Vietnam Customs plays role in AKFTA upgrade negotiations
VOV.VN - Vietnam Customs has recently co-chaired the customs and trade facilitation negotiating group during the first round of negotiations on upgrading the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA), held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, from June 10 to 12.
Representing ASEAN member states, Vietnam Customs worked alongside its Korean counterpart to lead discussions on customs cooperation and trade facilitation, one of the key areas under the AKFTA upgrade process.
The negotiations are being conducted following a joint declaration adopted by ASEAN and Korean leaders at the 26th ASEAN-Korea Summit in October 2025, reflecting the shared commitment of both sides to further deepen their economic partnership and adapt the agreement to evolving trade and investment dynamics.
The AKFTA upgrade aims to modernise existing commitments, enhance transparency, improve predictability, and strengthen the effectiveness of the agreement’s implementation. It is expected to create a more favourable business and investment environment while responding to emerging trends in the global economy, digital trade, and supply chain connectivity.
Vietnam Customs sent representatives to participate in two negotiating groups on rules of origin and customs and trade facilitation.
Among these, the customs and trade facilitation negotiating group is considered one of the most important pillars of the upgrade process, as it focuses on streamlining customs procedures, facilitating cross-border trade, reducing compliance costs, and improving customs management among participating economies.
Demonstrating its proactive approach to international integration and regional cooperation, Vietnam Customs accepted the responsibility of serving as co-chair of the negotiating group and coordinated closely with the Republic of Korea in guiding discussions throughout the negotiation sessions.
Notably, this is the only negotiating group within the AKFTA upgrade process in which Vietnam serves as co-chair, highlighting the country’s growing role and expertise in regional trade and customs cooperation mechanisms.
Vietnam’s appointment to the position reflects the confidence of ASEAN member states in the country’s capabilities, experience, and standing within regional cooperation frameworks. It also underscores Vietnam’s commitment to playing an active, constructive, and responsible role in advancing regional economic integration and promoting a rules-based trading system.
As ASEAN and the Republic of Korea seek to modernise the AKFTA, the upgraded agreement is expected to better support trade and investment flows, strengthen supply chain resilience, and enhance the competitiveness of businesses across the region in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
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