The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has launched a consultative council to monitor anti-dumping law enforcement, subsidies and safeguards. The council will act as consultants to help Vietnamese enterprises and associations solve anti-dumping lawsuits overseas and to improve their skills and awareness of international trade disputes, which will help in order to reduce the risks enterprises may face when doing business abroad.

This is good news for enterprises and associations, especially when most of local enterprises do not fully understand about international laws. A reporter from Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter interviewed Mr Tran Huu Huynh, head of the VCCI’s Legal Department on the issue.

Reporter: Vietnam’s trade relations with other countries have strongly developed in recent times. However, most Vietnamese enterprises only have a limited knowledge of international laws. What risks do they face from these limitations?

Mr Huynh: Joining the WTO as well as the international market is always based on international laws and customs. Trade disputes in over contracts will occur if enterprises cannot speak with a common voice. In my opinion, it is very important for enterprises to understand the international market’s laws to reduce the risks when conducting business transactions. Therefore, we recommended that Business Associations should instruct their members to understand more about international laws and customs when joining foreign markets. In the long-term, it is necessary for enterprises to learn more about popular international trade disputes so they can avoid risks in their business activities.

Reporter: Most Vietnamese enterprises are small or medium in size with limited capital and human recourses. What should they do?

Mr Huynh: Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), that do not have a legal department, they should cooperate with lawyers’ offices to get a better understanding of laws and international trade laws. Furthermore, through the Vietnam Businesses’ Association, they can also take part in conferences, seminars and training courses.

Reporter: The VCCI has set up this consultative council on anti-dumping and anti-subsidies issues. In your opinion, what kind of service can this council provide to enterprises?

Mr Huynh: Issues relating to international trade lawsuits and Vietnamese exports to foreign markets and via versa have posed great challenges. This council will help enterprises and business associations to promote their exports to international markets and assist foreign businesses to break into Vietnam. With professional and technical skills, the council will provide market information useful to businesses. In addition, it will also instruct businesses on how to avoid and deal with anti-dumping lawsuits in an effective manner.

Reporter: How can businesses contact the council?

Mr Huynh: Currently, the council’s website mostly updates its information on anti-dumping and will expand to the areas of self-protection and subsidies. The website is expected to function as an information portal for businesses. Moreover, though associations, the council will guide businesses when carrying out necessary work. In the future, it will be considered the nucleus of a WTO centre, which we will set up to provide assistance for enterprises and business associations.

Reporter: What will it cost businesses to use the council’s services?

Mr Huynh: The Vietnam Businesses’ Association still has many difficulties in terms of capital and human resources, so for the immediate period, the council will provide services free of charge. In the long-term, the council will work out the cost of its services at an appropriate level.

Reporter: Thank you.