PM Phuc meets WTO Director-General

PM Phuc described the visit to Vietnam by the WTO leader as a good opportunity for both sides to discuss ways to further cooperation in the time ahead.

Regarding Vietnam’s consistent policy of intensive and extensive international integration, the cabinet leader said Vietnam has negotiated and signed a number of bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) along with its active participation in the organisation’s activities. 

He informed the guest of the country’s ratification of a Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) as well as its preparations to approve a protocol amending the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in October. 

Phuc expressed his hope that the WTO continues supporting Vietnam during its development process, especially in the training of skilled human resources and legal experts, and improving the capacity of Vietnamese businesses in international trade activities, thus helping the country gain success from international economic integration. 

The WTO Director-General said that Vietnam still holds huge potential for further development as an active member of the WTO. 

The Vietnamese economy is growing with an increasing quality through the rise of hi-tech industries, he said, adding that it is also part of the global value chain connectivity.

He suggested Vietnam should make more efforts to build the WTO’s future working agenda as the better way to raise its role and position in the organisation. 

Roberto Azevedo said the WTO is ready to augment cooperation with Vietnam, in particular capacity building and training for personnel working for international economic integration.

He welcomed Vietnam’s preparations for ratifying TRIPS, saying this important document is tailored to support less-developed countries in particularly accessing sources of pharmaceuticals in service of medical treatment. 

The WTO Director-General affirmed his organization's willingness to support Vietnam in its integration into the global multilateral trade system, as well as during its socio-economic development process.