Law review for EVFTA commitments lacks focus on trade facilitation

The review of Vietnam’s laws to make them consistent with the country’s EVFTA commitments on Customs and Trade facilitation has focused more on the field of customs with little attention on trade facilitation.

It was heard at a workshop to review Vietnam’s laws to fulfill the country’s commitments under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in Hanoi on March 10.

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has reviewed specific articles of Vietnam’s laws and proposed vital amendments to comply with the commitments, said Pham Thi Thanh Hien, former deputy head of the International Cooperation Department under the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

However, the review should also involve the participation of state bodies relating to matters of foreign trade, for example, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Time taken to release goods depends on not only customs-related requirements but also regulations for each industry, Pham Thanh Binh, a customs official stated.

Furthermore, domestic enterprises have found it hard to look up and obtain information on customs, trade regulations and procedures; so it is needed to create an official website that provides all related information in one place, an attendee added.

Vietnam has fulfilled all 29 EVFTA commitments on Customs and Trade Facilitation.

(Source:VNA)