Viet Nam currently implements 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) at both bilateral and multilateral levels, establishing free trade relations with many of the world’s leading trading partners. The implementation of these agreements in recent years has produced positive results, contributing to more dynamic trade and strengthening Viet Nam’s role in regional and global value chains.
Under the direction of the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has developed and finalised the 2025 FTA Index, a set of indicators for assessing the implementation of free trade agreements. The Index provides a comprehensive and systematic assessment of FTA implementation. It offers valuable information to state management agencies and serves as an important source of reference for businesses, foreign investors and industry associations when conducting research and developing investment and business plans in Viet Nam.
In 2025, following a rigorous, systematic and evidence-based approach, the Ministry of Industry and Trade surveyed and collected information on FTA implementation across all provinces and cities. The Ministry subsequently reported to the Prime Minister on the results of the 2024 FTA Index in Official Letter No. 4843/BCT-ĐB, dated 29 June 2026, concerning the implementation of the scheme to develop the FTA Index in provinces and cities in 2025.
In Official Letter No. 6655/VPCP-QHQT, dated 9 July 2026, the Office of the Government conveyed instructions from Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc, assigning the Ministry of Industry and Trade to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors and provinces and cities in preparing the 2025 FTA Index Announcement Ceremony.
In Official Letter No. 7658/VPCP-QHQT, dated 3 August 2026, the Office of the Government conveyed Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s agreement that Government leaders would attend and deliver remarks at the 2025 FTA Index Announcement Ceremony. The Prime Minister also assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies and provinces and cities to prepare the event carefully and ensure its successful organisation. In addition, the Ministry was tasked with coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant ministries, agencies and provinces and cities to select several exemplary provinces and cities in accordance with the prescribed criteria and standards.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is expected to hold the 2025 FTA Index Announcement Ceremony on the afternoon of 18 August 2026 at the International Convention Centre, 11 Le Hong Phong Street, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi.
The ceremony is expected to bring together more than 300 delegates, including Government leaders; representatives of central Party commissions and agencies; leaders of ministries and ministerial-level agencies; leaders of the People’s Committees of all 34 provinces and cities; representatives of industry associations and businesses; representatives of embassies and international organisations in Viet Nam; and members of the press and broadcast media.
Under the event programme, the Prime Minister will present Certificates of Merit to provinces and cities recognised for their performance in the 2025 assessment of FTA implementation. Leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other ministries and sectors will present Certificates of Merit to provinces and cities rated ‘Good’ in the 2025 assessment, as well as to those achieving the best results for individual component indicators of the 2025 FTA Index.
As part of the event, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will also launch the 2025 FTA Index website, with support from the Australian Government.
Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade Magazine.