned economy into a market economy and the implementation of open door policies gained 
remarkable achievements in its economic develo pment. In the period 2007-2012, annual economic 
growth rate is 6.3% while per capita income in creased more than three times with the economic 
structure shifting towards reducing the share of agriculture and increasing the share of industry 
and service.  
4.183.  As close neighbours and ASEAN members, the Philippines and Viet Nam share common 
interests and converge in many areas reflecting both the diversity and complementarities of our 
economies. Based on the five-year statistics on me rchandise trade, the flow of goods between the 
Philippines and Viet Nam has been growing stro nger every year. With more trade promotion 
activities between Viet Nam and the Philippines, we  are hopeful that the trend of growing bilateral 
trade can be sustained. The regular convening of the Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Trade Committee 
(JTC) meeting is one mechanism that allows both sides to meet and discuss trade and market promotion initiatives that could pave the way for more active and mutually beneficial economic engagements.  
4.184.  The Philippines and Viet Nam recently celebrated over 37 years of diplomatic relations yet 
our engagement goes further back in history wh en our ancestors, who were largely seafaring 
adventurers, crossed the seas to trade and build friendships. The Philippines and Viet Nam are 
therefore not divided by seas but are connected by them. These historic ties continue to be the 
anchor of our relations to this day.  
URUGUAY 
4.185.  La apertura de la Embajada de Uruguay en Hanoi ha permitido y contribuido a la 
intensificación de las relaciones bilaterales entre ambos países. Uruguay desea reiterar su firme expectativa de que en un futuro cercano Viet Nam proceda a la apertura de su misión diplomática en Montevideo y así disponer de otro importante instrumento y un canal para la promoción de las 
relaciones económico-comerciales entre ambos Estados. 
4.186.  Uruguay desea reiterar su buena disposición para otorgar el reconocimiento de Viet Nam 
como economía de mercado tema que ya ha sido conversado entre ambos países pero que aún no 
hemos definido. 
4.187.  Uruguay desea también destacar la reciente apertura del mercado vietnamita para carne 
bovina, ovina y porcina (fresca, refrigerada o co ngelada) con o sin hueso y la correspondiente 
aprobación de múltiples plantas exportadoras. Se confía asimismo en que a la brevedad se habilite 
el pleno ingreso al mercado vietnamita de otros productos uruguayos como cítricos, arándanos y otras frutas, así como soja, trigo, etc. A su vez también se prevé que Uruguay sea incluido en breve plazo en la lista de países habilitados a ex portar productos de pesca a Viet Nam. Tenemos la 
expectativa de convertirnos en un proveedor confiable y permanente de Viet Nam. 
4.188.  Quisiéramos informar que el pasado 15 de agosto culminaron las instancias técnicas de la 
negociación de un acuerdo para evitar la doble imposición y prevenir la evasión fiscal con relación 
a los impuestos a la renta y al patrimonio. También se ratificó el Acuerdo bilateral de Promoción y 
Protección de Inversiones vigente desde el 9 de septiembre de 2011. Se espera que estos dos instrumentos contribuyan al fortalecimiento de los lazos económicos y comerciales ente Viet Nam y 
Uruguay. 
4.189.  En poco tiempo Viet Nam se ha posicionado como un socio comercial importante de 
Uruguay en Asia y por esto es importante también que Viet Nam perciba a Uruguay como una puerta de entrada al cono sur y a Sudamérica. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  CUBA 
4.190.  En el período que se examina, la evolución económica y comercial vietnamita muestra 
logros significativos que permitieron la reducción de la pobreza y la mejora del desarrollo humano. Numerosos sectores experimentaron un crecimiento importante en los últimos años, entre otros la 
agricultura, la pesca, la minería y los servicios por lo que los felicitamos. Asimismo, valoramos su 
firme compromiso con el SMC y las normas de la OMC. 
4.191.  Cuba y Viet Nam mantienen vínculos sólidos y estables. Nuestras relaciones están basadas 
en las similitudes de los niveles de desarrollo socioeconómico, puntos de coincidencia en los 
procesos históricos e intereses en el marco de las relaciones Sur-Sur. 
4.192.  El intercambio comercial con nuestro país ha tenido un desarrollo paulatino, muy por 
debajo de las potencialidades existentes entre ambos. Viet Nam es el segundo socio comercial de 
Cuba en la región asiática. 
4.193.  Considerando la importancia de Viet Nam en nuestras relaciones económicas externas, se 
acordó entre los dos países comenzar a trabajar en  el diseño de una Agenda Económica bilateral, 
de forma tal que nos permita trazar una estrategia de trabajo a mediano y largo plazos. El objetivo 
común es profundizar y ampliar el intercambio comercial, las inversiones conjuntas y la cooperación bilateral en sectores priorizados para ambos países. A partir de la implementación de 
esta Agenda, se diversificará la cooperación bilateral, abriendo nuevos horizontes de 
oportunidades de negocios y de inversiones conjuntas. 
HONDURAS 4.194.  Sin duda alguna, Viet Nam es una historia exitosa de desarrollo. Gracias a las reformas 
políticas y económicas Doi Moi implementadas desde 1986, Viet Nam pasó a ser de uno de los 
países más pobres del mundo a un país de renta media baja en un cuarto de siglo. Dichas reformas impulsaron la transformación de la economía de comercio e inversión. 
4.195.  Gracias a esas políticas de reforma, Viet Nam comparado con otros, ha obtenido resultados 
muy positivos en su crecimiento económico, especialmente con respecto al ascenso del nivel de vida y la reducción de la pobreza. La proporción  de la población en situación de pobreza se ha 
reducido del 58% en 1993 al 14,5% en 2008, y la mayoría de los indicadores de bienestar han 
mejorado. Viet Nam ya cumplió con cinco de sus diez metas de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio originales y está en el camino hacia la consecución de dos más en 2015. 
4.196.  Durante las dos décadas transcurridas entre la introducción de la política de Doi Moi y la 
adhesión a la OMC en 2007, las reformas económic as orientadas hacia el mercado, sumadas a la 
liberalización del comercio y la inversión, han contribuido al desarrollo considerable de Viet Nam. Notamos con enorme satisfacción que desde su adhesión a la OMC en 2007, Viet Nam se ha 
beneficiado en gran medida con su participación en el sistema multilateral de comercio. Viet Nam 
ahora garantiza el trato MFN a todos los Miembros de la OMC, creando condiciones de igualdad en sus mercados de exportación. Asimismo, su adhesión impulsó el aumento de las exportaciones de 
textiles y vestido, gracias a un mayor acceso a los mercados para sus mercancías y a la 
eliminación del sistema de contingentes. 
4.197.  Acogemos con agrado los nuevos esfuerzos emprendidos el año pasado por el Gobierno 
vietnamita para ayudar a estabilizar la macroeconomía, los cuales dieron como resultado el Plan 
Director de reestructuración económica destinado a reformar el modelo de crecimiento para 
mejorar la calidad, la eficiencia y la competitividad en el período 2013-2020. Dicho plan presta atención a las reformas estructurales, la sostenib ilidad ambiental, la equidad social y cuestiones 
emergentes de la estabilidad macroeconómica. En él se definen como áreas de crecimiento: la 
promoción de los recursos humanos, la mejora de instituciones de mercado y el desarrollo de infraestructuras, con el fin general de sentar las bases para convertir a Viet Nam en una sociedad 
industrializada para el 2020. 
4.198.  A nivel bilateral, Honduras y Viet Nam establecieron relaciones diplomáticas desde mayo 
del 2005, sin embargo nuestras relaciones al día de hoy no son tan fuertes como quisiéramos. El Presidente Lobo Sosa ha manifestado en ocasiones anteriores su deseo de robustecer las WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  relaciones de amistad y cooperación multifacética entre ambos países. De igual forma, implusar los 
nexos entre el Sistema de integración de Centroamérica y la Asociación de naciones del Sudeste Asiático. Confiamos que en un futuro próximo podramos lograr afianzar nuestras relaciones tanto a nivel bilateral como regional. 
GUATEMALA 
4.199.  Al igual que han destacado mis antecesores, quiero destacar el buen trabajo que ha venido 
realizando Viet Nam en los últimos años en materia de reformas políticas y económicas, lo cual los 
ha posicionado como uno de los países de su región con mayor crecimiento inter-anual medio. Ello 
no quiere decir que, como todos, no enfrenten grandes desafíos. Tal y como se indica en el Informe de la Secretaría, a pesar de estos desafíos han logrado importantes avances como la disminución en las tasas de desempleo y el incremento en la competitividad de sus exportaciones, 
entre otros. 
4.200.  Nos complace observar que la economía vietnamita está orientada al comercio exterior, 
principalmente dirigido al mercado Asia-Pacífico. Nuestro país está convencido de la importancia 
que representa la cooperación en el foro Aisa-Pacífico del cual Viet Nam es miembro. Por esta 
razón, Guatemala ha iniciado gestiones para formar parte integral de dicho foro, por lo tanto, si bien el intercambio comercial entre Guatemala y Viet  Nam no es significativo en la actualidad, esto 
abriría una importante puerta hacia una mayor relación comercial y cooperación entre ambos 
países. 
4.201.  Por otro lado, hemos notado con preocupación algunos de los resultados que plasma la 
Secretaría en su Informe relacionados con las políticas comerciales de Viet Nam, siendo una de 
éstas el hecho de que este país mantenga el apoyo a sectores específicos como el de la 
agricultura, prendas de vestir y textiles utilizando para ello una serie de subvenciones en forma de incentivos fiscales y no fiscales, sobre las que sigue sin disponerse de información desde el año 
2007. También es preocupante observar prácticas de contratación pública fuera del Acuerdo de 
Contratación Pública de la OMC. 
4.202.  Así mismo, tenemos conocimiento de que Viet Nam ha realizado fuertes inversiones en 
empresas exportadoras y nos gustaría saber qué tipo de incentivos o subsidios directos reciben 
dichas inversiones. 
4.203.  Para muchos países centroamericanos, entre ellos Guatemala, los sectores de la 
agricultura y la confección representan unas de las principales fuentes de trabajo y de las más 
importantes actividades económicas, por lo que es fundamental competir a nivel global en 
condiciones similares y alineadas con las disposiciones y compromisos adquiridos en esta organización.  
4.204.  En términos generales, reconocemos los esfuerzos de Viet Nam en importantes áreas y 
esperamos que estos esfuerzos vayan progresivamente alcanzando los objetivos planteados. 
NORWAY 
4.205.  The ties of cooperation and friendship be tween Norway and Viet Nam are strong, and have 
expanded in many areas since 1971, when formal diplomatic relations between our countries were 
established. In 2008, the Norwegian Government  launched the "The Viet Nam Strategy" as the 
basis for contacts with Viet Nam. 
4.206.  These ties are further strengthened as negotiations on a free trade agreement between 
Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are currently on-going. Norway is proud to be the EFTA-coordinator in this process, and we  hope to see the conclusion of a comprehensive 
FTA as soon as possible. 
4.207.  Norway acknowledges and welcomes the econ omic reform and subsequent liberalization of 
trade and investment regime, that has taken place over the past decades and especially since 
Viet Nam became the 150
th WTO Member in 2007. Trade and FDI reforms and liberalization were 
keys to improved competitiveness and the export-led growth strategy. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  4.208.  Transparency and predictability are central parts of a well-functioning trade regime. In that 
context we commend Viet Nam for having bound  all its tariffs. We also acknowledge and 
appreciate the work done on customs modernizat ion within the framework "Strategy for Customs 
development through 2020" mentioned in the Gove rnment Report. We would at this juncture 
reiterate and emphasize the significance of all bo rder agencies dedicating themselves to working 
together to attain the benefits of trade facilitation. 
4.209.  Along the same lines, there seems to be  still some room for im provement regarding the 
transparency and predictability of the systems fo r business registration and investment licensing. 
As well as for clarification of the hierarchy of legal documents which can be unnecessarily 
complicated and unclear. 
4.210.  In recent years. There has been a substantial increase in bilateral trade and investment 
between Norway and Viet Nam. A number of Norwegian businesses in the maritime industries have 
established a presence in Viet Nam, seeing opportunities for strong growth in Vietnamese sea-based and off-shore economic activity. 
4.211.  With Viet Nam's growing energy needs, rene wable energy is likely to be another key area 
of commercial collaboration in the years ahead. Norway has developed hydropower for more than 
100 years, and renewable energy now covers about 60% of our energy consumption. It is positive 
that Viet Nam has made efforts to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the total 
domestic energy production. 
4.212.  We note with particular interest the developments in the regulatory framework concerning 
implementation of wind-power projects described in section 4.75 (p.112) of the Secretariat Report. 
We also note that Viet Nam is taking steps towards establishing a competitive power market 
(section 4.77 p.114) as well as to increase private participation in the power sector through open competitive bidding (section 4.78 p.115). We welc ome the possibility for increased cooperation 
between Norwegian and Vietnamese companies in the renewable energy sector. 
4.213.  In April this year, Norway's minister of Trade and Industry visited Viet Nam. During his 
stay he had the opportunity to engage with Norw egian businesses large and small in Hanoi, Ho Chi 
Minh City and Vung Tau, experiencing first-hand  the Norwegian business community's favourable 
view of Viet Nam as a place for investment and doing business. 
4.214.  There is however, one issue that we woul d like to highlight on a less positive note: GIEK, 
the Norwegian Guarantee Institute for Export Cred its, has an outstanding, unsettled and overdue 
claim on the state-owned enterprises and the public sector in Viet Nam, and specifically GIEK's 
ability/willingness to issue guarantees for new proj ects in Viet Nam. A speedy resolution of this 
matter would help alleviate concerns about investment and financial risks in Viet Nam. 
4.215.  Norway appreciates Viet Nam's continued su pport for and contribution to the multilateral 
trading system, and commends Viet Nam for the implementation of its WTO-commitments as a recently acceded Member. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  VIET NAM AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
5.1.  First of all, I would like to thank Ambassador Francisco Pirez Gordillo and all the Members for 
your very insightful views, comments and question s that were raised at the first review session. 
Most of the issues raised at the first meeting were already addressed in our replies to advance 
written questions that were distributed on Tuesday. Bearing that in mind, in my statement today I 
would like to focus on the issues of common interest among the Members. 
5.2.  Regarding the economic environment, we would like to thank all the Members for your 
compliments and encouragement for the achievements  made during the past 25 years of Doi Moi, 
as well as for our efforts to cope with the macroeconomic instability within the review period. In order to attain long-term sustainable economic growth, the Government of Viet Nam is determined to successfully implement the Master plan for economic reforms and restructuring, with the 
reforms in the financial sector, SOEs and public investment being top priorities, which could in 
turns help improve the investment environment for domestic and foreign investors.  
5.3.  We have been making tireless efforts to build a transparent, predictable economic 
environment. Since WTO accession, we have be come more determined in working towards a 
rule-based economy, which is built upon the guiding principles of the multilateral trading system and the commitments we made. We have been serious in removing all the WTO-incompatible 
measures such as export and import-substitution subsidies. We have been streamlining the policy 
making process that takes the inputs and comments from the public seriously. However, there are a few exceptional instances, where a measure may have been promulgated either without adequate consultation with the business community , or entered into force before the prescribed 
period for emergency reason. We take note of your legitimate concerns and will try our best to 
correct the situation in the future. 
5.4.  With respect to investment and export-import procedures, we acknowledge that there is 
room for further improvement. We are determined to minimize the inconsistencies among 
provinces and agencies. We will find a way to en sure better coordination among the government 
agencies and between the central and local levels of government, as suggested by Members.     
5.5.  We are fully aware of the detriments that corrupt practices might bring to the investment 
environment. We are also conscious of the problems related to SOEs. That's why the Government has vowed to reform the state-owned enterprises, including economic groups. With the ratification of the United Nation Convention on Anti-Corruption and the recent amendment of the 
Anti-corruption Law and implementing decrees, which provide for more effective, proportionate 
and dissuasive sanctions, Viet Nam has been more ambitious than ever in the fight against corruption, promoting integrity among public offi cials, and reforming corporate governance. With 
high political will, we believe that the fight agains t corruption will achieve more meaningful results. 
5.6.  With respect to Trade Policy Regime and tran sparency in legislative process, we concur with 
Members that, in a number of cases, business registration and investment licensing remain 
complex for both domestic and foreign investors. However, built on the encouraging results of the 
administrative reform program during 2001-2010, also known as "Project 30", we believe that administrative procedures will be greatly simplified during its succeeding stage, reducing administrative burdens and thus transactions costs for both the government and the business 
community.  
5.7.  In my opening remarks, I mentioned that tran sparency and predictability is some of the most 
enduring benefits that WTO Membership could bring about. Therefore, despite resources 
constraints, we have been making efforts in noti fying to the TBT, SPS, Trade Remedies, and Trade 
in Goods Committees in a timely manner. However, we fully agree that we could, and should do better. I do hope that, with the continued technical assistance and support from the Secretariat 
and Members, we will make notable progress in this area in the near future. 
5.8.  Let me now turn to trade policies by measures, which attract a good deal of attention from 
Members.  
5.9.  As mentioned in the Report, Viet Nam's average ad valorem  tariff rate has been reduced from 
18.5% upon accession to 10.4% in 2013. That is well below our average final bound rate of more WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  than 13%, showing the willingness of the Government to create more favourable conditions for 
international trade. However, during the time of global crises, we were forced to go back to the bound rates in a limited number of cases. Although it was done in full compliance with our WTO commitments, we do hope that, as the world economy recovers, we will be able to consider going 
back to a more favourable applied rate. 
5.10.  With respect to the issue of Reference Price, Viet Nam confirms that reference price is not 
minimum price for custom valuation, and it is not used as a mechanism for the purposes of 
customs valuation. Reference price is rather used as a risk assessment tool, helping filter cases 
exposed to risk in fraudulent declared value by importers. Indeed, this tool is allowed under the Customs Valuation Agreement. Specifically, as defined in Article 17, "no provision of this Agreement shall be construed as limiting or questi oning the right of the customs authorities in the 
implementation of measures to ensure the truthfulness or accuracy of any statement, any 
documents or any declaration given for customs value determination." Viet Nam follows strictly six methods provided for under Article VII of the GATT and the Agreement on Customs Valuation. 
5.11.  Regarding the inconsistency in the application of HS codes at the time of importation, we 
acknowledge the existence of product misclassification in certain cases, and are taking steps to restrict the deviation from proper application of HS Codes. Specifically, Minister of Finance has 
recently approved the "Scheme for improving th e capacity of the customs agencies on the 
classification of goods and the determination of the customs value by 2020", which focuses on, 
inter alia , advanced training on customs, building databases, investment in upgrading facilities and 
technical equipment, and strengthening international cooperation on classification of goods and 
customs value. 
5.12.  With respect to the issue of antidump ing and safeguard investigation on imports of 
cold-rolled stainless steel and vegetable oil, we take notes of the comments made and would like 
to assure that we will make every efforts to ensure the proceedings be transparent and in full 
compliance with WTO rules.  
5.13.  On the issue of fisheries subsidy raised by a number of Members, we will make efforts to 
notify in the coming time. 
5.14.  A number of Members raised their concerns with respect to Circular 25 regarding individual 
exporter approval systems. While more clarification is needed to provide a detailed response, we would encourage concerned exporters to contact SPS Enquiry Point under the Ministry of 
Agriculture and Rural Development in Hanoi for assistance.  
5.15.  With respect to IPR enforcement, on 17th of September we have provided updated 
responses to certain questions from a number of  Members, please refer to those for more 
information. What I would like to emphasize here is that apart from civil and criminal measures, 
Viet Nam does apply administrative measures as complementary to criminal enforcement. In our opinion, the current level of administrative fines is sufficiently high to deter IPR infringement. 
5.16.  With respect to trade policies in certain sectors, a number of Members raised the issue of 
registration of pharmaceutical products, on whic h we have provided written responses. We would 
like to reassure here that registration process is not a protective measure and is not designed to discriminate imported products. 
5.17.  With regards to overfishing, Viet Nam does not intend to encourage overfishing and always 
attaches high importance to marine resources protection and proper exploitation.  
5.18.  Regarding liquor production and distribution pursuant to Decree 94 mentioned by a number 
of Members, there must have been some misunderstanding. Let me affirm here that there is 
absolutely no protective or discriminatory provision in that Decree. We will give you more detailed written clarification in due course. 
5.19.  A Member has raised concerns with respect to Decree No.72, which, in our view, is 
supposed to promote competition, create fair and transparent business environment for enterprises and enhance security on the Internet. The identification of a clear and transparent legal framework associated with the Law on Telecommunication and other guiding documents will WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  facilitate the development of telecommunication and internet infrastructure in Viet Nam, facilitate 
the development of new forms of information in accordance with the actual development of the internet in Viet Nam, and ensure preserving traditional culture, national identity, protect public morals, and social order. 
5.20.  With respect to the request to provide ba ckground to the treatment of local and foreign 
films, we would like to assure you that our regulation is absolutely in line with WTO provisions, which aims at preserving the national identity and cultural diversity. 
5.21.  With all the other requests and suggestions for Viet Nam to further liberalization by 
acceding GPA, joining negotiations to expand ITA, removing capital restrictions on certain services 
sectors, etc. we take notes of your suggestions an d will take them into account during the process 
of implementing the economic reforms. 
5.22.  This is the very first Trade Policy Review  of Viet Nam, which I think is an excellent 
opportunity to look back and reflect on the achi evements as well the outstanding issues that our 
economy is facing. We would like to thank the Members for all the insightful comments, 
suggestions and recommendations for improvement. We look forward to engage and consult with 
all of you in a meaningful way to improve our ec onomic environment as well as to strengthen the 
multilateral trading system. With that in mind, we  are prepared to listen to Members' concerns and 
comments at any time, not six years from now. With all the outstanding questions, we will try our 
best to provide responses in a timely manner. 
5.23.  Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Ambassador 
Joakim Reiter for his excellent chairmanship, His Excellency Ambassador Discussant Francisco 
Pirez Gordillo for your thoughtful views to facili tate the exchanges of views, all the Members and 
the WTO Secretariat for the smooth running of the first Trade Policy Review of Viet Nam. I also would like to thank our colleagues from the TPR Division, the interpreters and secretaries for their 
hard work. 
DISCUSSSANT 5.24.  The first Trade Policy Review of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has allowed us to better 
understand the evolution of its trade policies and practices and has helped us to understand the 
past and future challenges facing this interesting country. 
5.25.  We must not forget that only less than seven years have passed since the Viet Nam's entry 
to the WTO and that during that short period of time, the country has transformed many aspects 
of its economy and its society to permanently integrate in the multilateral trading system. That is 
why attaches great importance to the success of the Ministerial Conference in Bali as an intermediate step that will allow a su ccessful conclusion of the Doha Round. 
5.26.  This clear commitment to international economic integration was reiterated again by the 
Vice Minister Quoc Khanh during the first day. 
5.27.  Progress on the level of economic openne ss through its various reforms, growth of 6.3 % 
observed during the period 2007-2012, the competitiveness achieved in certain sectors of the 
economy, low unemployment rates, as well as inclusive development that Viet Nam has achieved deserve a special appreciation as most Members have expressed. 
5.28.  It is also important to note that many Members highlighted Viet Nam's low tariffs and in 
particular that despite the different economic crises, it has largely refrained from taking 
protectionist measures. 
5.29.  Like everything in life and despite successe s, there are also challenges to face and solve in 
the future. I will not present an exhaustive list but I will refer to some of the main concerns raised 
in the different interventions. In this regard: 
 Some Members mentioned the need to achieve greater coordination between different 
 authorities to establish different regulations because this will avoid the complexity that WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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   exists today in the legal system, at the same time it will provide greater transparency and 
 predictability to all stakeholders operating in the market. 
 In the line of transparency, some Members encouraged Viet Nam to submit its outstanding 
 notifications to the various WTO bodies. 
 Other Members made mention to the need of co ntinuing the efforts and reforms to achieve 
 greater efficiency in the business enviro nment and solve the problems of lack of 
 infrastructure. 
 The protection of intellectual property was another point mentioned by several Members not 
 only as essential element to attract new investments but also to promote the development  of different economic areas. 
 In the area of State-owned Enterprises, several members expressed the desire to see 
 greater openness in this sector and equal treatment among domestic and foreign operators. 
 Members had different concerns about some sectorial policies such as in agriculture, food 
 security, fisheries, mining, manufacturing, energy and services among others, that could be 
 improved to achieve greater competitiveness,  transparency and efficiency. We thank the 
 Vice Minister Quock Khanhn for the answers given to some of the questions raised during  the first day. 
5.30.  There is no question that the transformation process of one country does not happen 
overnight, so it is important to consider not only what needs to be done but also what Viet Nam has achieved so far during this short period of time. 
5.31.  I am confident as I have noticed in the dial ogue held with the authorities of Viet Nam, after 
the first day of examination, that this exercise w ill be useful to continue the process of internal 
reforms that the country has decided to make since the 80's when began with the implementation of Doi Moi. 
5.32.  The gradual and progressive opening of the economy of a country means adopting a hard 
road to travel that it is not an easy one for any member, so I congratulate again Viet Nam with the progress made so far and also for the constructive attitude adopted during its first trade policy 
review. This attitude gives me the confidence that in the next TPR many of the comments we have 
made will be collected in the different future policies that the country will implement. 
5.33.  Finally, I want to express once again the honour and privilege of having participated as a 
Discussant in this first TPR of Viet Nam and I wish the country every success in the future. 
UNITED
 STATES 
5.34.  The United States would like to start its comments today just by expressing its appreciation 
for its active participation in Viet Nam's first TPR. We also want to say thanks for your responses 
to our advance written questions. 
5.35.  United States does have three follow-up questions which we have submitted to the 
Secretariat in writing. I just want to briefly cover them.  
5.36.  The first one has to do with notifications wi th a specific question on import licensing. We 
just want to ask Viet Nam to confirm that it intends to include all of its licensing procedures, whether they are automatic or non-automatic in its upcoming Article 7.3 submission to the WTO under the Import Licensing Agreement. 
5.37.  The other two questions are in the area of intellectual property. The first was a follow-up of 
a question we asked on the variations in the monetary amounts of fines. We would appreciate to know if there are specific external factors that can explain considerable variations highlighted by 
the Secretariat Report in the number of cases being handled each year. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  5.38.  The final question, also in the area of intellectual property, is a follow-up question to a 
response given to the European Union where Viet Nam indicated that it has taken steps to improve its IPR enforcement regime, including "Reform IPR related administrative procedures". The United States would appreciate clarification on these reforms and specific information on what they entail. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.39.  The EU would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the delegation of Viet Nam for 
the efforts to reply to almost all of our questions on time. We have raised a large number of 
questions to Viet Nam but this only reflects our keen interest in Viet Nam's trade policy. 
5.40.  We also have some follow-up questions that we have submitted to the WTO Secretariat, 
notably in the areas of corporate governance and anti-corruption action; investment regime; import procedures and requirements; government procurement; state-owned enterprises; 
privatization; and services, in particular banking and finance. 
5.41.  The EU hopes that Viet Nam would take advantage of the comments raised by several WTO 
Members to address certain aspects in the areas of its trade policies, particularly in the 
state-owned sector. In this respect, we have take n note of the statement of Deputy Minister this 
morning. 
JAPAN 
5.42.  Japan highly appreciates Viet Nam's delegation for providing us with informative 
explanations. I also would like to express my ap preciation for the insightful comments from the 
Discussant, H.E. Mr Francisco Pirez Gordillo.  
5.43.  Japan submitted several follow-up questions to the Secretariat regarding the answers to our 
questions provided in writing format. Those are about an organization which can mediate in case 
of problem arising between foreign investors and agencies, the new Information System of Customs, trading rights, the fees and the charges under consideration at the ports of Cai Mep-Thi 
Vai, and the infrastructure in the areas planned for goods trading activities. 
RUSSIAN
 FEDERATION 
5.44.  Let me congratulate Viet Nam for its first Trade Policy Review. We appreciate the hard work 
of Viet Nam delegation and we are very glad to participate in this meeting. 
5.45.  Viet Nam is an important trading partner for the Russian Federation. Moreover, as you may 
know, we are holding negotiations on free trad e agreement between Viet Nam and the Russian 
Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Belarus at the moment. So, once 
again, it is very important for us to have a chance to participate in this meeting. 
5 .4 6 .  At the  s ame time  we  have  to ap ologize  as  we  d id n' t manage to s ub mit our q ue s tions  in  
accordance with the deadline. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to submit them after the 
deadline. We would appreciate receiving answers and we share concerns of delegations who had 
the floor on the first day, particularly in the fields of application of safeguards, antidumping and countervailing measures. And, for example, how the application of safeguards measures for a 
period of ten years is complied with the WTO provisions. We would also like Viet Nam to clarify the 
reason for the absence of Viet Nam's subsidy notifications to the WTO Secretariat since 2007. 
VIET
 NAM 
5.47.  On the follow-up questions from Members re ceived after the deadline, we confirm that we 
will reply in due course within the timeframe sp ecified by the TPR Mechanism. We will do every 
effort in order to answer all the questions. We wi ll not only answer to the follow-up questions and 
to the late questions but we will update and give more clarification on the answers already 
circulated to you.  
5.48.  To answer to the US question concerning the import licensing and the notification process, 
we fully understand that we need to improve the notifications to the WTO. During the past, due to WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  constraints and some technicality of the problems, we have not been able to notify all the things 
that we had the obligation to notify to the WTO. Bu t when we will come back home there will be a 
programme to improve our notifications to the WT O and during that process I would very much 
appreciate if the Secretariat and Members could give us a hand by giving us technical assistance. 
As you know, to make a notification is very burdensome, complicated and complex. In the future 
notification, I confirm that they will be notification on the import licensing mechanism, either being automatic or non-automatic. On IPR question from the US, we will give the answer in due course.  
5.49.  Concerning the follow-up questions from the EU, Japan, and other countries, we will make 
every effort to answer you as soon as possibl e within the timeframe of the WTO Mechanism.  
5.50.  Thank you again for your suggestions, comment s, and questions. We came to this TPR very 
open minded and it is a very good opportunity for us to receive comments from Members to help 
to improve our economic environment and the environment for the investors. Please come to us at 
any time if you have problems. At first, some procedures could be complicated but once people learn about that it is much easier. For example, there was a total misunderstanding with Decree 
No. 94 concerning the legal importation and distribution. We will give you the written clarification 
on that. Let me assure you that everything we do is with good intention. We never had any 
intention to have some kind of protectionism or discrimination against imported goods and 
services. 
5.51.  With that in mind, let me thank you very much for your presence, attention, comments, and 
suggestions. We will take them into serious account and I hope that at the next TPR you will see the big improvements from Viet Nam. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  This first Trade Policy Review of Viet Nam has provided an excellent opportunity to improve 
our understanding of its trade and investment policies. I would like to sincerely thank H.E. Mr Quoc Khanh Tran, Vice-Minister of Industry and Trad e, Ambassador Trung Thanh Nguyen, Permanent 
Representative of Viet Nam to the WTO, and the re st of the very large Vietnamese delegation, for 
their open, frank and constructive engagement throughout this exercise. I would also like to thank Ambassador Francisco Pirez Gordillo, Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the WTO, for his 
interventions as discussant. Viet Nam's written answers to the over 500 written questions have 
been well appreciated by Members and we look forward to its replies to the additional and 
outstanding questions, no later than one month after this meeting.  
6.2.  Members congratulated Viet Nam on its achievement in moving from being a low-income 
country with a centrally-planned economy to become a market-led lower middle-income economy. 
They strongly commended Viet Nam on its impressive socio-economic performance, allowing the country to substantially reduce its poverty levels, and secure high growth rates over the last 
couple of decades, as well as its gradual integrat ion to the multilateral trading system and rising 
competitiveness, making it an active player in export-led growth. Members recognized that these 
successes were the result of significant reforms initiated prior to, during and after its WTO 
accession and welcomed Viet Nam's determination to ensure that its WTO membership provides a 
renewed impetus for further domestic reforms rath er than being an the end in itself. In this 
context, while noting the recent macroeconomi c stabilization, some Members also expressed 
concern over Viet Nam's growth slowdown, underlining delays in the implementation of certain 
important structural reforms, not least of state owned enterprises (SOEs), and the systemic risks 
facing the financial sector. Viet Nam was encouraged to address these macroeconomic and structural challenges, including through its "Master Plan on Economic Restructuring" from 2012, if 
it is to maintain its development trajectory and achieve its established objective of becoming a 
modern industrialized country by 2020. 
6.3.  Members commended Viet Nam for its continued, active pursuit of trade liberalization in a 
multilateral, regional and bilateral context. Many Members praised Viet Nam for its firm 
commitment to trade openness as a means for development and its rejection of protectionism in general. Members welcomed Viet Nam's clear suppo rt for the WTO, the conclusion of the DDA and 
a successful outcome in Bali, illustrated by its constructive role, among other things, as Recently 
Acceded Member. At the same time, with such an  ambitious regional and bilateral agenda, the 
need to ensure compatibility with the multilater al trading system was highlighted. Some Members 
also invited Viet Nam to accede to the GPA in an expedited manner, and to join the on-going 
negotiations to expand the coverage of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA).  
6.4.  Members recognised Viet Nam's serious e fforts to implement its WTO accession package, 
among other things, highlighting the extensive ta riff reductions undertaken by Viet Nam and its 
relatively comprehensive services' reforms, as well as expressed appreciation for Viet Nam's 
efforts towards administrative reform, improved transparency of its trade regime, and enhanced 
protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. 
6.5.  Even so, despite the many positive and important steps taken to open up Viet Nam's trade 
regime and instil necessary reforms of its econ omy, Members pointed to a number of areas where 
further improvements could be made. The main – although admittedly non-exhaustive – areas for possible improvement brought up by Members during  the review include the following points and 
we take due note of the Vice-Minister's constructive statement in this regard:  
 Transparency of the regulatory  and institutional framework:  Several Members noted 
 that Viet Nam's administrative and legal system remains complex, and its functioning could 
 be improved through simplification, eliminatio n of overlapping responsibilities, and increased 
 transparency. Incoherence of laws and regulations, and inconsistency in their application by  authorities, presents serious problems for economic operators. As also recognized by 
 Viet Nam, work to comply with its notifica tion obligations towards the WTO needs to be 
 stepped up and Members have taken due note of Viet Nam's request for support in this area. 
 Many Members also saw a simpler, more stable, and predictable investment regime as  essential for Viet Nam to attract more foreign direct investment. WT/TPR/M/287 • Viet Nam 
 
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   Tariff and non-tariff measures:  Despite Viet Nam's general thrust towards trade 
 liberalization, a number of issues were highlighted by Members in their interventions and  written questions, including frequent tariff changes and the use of the gap between bound 
 and applied rates to "support" selected industries and the relatively high tariff protection 
 afforded to some industrial sectors and ag riculture. Similarly, Members pointed, with 
 concern, to new licensing requirements, customs valuation, minimum or reference prices  and classification issues, tax incentives and subsidies, and local content requirements in 
 government procurement. Concerns were also expressed regarding measures affecting 
 specific goods such as motor vehicles, pharma ceuticals, chemicals, and alcoholic beverages. 
 Effective protection of intellectual property rights remains a matter of high priority for both  Viet Nam and many of its trading partners. 
 Technical standards and sanitary and phytosanitary measures:  Although some 
 p r o g r e s s  h a s  b e e n  m a d e  i n  s e t t i n g  o f  technical regulations and standards and SPS 
 measures, some Members were concerned over the lack of sufficient opportunities to 
 comment on proposals, that the measures were more trade-restrictive than necessary, 
 particularly those relating to food safety, and that the measures deviated from international  standards. Members encouraged Viet Nam to act in line with its international obligations, 
 including under the TBT and SPS Agreements. 
 State owned enterprises and st ate control over the economy:  While noting the steps 
 taken to ensure equal treatment between foreign and domestic companies, Viet Nam was  strongly encouraged to continue reforms of its state owned sector to create a more level 
 playing field for all concerned. Considering the very sizable part of Viet Nam's economy that 
 is represented by state owned enterprises, a number of Members underlined that this  situation runs the risk of negatively affecting the overall business environment in Viet Nam 
 and thereby hindering its future economic development.  
 Sectoral issues:  Some Members noted the high rate of protection and support for certain 
 manufacturing activities, as well as new measures affecting mining royalties, some 
 telecommunication activities, air transport, distribution, and the broadcasting and film 
 industry. Certain Members recommended improving the operational framework of trade  related sectors (e.g., electricity supply, transp ort infrastructure), besides regulatory reforms 
 and trade liberalization in certain sectors. It was further noted that while agriculture 
 production had increased considerably and Viet Nam was now a major producer and 
 exporter of several agricultural products, th ere was concern over the lack of information 
 available on Government assistance to the sector, as well as that support to the fisheries 
 sector risks contributing to over-exploitation of fishing stocks. 
6.6.  In conclusion, Members generally recommend ed that Viet Nam continues undertaking further 
trade policy and structural reforms to further improve its overall efficiency, productivity, and 
competitiveness, and to maintain an open WTO-consistent trade and investment regime to secure 
sustainable growth and realize its full potential. Members invited Viet Nam to avoid resorting to trade restricting or distorting measures to promote domestic production.  
6.7.  Members warmly welcomed that this first TPR of Viet Nam has provided an opportunity to 
assess the points of progress and to identify further ways forward. The numerous questions posed 
and the participation of a large number of delegations in this meeting reflect Members' substantive interest in Viet Nam's trade and investment policies and practices. In closing, I would like to thank 
the Vietnamese delegation, all the other delegations, the discussant and the Secretariat for this 
successful review. 
 
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