Vietnam, New Zealand hold consultation on issues within IPEF framework
VOV.VN - Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a phone conversation with New Zealand's Minister of Trade and Export Growth Damien O'Connor on March 17 to discuss the United States’ initiative to develop the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
The IPEF framework has been designed to serve the US' Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy was announced by the US on February 11 towards meeting five main goals, including freedom and openness, connection, prosperity, security, and stamina.
Regarding the US initiative on building an IPEF co-operation framework, during phone talks Minister Dien said that the US initiative covers many new and non-traditional issues that the nation is currently interested in, such as strengthening supply chains, investing in infrastructure, and the environment.
Amid the Vietnamese economy and those of many other ASEAN member states being greatly impacted by the pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively consulting internally on issues within the IPEF framework proposed by the US. In which, economic-related components are set to be in charge of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
"As the content of this framework is quite diverse, covering many new issues. Therefore, from Vietnam's point of view, the framework needs to be flexible in terms of the way of participation, the level of participation, as well as the specific content of the framework, which needs to be adjusted in line with institutions, concerns and interests of each participating country," emphasized Minister Dien.
According to the US plan, this framework is anticipated to be announced at an event slated for late March which will be chaired by President Biden and will feature the participation of high-ranking officials from other countries.
Minister Dien said that from the Vietnamese point of view, it is necessary to have enough time to clarify the contents of the framework, thereby deciding whether to join or not.
The Minister went on to propose that New Zealand and other countries provide technical assistance to Vietnamese ministries and sectors, especially in new fields, adding his hope that the two sides work closely to build opinions and build a stellar reputation.
In response, New Zealand Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor also looked forward to collaborating to have views and a voice with the US on this issue.
However, within this framework, there remains several issues that need to be clarified in terms of content. Therefore, both sides believe that developing the co-operation framework requires consultation at a higher level.