Speaking at a regular press conference in Hanoi on January 11, spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung said a ceremony was held at WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland in the afternoon to hand over the WTO membership card to Vietnam. The ceremony means official recognition of Vietnam as a member of the world’s largest trade body.

FM spokesperson Le Dung stressed that as a WTO member, Vietnam will effectively contribute to developing a multi-lateral trade system for justice, equality and mutual benefit.

Mr Dung noted that as of January 11, Vietnam will implement all its admission commitments, as well as the regulations and common commitments of the WTO, and enjoy equal rights and interests in its relations with other WTO members.

Joining the WTO also opens up both opportunities and challenges for Vietnam. The country will have more opportunities to expand export markets, boost service exports, find more partners, lure more foreign investors, and have chances to settle disputes in line with WTO regulations.

To overcoming challenges in the post-WTO period Vietnamese enterprises need to seize the earliest opportunities to develop.