According to Decisions No. 126/QD-TTg, 127/QD-TTg and 128/QD-TTg, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been designated as the principal focal agency for the implementation of three free trade agreements, namely the EVFTA (Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement), the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), and the UKVFTA (Vietnam–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement).
In this role, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is responsible for leading coordination efforts and consolidating reports on the implementation of the agreements from relevant ministries and agencies for submission to the Prime Minister.
The Ministry also serves as the focal point for receiving and formulating technical assistance proposals from foreign partners during the implementation process, participates in committees and working groups, and takes charge of emerging issues, particularly under the CPTPP.
To ensure in-depth and effective implementation, the Government has clearly identified focal agencies responsible for each chapter and specific sector under each agreement.
For the EVFTA, inter-ministerial coordination is clearly defined to optimize benefits from the European market.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is in charge of trade remedies, non-tariff barriers in renewable energy, competition policy, state-owned enterprises, and institutional provisions.
The Ministry of Finance serves as the focal point for customs procedures, trade facilitation, and government procurement. The Ministry of Science and Technology leads matters related to technical barriers to trade (TBT) and industrial property. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is responsible for agricultural market access, food safety measures, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues.
Regarding the CPTPP, its wide-ranging commitments require the involvement of multiple agencies. The Ministry of Industry and Trade takes the lead in cross-border trade in services, competition, trade remedies, and dispute settlement.
The Ministry of Finance is responsible for tariffs, customs, and providing data related to state-owned enterprises, while the Ministry of Home Affairs is assigned as the focal agency for labor-related matters.
As for the UKVFTA, its implementation framework is similar to that of the EVFTA, with adjustments reflecting the specific characteristics of trade relations with the United Kingdom.
In addition to trade remedies and competition issues, the Ministry of Industry and Trade also leads on trade in services and e-commerce. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is responsible for copyright and related rights, while the Ministry of Justice serves as the overall focal agency for transparency issues in the implementation of the agreement.
Clearly defining the responsibilities of each agency not only enables proactive action by relevant bodies but also establishes a smooth operational mechanism, helping businesses and citizens fully benefit from the preferences provided by these agreements.
Source: vneconomy.vn
