EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, 04 November 2026

Chairperson,

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to welcome the delegation of Vietnam, led by His Excellency Ambassador Mai Phan Dũng. I also thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Vietnam for the comprehensive reports under discussion, and Her Excellency Ambassador Yoon from the Republic of Korea for her insightful introductory remarks.

The EU values Vietnam’s engagement in this important transparency exercise, which provides an opportunity to recognise progress, clarify policies, and identify areas where further reform could benefit Vietnam and its trading partners.

Vietnam is an important partner of the European Union. The elevation of our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2026 marks a significant milestone. Our Free Trade Agreement provides a strong foundation for this partnership, and both sides have reaffirmed the importance of its full and effective implementation so that businesses can fully benefit from the opportunities it creates.

The reports underline the important contribution of trade and investment to Vietnam’s economic development. We recognise Vietnam’s sustained growth, progress in reducing poverty and increasing integration into global value chains. We also welcome ambitions to simplify administrative procedures, modernise customs, promote digitalisation, and improve the business environment.

Vietnam’s achievements demonstrate the benefits of an open and predictable trading system. At a time of considerable uncertainty in international trade, the EU looks forward to working with Vietnam to strengthen and reform the WTO. We welcome Vietnam’s acceptance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, as well as its participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement.

We encourage, and would welcome, its participation in the Agreement on Electronic Commerce and also in other plurilateral initiatives, such as services domestic regulation and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.

Chair, our written questions address several areas where greater transparency, regulatory predictability, and further market opening could support Vietnam’s development.

First, compliance with WTO commitments and notification obligations is essential to confidence in the multilateral trading system. We encourage Vietnam to address outstanding notifications, including on subsidies, import licensing, and state trading enterprises, and to provide comprehensive information on investment incentives and support programmes.

Second, regulatory reform should translate into greater predictability in practice. Businesses continue to face difficulties following successive drafts of trade-related regulations and preparing for requirements introduced at short notice or without implementing guidance.

Recent initiatives concerning cosmetics and food safety illustrate the importance of timely notification, meaningful consultation, adequate transition periods, and consistent implementation across competent authorities and provinces. We would welcome clarification on how Vietnam intends to ensure these safeguards.

Third, Vietnam has high ambitions for its economic and technological transformation, aiming to mobilise 38.5 quadrillion Vietnamese dong between 2026 and 2030. Achieving these objectives will require favourable conditions for domestic and foreign businesses, including SMEs. We encourage effective implementation of existing laws, greater use of risk-based regulation, clear and predictable rules, and empowerment of officials with clear mandates to take decisions.

SMEs should also benefit from access to investment procedures and incentives, effective intellectual property protection, and a level playing field. We would welcome Vietnam’s perspective on improving administrative efficiency in line with Resolution 19.

Fourth, we encourage further trade facilitation through technical regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures based on relevant international standards and avoiding unnecessary barriers to trade. We seek further information on risk-based controls, alignment with international standards, planned traceability and labelling requirements, and on procedures for approving foreign establishments. We also look forward to clarification on specific trade concerns raised by Members, including on cosmetics, food traceability, and alcoholic beverages.

Fifth, open and transparent government procurement can improve competition and value for money. We therefore seek clarification on restrictions affecting international bidding and requirements for foreign suppliers to involve domestic contractors. We encourage Vietnam to improve the availability of procurement data and continue considering accession to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.

Sixth, further improvements in competitive conditions and access to services markets would support investment and growth. We encourage competitive neutrality between state-owned and private enterprises, further liberalisation in sectors including telecommunications, distribution, transport, and professional services, and simpler licensing procedures.

For digital trade, clear and proportionate requirements for foreign e-commerce, cloud computing, and other cross-border service providers are particularly important.

Finally, we attach importance to effective intellectual property protection and to trade and sustainable development. We seek clarification on efforts to strengthen intellectual property enforcement, including for geographical indications, and look forward to further information on Vietnam’s efforts to ratify and effectively implement fundamental international labour standards.

Chair, the EU approaches this review in the spirit of constructive engagement. We encourage Vietnam to use it as an opportunity to address Members’ concerns and advance reforms that strengthen transparency, market access, and legal certainty.

We look forward to continuing our cooperation within the WTO and under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and wish Vietnam a productive and successful Trade Policy Review.