Vietnam supports rules-based multilateral trading system

Khai noted that after 15 years of joining the WTO, Vietnam has recorded major socio-economic developments, successfully implemented its sustainable development goals and become one of the 20 countries with the largest merchandise trade in the world.

He affirmed Vietnam attaches great importance to the WTO’s central role in promoting an open, transparent, rules-based multilateral trading system, eliminating tariff barriers, and preventing trade protectionism. He said he expects that the WTO will continue to enhance its coordinating role in order to promote global trade towards inclusion and balance, contributing to economic recovery and growth.

The Vietnamese official suggested that the WTO reform process should be undertaken in a way to ensure the balance of rights and obligations, taking into the development level and implementation capacity of its members.

For his part, WTO Deputy Director-General Zhang congratulated Vietnam on its outstanding economic development achievements, and at the same time welcomed the country’s active participation and contribution to global economic growth.

Given complicated political and economic developments globally, Zhang suggested Vietnam should actively participate in discussions at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference slated for June to achieve concrete results, especially in the areas of fishery and agricultural subsidies, so as to help boost global trade.

In response, Khai said Vietnam has actively contributed to discussions on food security at the recent 52nd World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, affirming it will continue to be a responsible member in food security, contributing to the success of the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference.

The same day, Deputy PM Le Minh Khai visited and talked with officials and staff of the Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, and representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland.