Promoting international and regional economic integration, including participation in free trade agreements (FTAs), has been a consistent element of Viet Nam’s policy in recent years.
To date, Viet Nam has negotiated, signed and implemented 17 FTAs with more than 60 partners around the world, contributing significantly to the development of an increasingly strong and resilient economy.
However, practical experience shows that FTA implementation and utilisation remain uneven across localities. This highlights the need for measurement and assessment, stronger measures by the central and local authorities responsible for FTA implementation, and fresh thinking and action to maximise the opportunities offered by FTAs.
Since 2022, under the Government’s direction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been developing the FTA Implementation Index project (FTA Index).
The FTA Index is a quantitative and systematic tool based on surveys of enterprises in all 63 provinces and centrally governed cities.
The survey focuses on four key areas: enterprises’ access to FTA information; compliance with domestic legislation arising from FTA commitments; the effectiveness of programmes and policies supporting enterprises in utilising FTAs; and the local implementation of sustainable development commitments. It also records the difficulties and obstacles encountered by enterprises.
Following the development process and with the Prime Minister’s approval, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will hold the ceremony to announce the 2024 Provincial FTA Index this afternoon, 8 April.
The Prime Minister is expected to attend the event and deliver a keynote address. Attendees will also include leaders of central ministries and agencies and local authorities, as well as representatives of embassies, international organisations and business associations.
Industry and Trade Newspaper will continue to provide updates on the ceremony to announce the 2024 Provincial FTA Index.