The project agreement was signed in Hanoi on June 17 by Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang and Head of the European Commission Delegation to Vietnam, Ambassador Sean Doyle.

The project will focus on capacity building for the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) to fulfill WTO commitments and develop a socio-environmental sustainable trade integration strategy through closer coordination with the private sector, training and research institutions.

It will also assist the MOIT to effectively negotiate and coordinate regional trade related arrangements such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN plus dialogue partners and to engage in FTA negotiations with major trade partners, including the EU.

The project is also expected to contribute to strengthening the capacity of competition policy stakeholders.

MUTRAP kicked off in 1998 to assist Vietnam in WTO negotiations. The first phase lasted from 1998 to 2004 and supported the country conducting comprehensive research in domestic economic sectors and industries, laying the foundation for the country’s negotiations for WTO membership. It also contributed to trade competition policy stakeholders during the country’s negotiations for WTO.