Bookmark Subscription Management - Page 3 of 18

ASEAN – Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA)

by Henry Truong October 15, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA)?

Full name: ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement
Abbreviation: ACAFTA (ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement)
Participating members: 10 ASEAN countries (Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) and Canada.
Signing date: Targeted for completion of negotiations in 2025 (not yet signed).
Effective date: To take effect after signing and ratification by all member states (expected post-2025).

The ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) is a proposed high-standard trade deal currently under negotiation between the ten ASEAN member states (Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) and Canada. Building on a long history of cooperation, with Canada being a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1977, ACAFTA aims to expand trade and investment, strengthen economic ties, and improve market access for both regions. Formal negotiations for ACAFTA were launched in 2021, with exploratory discussions beginning in 2017, and talks are currently progressing actively towards a targeted completion in 2025. This agreement is envisioned as a comprehensive, ‘next-generation’ FTA, designed to promote market expansion and diversification, foster economic growth (with a joint feasibility study estimating an increase of nearly USD 40 billion for ASEAN’s GDP and USD 5.1 billion for Canada’s GDP), and cover modern issues such as labor, environment, clean technology, and energy transition.

What will the ACAFTA agreement cover?

The ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) is being negotiated as a comprehensive and high-quality FTA, designed to cover multiple sectors and address a wide range of trade and economic issues. While the final text and chapter structure are not yet complete, several core working groups have been established to define its scope. Based on negotiation rounds and discussions, ACAFTA is expected to include key chapters such as Trade in Goods (focusing on tariff reduction), Rules of Origin, Trade in Services and Investment, Sanitary and Phytosanetary Measures (SPS), Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Intellectual Property Rights, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Trade Remedies, Government Procurement, Trade and Sustainable Development (including Environment & Labour), and Transparency and Dispute Settlement.

Where can I find official information about ACAFTA?

As the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) is still under negotiation and has not yet been concluded or signed, no official full text or implementation documents are currently available. However, stakeholders can find official updates and information on the negotiation process, rounds, and respective country positions through designated government portals. For Vietnam, the Vietnam FTA Portal (Ministry of Industry and Trade) provides updates under its ‘FTAs under negotiation’ section. The WTO and Integration Center (VCCI) also regularly organizes seminars and publishes analytical reports on ACAFTA’s expected impacts. For Canada’s perspective, Global Affairs Canada (Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development) offers official updates on Canada’s negotiation progress with ASEAN.

October 15, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Vietnam – Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA)

by Henry Truong October 14, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the Vietnam – Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA)?

Full Name: Vietnam – Israel Free Trade Agreement
Abbreviation: VIFTA Member Countries: Vietnam and the State of Israel
Date of Signing: July 25, 2023 (in Tel Aviv, Israel)
Date of Entry into Force: November 17, 2024

Negotiation Background and Reasons for Establishment

The Vietnam – Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) is a landmark economic pact, signed on July 25, 2023, in Tel Aviv, Israel, after seven years and 12 official negotiation rounds. Set to enter into force on November 17, 2024, VIFTA marks a significant milestone as Vietnam’s first FTA with a Middle Eastern country and Israel’s first with a Southeast Asian nation, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Reasons for Establishment:

Economic Complementarity: The economic structures of Vietnam and Israel are highly complementary. Vietnam is strong in agricultural and aquatic products, textiles, footwear, and electronics, while Israel excels in high technology, innovation, water management, high-tech agriculture, and healthcare.

Market Access Expansion: VIFTA facilitates Vietnamese goods (especially agricultural and aquatic products) to access the Israeli market with high preferential tariff commitments, while indirectly opening a gateway to the Middle East.

Technology Cooperation: The agreement is expected to boost cooperation in investment, services, digital transformation, and high technology, enabling Vietnam to access Israel’s capital, technology, and advanced management experience.

What are the main benefits and commitments of VIFTA?

VIFTA is a comprehensive agreement structured across 15 chapters and several annexes, designed to significantly boost trade, investment, and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Israel. Its key commitments focus on substantial tariff liberalization, particularly benefiting Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic exports, and fostering robust collaboration in advanced sectors.

Main Chapters of the VIFTA

Commitment Area	Main Content
Trade in Goods	Provisions on tariff reduction and elimination (Israel commits to eliminate tariffs on 92.7% of tariff lines; Vietnam on 85.8%).
Rules of Origin	Criteria to determine the origin of goods to qualify for preferential tariffs (using VIFTA Certificate of Origin form).
Services and Investment	Commitments to market access and facilitation of bilateral services and investment.
Customs Procedures	Rules and procedures to facilitate trade.
TBT/SPS	Provisions on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).
Trade Remedies	Rules on applying trade defense measures.
Government Procurement	Regulations on opening the government procurement market.
Legal and Institutional Provisions	Regulations on implementation; transparency; and dispute settlement.

Key Highlights

High Tariff Commitments: Israel grants a very high level of liberalisation, eliminating tariffs on over 92.7% of tariff lines — a significant advantage for Vietnamese goods.

Benefits for Agriculture and Fisheries: Israel offers tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) at 0% for several agricultural products (e.g., eggs, potatoes, carrots) and immediate duty-free access for most Vietnamese seafood.

Technology Cooperation: The agreement lays the groundwork for robust collaboration in advanced sectors such as agriculture, water management, renewable energy, electronics, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.

Where can I find official VIFTA documents and implementation guidelines?

For businesses and stakeholders seeking detailed information on VIFTA, official resources provide comprehensive access to the agreement’s full text, tariff commitments, and implementation guidelines. These resources are crucial for understanding the specific rules and benefits of the agreement.

Vietnam FTA Portal (Ministry of Industry and Trade – MOIT): The official and most comprehensive source.

Full text of the VIFTA (in Vietnamese and English)
Tariff commitments and product-specific rules of origin
Link: https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/

Implementation Guidelines and Legal Documents

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT): Lead agency; Circular detailing the rules of origin and C/O issuance procedures under VIFTA.
Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs): Government Decree on Vietnam’s Special Preferential Import Tariff Schedule for implementing VIFTA.
Trade Promotion Agencies: The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Vietnam’s Trade Offices in Israel regularly organise workshops and provide handbooks to help businesses effectively utilise the agreement.

See other FTAs:

October 14, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Vietnam – Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA)

by Henry Truong October 14, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the Vietnam – Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA)?

Full name: Vietnam – Korea Free Trade Agreement
Abbreviation: VKFTA (Vietnam – Korea Free Trade Agreement)
Members: Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Date of signing: May 5, 2015 (in Hanoi)
Date of entry into force: December 20, 2015

Negotiation Background and Reasons for the FTA Formation

Background: The Vietnam – Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA) is a bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), signed on May 5, 2015, and effective from December 20, 2015. This agreement, negotiated over two years from August 2012 to late 2014, builds upon the existing ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) with deeper and broader commitments to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.

Reasons for formation:

Comprehensive Partnership: South Korea is one of Vietnam’s leading economic, investment, and trading partners (the largest FDI investor and Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner). The Agreement aims to elevate bilateral economic relations to a higher level, complementing the commitments under AKFTA.
Complementary Economies: Vietnam and South Korea have highly complementary economic structures. Korea is strong in technology, machinery, components, automobiles, and chemicals, while Vietnam has advantages in textiles, footwear, and agro-fisheries. The VKFTA maximises mutual benefits arising from these complementarities.
Market Expansion: The Agreement allows Vietnam greater market access to South Korea, especially for agricultural, fishery, and light industrial products, while Korea gains opportunities to expand exports of industrial goods and investments into Vietnam.

What are the main benefits and commitments of the VKFTA?

The VKFTA is a comprehensive agreement structured across 17 chapters and numerous annexes, designed to significantly boost market access and foster economic growth between Vietnam and South Korea. Its key commitments focus on tariff elimination, enhanced access for agricultural and fishery products, and clear rules of origin to facilitate trade.

Chapter	Chapter Title	Main Content
1	General Provisions	Objectives; definitions; and scope of application.
2	Trade in Goods	Rules on tariff reduction and elimination for goods.
3	Rules of Origin	Criteria to determine the origin of goods eligible for tariff preferences (C/O Form KV).
4	Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation	Provisions ensuring transparent and expedited customs procedures.
5	Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)	Ensuring food safety and protection of animal and plant health.
6	Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)	Minimizing trade barriers caused by technical standards and regulations.
7	Trade Remedies	Rules for applying safeguard; anti-dumping; and countervailing measures.
8	Trade in Services	Commitments on market access and national treatment in services.
9	Telecommunications	Specific commitments on telecommunications services.
10	Financial Services	Specific commitments on financial services.
11	Movement of Natural Persons	Provisions on temporary entry of professionals and business persons.
12	Investment	Commitments on investment protection and facilitation.
13	Intellectual Property	Protection of intellectual property rights (consistent with WTO level).
14	Competition	Rules on competition policy.
15	Economic Cooperation	Areas of cooperation to support economic and trade development.
16	Institutional Provisions	Establishment of the VKFTA Joint Committee.
17	Dispute Settlement and Exceptions	Mechanism for dispute settlement and applicable exceptions.

Key Commitments

Tariff Elimination:

South Korea commits to eliminating import tariffs on 95.43% of its tariff lines.
Vietnam commits to eliminating import tariffs on 92.74% of its tariff lines.

Agricultural and Fishery Products: South Korea provides additional market access for many key Vietnamese products such as shrimp, crab, fish, tropical fruits, garlic, and ginger.

Rules of Origin: Goods must use the C/O Form KV to qualify. The rules are relatively flexible, applying either the Regional Value Content (RVC) or Change in Tariff Classification (CTC) criteria depending on the product.

Where can I find official VKFTA documents and implementation guidelines?

For the most complete and official information regarding the VKFTA, the Vietnam FTA Portal, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), serves as the primary reference. This portal provides the full text of the FTA in both Vietnamese and English, along with key annexes such as tariff schedules, services commitments, and specific product rules of origin.

Full text of the VKFTA (Vietnamese & English versions).
Key annexes include tariff schedules, services commitments, and specific product rules of origin.
Link: search for “VKFTA” at https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/

Implementation Guidelines and Legal Documents:

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT):
The lead implementing body. Issued circulars on the rules of origin and the procedure for issuing the C/O Form KV.
Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs): Government decrees on Vietnam’s preferential import tariff schedules to implement VKFTA.
Business Support Organisations: The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) provides practical guides, handbooks, and training materials to help enterprises utilize VKFTA tariff preferences, rules of origin, and commitments on services and investment.

See other FTAs:

October 14, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

United Kingdom – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA)

by Henry Truong October 13, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the UKVFTA and when did it start?

Full name: Free Trade Agreement between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Abbreviation: UKVFTA (United Kingdom – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement)
Members: Vietnam and the United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Date of signing: December 29, 2020 (in London)
Date of entry into force: Provisionally applied from January 1, 2021, and officially effective from May 1, 2021

Why was the UKVFTA created?

The UKVFTA, or the United Kingdom – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, was established to ensure the continuity of trade relations between Vietnam and the UK following Brexit. It largely inherits the commitments and benefits of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), preventing a reversion to higher World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs. This agreement, signed on December 29, 2020, and provisionally applied from January 1, 2021, officially became effective on May 1, 2021, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The primary reasons for its formation include:

Ensuring Continuity: To maintain the trade preferences, especially tariff reductions and eliminations, that both sides enjoyed under the EVFTA.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership: To reinforce the strategic partnership and establish a stable, long-term legal framework for trade and investment.
Opportunities for Vietnam: To help key Vietnamese export sectors like seafood, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products maintain their competitive edge in one of Europe’s largest markets.
Opportunities for the UK: To ensure continued access to Vietnam’s rapidly growing market and expand cooperation in emerging sectors.

What are the main benefits and commitments of the UKVFTA?

The UKVFTA largely replicates the EVFTA, offering significant benefits and commitments to both Vietnam and the UK. This comprehensive agreement, consisting of 14 Chapters, 1 Protocol on Rules of Origin, and several Joint Commitment Letters, includes key provisions designed to streamline trade and protect specific products, with certain technical adjustments tailored to the bilateral context.

Commitment Area	Corresponding EVFTA Chapter	Key Contents
I. Trade in Goods	Chapter 2	Commitments on tariff reduction and elimination (99% of tariff lines after 7 years).
II. Rules and Procedures	Chapters 3–4	Rules of Origin (using EUR.1 Certificate of Origin or self-certification) and customs procedures.
III. Technical Barriers	Chapters 5–6	TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) and SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) to facilitate trade.
IV. Trade Remedies	Chapter 7	Rules on anti-dumping; anti-subsidy; and bilateral safeguard measures.
V. Services; Investment & Government Procurement	Chapters 8–9	Market access commitments in services (finance; telecommunications; logistics); investment; and public procurement.
VI. Intellectual Property Rights	Chapter 10	Protection of intellectual property rights; including the mechanism for Geographical Indications (GIs).
VII. Sustainable Development	Chapter 13	Commitments on labor (implementation of ILO conventions) and environment (implementation of the Paris Agreement).
VIII. Other Provisions	Chapters 11; 14–17	Competition policy; transparency; dispute settlement; and institutional/exemption provisions.

Key Highlights (Inherited from EVFTA)

Tariffs: Both sides will implement tariff reduction and elimination schedules in line with the EVFTA. Over 99% of Vietnam’s export value to the UK will be exempted from tariffs after seven years.

Rules of Origin: Inherits the EVFTA rules, allowing Registered Exporters (REX) to self-certify the origin of goods—an important step in simplifying trade procedures.

Geographical Indications (GIs): The UK commits to protecting 169 Vietnamese GIs, similar to the EVFTA, safeguarding the reputation of iconic agricultural products such as Buon Ma Thuot Coffee, Phu Quoc Fish Sauce, and various tropical fruits.

Where can I find official information and guidelines for the UKVFTA?

To access the most complete and official information regarding the UKVFTA, including its full text and implementation guidelines, businesses can refer to Vietnam’s FTA Portal, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). This portal is the primary resource for Vietnamese enterprises seeking detailed insights into the agreement.

Full text of the UKVFTA (in Vietnamese and English)
Key annexes (tariff schedules, rules of origin)
Link: Search “UKVFTA” on https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/

Who provides UKVFTA implementation guidelines and legal documents?

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT): Lead agency; issues Circulars on Rules of Origin and procedures for issuing Certificates of Origin (Form EUR.1) or self-certification.

Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs): Issues Government Decrees on Vietnam’s special preferential import tariffs to implement the UKVFTA.

Business Support Organisation: Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) – WTO and Integration Center: Provides detailed handbooks, especially guidance on using the REX self-certification mechanism under the UKVFTA.

See other FTAs:

October 13, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Vietnam – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA)

by Henry Truong October 12, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the Vietnam – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA)?

The Vietnam – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) is a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement between Vietnam and Japan, signed on December 25, 2008, in Tokyo, Japan, and becoming effective on October 1, 2009. This agreement, abbreviated as VJEPA, marked a significant milestone as Vietnam’s first bilateral economic partnership agreement after joining the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Negotiation Background and Reasons for Establishing the FTA

Background: VJEPA is the first bilateral economic partnership agreement that Vietnam signed after joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2007. The agreement was negotiated based on the framework of the ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).

Reasons for formation:

Promoting the Strategic Partnership: The signing of VJEPA aims to strengthen and further enhance the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, which already had strong economic cooperation ties.

Attracting Investment and Technology: One key objective is to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan, especially in supporting industries and high technology, thereby improving Vietnam’s production capacity.

Opening Access to a Major Market: The agreement creates favourable conditions for Vietnamese goods—such as agricultural products, seafood, and textiles—to access the Japanese market, one of the largest and most demanding markets in the world, with preferential tariffs.

A First-Generation FTA: VJEPA is not merely a traditional trade agreement on goods; it also includes commitments on services, investment, intellectual property, and business facilitation. Therefore, it is considered a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

What are the main benefits and commitments of the VJEPA?

The VJEPA is a comprehensive agreement structured across 14 chapters and numerous annexes, designed to foster extensive economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. Its key commitments span various critical areas, including trade in goods, services, investment, and other forms of economic collaboration, offering significant benefits to businesses in both countries.

Chapter	Chapter Title (Vietnamese)	Main Content
1	General Provisions	Objectives; definitions; and scope of the Agreement.
2	Trade in Goods	Commitments on tariff elimination and reduction.
3	Rules of Origin	Criteria for determining the origin of goods eligible for tariff preferences (Form VJ C/O).
4	Customs Procedures	Rules on customs procedures and trade facilitation.
5	Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)	Ensuring food safety and protection of human; animal; and plant health.
6	Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)	Minimizing trade barriers caused by technical standards and regulations.
7	Trade Remedies	Rules on the application of safeguard and anti-dumping measures.
8	Trade in Services	Market access and national treatment commitments for services.
9	Investment	Commitments to protect and facilitate investment activities.
10	Intellectual Property	Protection and cooperation on intellectual property rights.
11	Competition	Rules on competition policy.
12	Economic Cooperation	Areas of cooperation to help Vietnam enhance competitiveness.
13	Dispute Settlement	Mechanism for resolving disputes between the two governments.
14	Institutional Provisions	Establishment of the Joint Committee and implementation provisions.

Key Commitments

Tariff Commitments:

Japan is committed to eliminating import tariffs on about 94.6% of Vietnam’s total tariff lines within 10 years.
Vietnam committed to eliminating tariffs on about 87.6% of Japan’s total tariff lines within the same period.

Rules of Origin: VJEPA uses Certificate of Origin Form VJ. The rules of origin under VJEPA are relatively more flexible than those in other FTAs, particularly for textiles and seafood, allowing Vietnamese businesses to better utilise the agreement.

Investment and Services: Commitments go beyond the WTO level in certain service sectors, offering broader market access and stronger protection for investors.

Where can I find official VJEPA documents and implementation guidelines?

For businesses seeking to understand and utilize the VJEPA, official documents and implementation guidelines are readily available from reliable sources. The Vietnam FTA Portal, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), serves as the primary and most authoritative resource. This portal provides the full text of the VJEPA in both Vietnamese and English, along with detailed tariff reduction schedules and product-specific rules of origin, accessible directly at https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/.

Implementation Guidelines and Legal Documents

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT): The lead implementing agency. Issue circulars on Rules of Origin and procedures for issuing Form VJ Certificates of Origin (C/O).
Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs): Issues government decrees on Vietnam’s special preferential import tariff schedules under VJEPA during the implementation phase.
Business Support Organizations: The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), through its WTO and Integration Center, provides handbooks, training materials, and detailed guidance for businesses on how to utilise VJEPA preferences effectively.

See other FTAs:

October 12, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Vietnam – Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN–EAEU FTA)

by Henry Truong October 11, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the Vietnam – Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN–EAEU FTA)?

Full name: Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union
Abbreviation: VN–EAEU FTA (Vietnam – Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement)
Members/Parties: Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which consists of five member states: the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Armenia, and the Kyrgyz Republic.
Date of Signing: May 29, 2015 (in Burabay, Kazakhstan) Date of Entry into Force: October 5, 2016

The Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (VN–EAEU FTA) is a landmark agreement, being the first FTA signed by the EAEU with an external partner. Its negotiation officially commenced on March 28, 2013, concluding after eight rounds. This agreement was formed to achieve several key objectives:

Expanding Export Markets: It provides Vietnam with preferential tariff advantages to access the vast EAEU market, comprising over 183 million people and a GDP of approximately USD 2.2 trillion, primarily driven by the Russian Federation. This is particularly beneficial for key Vietnamese export sectors like textiles, footwear, and agro–aquatic products.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership: The FTA deepens Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia and enhances trade relations with other EAEU member states.
Balancing Supply Sources: Vietnam, in turn, opens its market to about 90% of EAEU products, facilitating the import of strategic goods such as petroleum, steel, fertilisers, and machinery, which helps diversify supply sources and reduce input costs for Vietnamese industries.

What does the VN–EAEU FTA cover?

The VN–EAEU FTA is a comprehensive agreement structured into 15 main Chapters, complemented by several related Annexes. These chapters and annexes detail the commitments and provisions across various areas of trade and economic cooperation between Vietnam and the EAEU member states.

Chapter	Chapter Title (Vietnamese)	Key Content
1	Legal Matters	General rules and provisions of the Agreement.
2	Trade in Goods	Elimination and reduction of tariffs on goods.
3	Rules of Origin	Criteria and procedures for certification of origin (C/O form EAV).
4	Trade Remedies	Rules on anti-dumping; countervailing; and safeguard measures.
5	Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures	Ensuring food safety and the protection of human; animal; and plant health.
6	Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)	Reducing unnecessary technical barriers to trade.
7	Customs Cooperation and Trade Facilitation	Simplifying customs procedures; enhancing transparency and cooperation.
8	Trade in Services	Commitments to liberalize the service market.
8 bis	Investment	Commitments to protect and facilitate investment.
9	Movement of Natural Persons	Regulations on the temporary movement of business persons.
10	Intellectual Property	Protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (commitments not exceeding WTO level).
11	Competition	Rules on competition policy and control of subsidies.
12	Sustainable Development	Cooperation on environmental and labor issues (mainly cooperative in nature).
13	Institutional Provisions	Establishment of the Joint Committee under the VN–EAEU FTA.
14	Dispute Settlement	Mechanism for dispute settlement between the Parties.
15	Exceptions and Final Provisions	Exceptions and final implementation provisions.

Where can I find official information and guidelines for the VN–EAEU FTA?

For businesses and individuals seeking official information and detailed guidelines regarding the VN–EAEU FTA, several authoritative sources are available. The full text of the Free Trade Agreement, along with all related Annexes such as tariff schedules and rules of origin, can be accessed directly on the Vietnam FTA Portal, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). You can find this by searching for ‘VN–EAEU FTA’ on the official MOIT website or Vietnam’s FTA Portal.

Implementation Guidelines and Legal Documents:

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT): Lead implementing agency. Circulars on rules of origin under the VN–EAEU FTA and procedures for issuing Certificate of Origin (C/O Form EAV).
Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs): Government Decrees on Vietnam’s preferential import tariff schedules for the implementation of the FTA.
Information available on the official website of the General Department of Vietnam Customs.
WTO and Integration Center – VCCI: Publishes handbooks, summaries, and analytical reports on the commitments, opportunities, and challenges of the FTA for the business community.

See other FTAs:

October 11, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)

by Henry Truong October 10, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the EVFTA and when did it start?

Full name: European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
Abbreviation: EVFTA
Members: Vietnam and 27 member states of the European Union (EU).
Date of Signing: June 30, 2019 (in Hanoi).
Date of Entry into Force: August 1, 2020.

The European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is a comprehensive trade pact between Vietnam and the 27 member states of the European Union. Officially launched in 2012, the negotiation process for this ambitious agreement lasted nearly 8 years, culminating in its signing on June 30, 2019, in Hanoi, and coming into force on August 1, 2020. This new-generation FTA was negotiated in parallel with the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), aiming to provide Vietnam with significant access to the EU’s vast market, encourage institutional reforms, and diversify global supply chains.

What does the EVFTA cover and what are its main benefits?

The EVFTA is a comprehensive agreement, consisting of 17 Chapters, 2 Protocols, and several joint declarations.

Chapter	Chapter Title (Vietnamese)	Main Content
1	Objectives and General Provisions	Scope; objectives; and relationship with other agreements.
2	National Treatment and Market Access for Goods	Elimination of 99% of tariffs on goods.
3	Trade Remedies	Rules on anti-dumping; countervailing; and bilateral safeguard measures.
4	Customs and Trade Facilitation	Simplification and transparency of customs procedures.
5	Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)	Reduction of unnecessary technical barriers.
6	Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)	Ensuring food safety and protection of human; animal; and plant health.
7	Non-Tariff Barriers to Investment and Trade	Elimination of unjustified non-tariff barriers.
8	Trade in Services; Investment; and E-Commerce	Market access commitments in services (legal; financial; postal) and investment protection.
9	Government Procurement	Opening government procurement markets to fair and transparent competition.
10	Intellectual Property	Protection of intellectual property rights; including Geographical Indications (GI).
11	Competition	Rules on competition policy and subsidy control.
12	State-Owned Enterprises and Enterprises Granted Special Rights	Ensuring a level playing field between SOEs and private firms.
13	Trade and Sustainable Development	Commitments on labor standards (ILO) and environmental protection.
14	Transparency	Ensuring transparency in law-making and administrative regulations.
15	Dispute Settlement	Mechanisms for resolving disputes between the two parties.
16	Institutional; General; and Final Provisions	Institutional framework and general provisions.
17	Exceptions	General and specific exceptions (e.g.; national security).

Key Commitments

Tariffs:

The EU commits to eliminating import duties on 85.6% of tariff lines immediately upon the Agreement’s entry into force, and 99% after 7 years.
Vietnam commits to eliminating 48.5% of tariff lines upon entry into force, and 99% after 10 years.

Rules of Origin: The Agreement applies strict but flexible rules of origin, with a pilot and expanding self-certification mechanism.

Geographical Indications (GI): The EU protects 169 Vietnamese GIs, while Vietnam protects 39 EU GIs — a significant benefit for Vietnam’s signature agricultural products.

Where can I find official EVFTA documents and guidelines?

Full Text of the FTA

Vietnam FTA Portal (Ministry of Industry and Trade – MOIT): The official and most reliable government source.

Full text of the EVFTA (in Vietnamese and English).
Annexes: Tariff schedules, service commitments, geographical indications.
Website: https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/vi/fta/26/0

Implementation Guidelines and Legal Documents

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT): Circulars on Rules of Origin and procedures for issuing C/O Form EUR.1 or self-certification of origin.

Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs): Government decrees on Vietnam’s preferential import tariff schedules for implementing the EVFTA in each phase. Website: https://www.customs.gov.vn/

October 10, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Vietnam – Chile Free Trade Agreement (VCFTA)

by Henry Truong October 9, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the Vietnam – Chile Free Trade Agreement (VCFTA)?

Full name: Vietnam – Chile Free Trade Agreement
Abbreviation: VCFTA
Members: Vietnam and Chile (This is a bilateral free trade agreement).
Date of signing: November 11, 2011 (in Hawaii, USA).
Effective date: January 1, 2014.

Negotiation Background and Rationale for the FTA

Background: The negotiation process of the VCFTA was launched in October 2008.

Although Vietnam and Chile had maintained good diplomatic and economic relations, direct trade between the two countries still faced numerous barriers, including tariffs and geographical distance.

Significance:

First FTA with a Latin American country: VCFTA is Vietnam’s first free trade agreement with a Latin American nation and its second bilateral FTA overall (after the Vietnam–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement – VJEPA).
Access to the Latin American market: The main objective is to help Vietnamese goods—particularly agricultural products, textiles, and footwear—gain access to the Chilean market and, through it, penetrate deeper into the broader Latin American region.
Strengthening partnership: The Agreement establishes a stable, transparent, and predictable legal framework to promote bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and economic relations.
Nature of the Agreement: VCFTA is considered a traditional FTA, focusing mainly on trade in goods and related matters such as rules of origin, customs procedures, and TBT/SPS measures, without deep commitments on services or investment as in modern FTAs (e.g., CPTPP, EVFTA).

What are the key commitments and benefits of the VCFTA?

The VCFTA consists of 14 Chapters and attached annexes, primarily focusing on trade in goods liberalisation.

Chapter	Chapter Title (Vietnamese)	Main Content
1	General Provisions	Scope; relationship with other agreements; definitions.
2	Trade in Goods	Commitments on tariff reduction and elimination.
3	Rules of Origin	Criteria for determining the origin of goods eligible for preferential tariffs (C/O Form VC).
4	Customs Procedures	Rules on customs administration and trade facilitation.
5	Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)	Ensures food safety and protection of animal and plant health.
6	Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)	Reduces unnecessary obstacles caused by standards and technical regulations.
7	Trade Remedies	Rules on applying safeguard; anti-dumping; and countervailing measures.
8	Bilateral Safeguards	Specific safeguard mechanisms under the bilateral framework.
9	Transparency	Ensures transparency in laws and administrative regulations.
10	Institutional Provisions	Establishes the VCFTA Joint Trade Committee.
11	Dispute Settlement	Mechanisms for resolving disputes between the two governments.
12	Exceptions	Allows measures to protect national security and public morals.
13	Cooperation	Defines areas of economic and technical cooperation.
14	Final Provisions	Rules on entry into force; amendment; accession; and termination.

Tariff Commitments Highlights

Chile’s Commitments (in favour of Vietnam): Chile pledged a very high level of tariff elimination, covering 99.62% of total tariff lines by the end of the implementation schedule (by 2029), equivalent to almost all of Vietnam’s export value to Chile.

Vietnam’s Commitments (more gradual schedule): Vietnam committed to eliminate tariffs on 87.8% of total tariff lines by the end of its schedule (by 2028).

Where can I find official VCFTA documents and implementation guidelines?

Full Text of the FTA

Vietnam FTA Portal (Ministry of Industry and Trade): The most official and reliable information source.

Full text of the VCFTA (in both Vietnamese and English).
Tariff commitment schedules of Vietnam and Chile.
Product-specific rules of origin (PSR).
Link: Search “VCFTA” at https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/

Implementation Guidelines

Rules of Origin (Ministry of Industry and Trade): Circular No. 31/2013/TT-BCT (and subsequent amendments/replacements) stipulates rules of origin under the VCFTA and procedures for issuing C/O Form VC.
Tariff Regulations (Ministry of Finance): Government Decree on Preferential Import Tariff Schedules for implementing the VCFTA in specific periods (e.g., Decree No. 112/2022/NĐ-CP for 2022–2027).
Business Support Organisations: Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) – WTO and Integration Center provides handbooks, training materials, and guidance for enterprises to effectively utilise VCFTA preferences.

October 9, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

by Henry Truong October 9, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), known in Vietnamese as Hiệp định Đối tác Kinh tế Toàn diện Khu vực, is a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that brings together the 10 ASEAN Member States and five key ASEAN FTA partners: Australia, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. This extensive agreement, an ASEAN-led initiative launched in 2012, aims to consolidate existing ASEAN+1 FTAs into a single, unified multilateral framework. Signed on November 15, 2020, and entering into force on January 1, 2022 (including for Vietnam, which was among the first to ratify), RCEP’s primary goals are to establish the world’s largest economic bloc, covering approximately 30% of global GDP and population, and to simplify trade procedures through a harmonized Rules of Origin system, thereby strengthening regional economic integration and ASEAN’s central role. Although India was an original negotiating member, it withdrew in 2019, but the agreement remains open for its future accession.

What does the RCEP Agreement cover?

The RCEP Agreement is a comprehensive and modern Free Trade Agreement (FTA) structured into 20 Chapters and various related Annexes. These chapters address a wide array of trade and economic areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, e-commerce, and customs procedures, ensuring a broad scope for regional economic integration.

Chapter	Title	Main Content
1	Initial Provisions and General Definitions	Scope; objectives; and key definitions.
2	Trade in Goods	Tariff reduction and elimination.
3	Rules of Origin	Establishment of a harmonized origin system and self-certification mechanism.
4	Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation	Simplified procedures and expedited customs clearance.
5	Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)	Ensuring food safety and plant/animal health standards.
6	Standards; Technical Regulations; and Conformity Assessment Procedures (TBT)	Reducing unnecessary technical barriers to trade.
7	Trade Remedies	Rules on anti-dumping; countervailing; and safeguard measures.
8	Trade in Services	Market opening and rules on national/MFN treatment.
9	Investment	Protection and liberalization of investment.
10	Movement of Natural Persons	Facilitating temporary entry for service suppliers and business visitors.
11	Intellectual Property	Protection of intellectual property rights (focusing on core standards).
12	Electronic Commerce	Legal framework for e-commerce and online consumer protection.
13	Competition	Prohibiting monopolistic and anti-competitive practices.
14	Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)	Promoting SME participation in regional trade.
15	Economic and Technical Cooperation	Technical assistance for developing countries.
16	Government Procurement	Promoting transparency in public procurement information.
17	General Provisions and Exceptions	National security; environmental; and other general exceptions.
18	Institutional Provisions	Establishment of the RCEP Joint Committee.
19	Dispute Settlement	Mechanism for resolving disputes among member states.
20	Final Provisions	Rules on signing; ratification; accession; and withdrawal.

Where can I find official RCEP resources and implementation guidelines?

For businesses and individuals seeking official information and implementation guidelines on the RCEP Agreement, several reliable sources are available. The Vietnam FTA Portal, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), serves as the primary government resource, offering the full RCEP Agreement in both Vietnamese and English, alongside detailed market access schedules. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import and Export Department provides specific circulars and guidelines on RCEP Rules of Origin (e.g., Circular No. 05/2022/TT-BCT), while the Ministry of Finance’s General Department of Customs issues Government Decrees on Vietnam’s preferential import tariff schedules and customs clearance instructions. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) – WTO and Integration Center also publishes practical guides and handbooks to assist enterprises in effectively leveraging the agreement.

October 9, 2025 0 comment

Free Trade Agreement

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

by Henry Truong October 8, 2025

written by Henry Truong

What is the CPTPP and which countries are members?

The CPTPP, or Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, is a high-standard trade agreement that initially involved 11 Asia-Pacific nations. Its full Vietnamese name is Hiệp định Đối tác Toàn diện và Tiến bộ xuyên Thái Bình Dương. The original 11 member countries include Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand from Asia & Oceania, and Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile from the Americas. The United Kingdom joined in July 2023, expanding the agreement to 12 members.

Event	Date	Remarks
Signing of the original TPP Agreement	February 2016	Signed by 12 countries, including the United States.
Signing of the CPTPP Agreement	March 8, 2018	Signed in Santiago, Chile, by 11 countries after the U.S. withdrawal.
Entry into force (for first 6 countries)	December 30, 2018	When six countries (Mexico, Japan, Singapore, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) completed ratification.
Entry into force for Vietnam	January 14, 2019	Vietnam became the seventh country to ratify and implement the Agreement.

Negotiation Background and Reasons for Establishing the FTA

Background: The CPTPP originated from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was negotiated among 12 countries. In January 2017, the United States announced its withdrawal from the TPP.

Reasons for forming CPTPP (TPP-11):
The remaining 11 countries agreed to preserve and promote the trade and investment liberalisation commitments achieved under the TPP. They decided to suspend 20 groups of obligations (mainly in chapters on Intellectual Property and Government Procurement) to maintain balance in rights and obligations after the U.S. withdrawal.

Objectives:

Create a Major Free Trade Area: Build a next-generation, high-standard, and comprehensive free trade bloc covering the Asia-Pacific region.

Liberalisation: Eliminate nearly all tariffs and non-tariff barriers on trade in goods, services, and investment among members.

Set High Standards: Introduce modern trade rules on e-commerce, state-owned enterprises, labor, environment, and intellectual property, fostering a more transparent and competitive business environment.

What does the CPTPP cover and what are its main goals?

The CPTPP is recognized as a “next-generation” Free Trade Agreement (FTA) because of its extensive scope and profound commitments, which extend to “non-traditional” trade matters. Its primary goals are to promote free trade, investment, and economic integration across the region by eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers. The agreement is structured with a Preamble and 30 Chapters, broadly categorized into Market Access, Trade Rules, and Institutional/Related Issues, setting modern, comprehensive rules for a transparent and competitive business environment.

I. General Provisions

Chapter	Title	Main Content
1	Initial Provisions and General Definitions	Defines the scope; objectives; and key terms used in the Agreement.
27	Administrative and Institutional Provisions	Establishes the CPTPP Commission and outlines its operational structure.
28	Dispute Settlement	Sets up mechanisms for resolving disputes between member governments.
29	Exceptions and General Provisions	Covers exceptions related to national security; balance of payments; and other general matters.
30	Final Provisions	Regulates accession; entry into force; withdrawal; and amendment procedures.

II. Market Access Chapters (Goods, Services, Investment)

Chapter	Title	Main Content
2	National Treatment and Market Access for Goods	Elimination and reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
3	Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures	Establishes criteria and methods for determining the origin of goods.
4	Textiles and Apparel	Specific rules for the textile sector (e.g.; the “yarn-forward” rule).
5	Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation	Ensures transparency and simplification of customs procedures.
9	Investment	Provides investment protection and treatment standards for foreign investors.
10	Cross-Border Trade in Services	Commits to fair treatment and market access for service providers.
11	Financial Services	Contains specific provisions for banking; insurance; and securities sectors.
12	Temporary Entry for Business Persons	Facilitates the movement of business personnel.
13	Telecommunications	Establishes competition and anti-monopoly rules in telecommunications.
14	Electronic Commerce	Ensures cross-border data flows and personal data protection.
15	Government Procurement	Promotes transparency and fairness in public procurement processes.

III. Rules and Standards Chapters (Next-Generation Provisions)

Chapter	Title	Main Content
6	Trade Remedies	Provides measures such as anti-dumping; countervailing; and safeguard actions.
7	Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)	Ensures food safety and protection of human; animal; and plant health.
8	Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)	Reduces trade barriers caused by differing standards and technical regulations.
16	Competition Policy	Prohibits anti-competitive practices and encourages policy cooperation.
17	State-Owned Enterprises and Designated Monopolies	Ensures fair competition between SOEs and private enterprises.
18	Intellectual Property	Protects copyrights; trademarks; patents; and other IP rights.
19	Labor	Defines labor rights; freedom of association; and bans on forced and child labor.
20	Environment	Promotes environmental protection and bans illegal wildlife trade.

Where can I find official CPTPP documents and implementation guides?

For official CPTPP documents and comprehensive implementation guidance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) serves as Vietnam’s primary focal agency. The full text of the CPTPP, available in both Vietnamese and English, encompasses all 30 chapters, detailed tariff schedules, and commitments related to services and investment, along with other relevant documents. You can access these resources directly through the Vietnam FTA Portal (MOIT) – CPTPP section.

Implementation Guidelines:

Vietnam FTA Portal (MOIT): Provides chapter summaries, key commitments, and tariff reduction schedules for Vietnam and partners. Website: https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/

Ministry of Finance (General Department of Customs):

Government decrees on Vietnam’s special preferential import tariff schedules under CPTPP (latest versions for current periods).
Guidance on customs procedures and certificates of origin under CPTPP. Website: https://www.customs.gov.vn/
WTO and Integration Center (VCCI): Publishes detailed handbooks guiding enterprises on CPTPP implementation, especially Rules of Origin (C/O). Website: https://wtocenter.vn/

October 8, 2025 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts