Member for

3 years 11 months
Submitted by ctv_en_1 on Wed, 06/14/2006 - 18:00
The major contents regarding the external relations of the Government have been completed. Whether Vietnam is successful participating the WTO playground depends greatly on Vietnamese enterprises, said Pham Chi Lan, a member of the Government’s Research Board, in a recent interview granted to a VOVNews reporter.

Reporter: Vietnam and the US on May 31 signed an agreement to conclude bilateral negotiations on Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). What do you think of the event?

Ms Pham Chi Lan: The agreement reached between Vietnam and the US to complete bilateral WTO negotiations is of great significance. This will open up more opportunities for Vietnam to join the world’s largest economic body. The agreement was long expected by Vietnam during its WTO negotiation process. Vietnamese leaders and business circles are very happy with the result.

 

Reporter: Some people said that Vietnam had to make concessions with the US so as to reach the agreement. What is your point of view?

Ms Pham Chi Lan: For Vietnam, the most important target is to join the WTO to develop the national economy. The country successfully concluded bilateral WTO negotiations with the US despite concessions. This was necessary to reach the set target.
In spite of negative aspects, these concessions encourage Vietnam to boost reforms and increase competitiveness in order to meet the requirements of the integration process. The country’s development process demonstrated that with strong determination, Vietnam could successfully implement the reform process at a difficult time.
Otherwise, WTO regulations are compatible with Vietnam’s current renewal cause. The country is now striving to escape from its low-income status and become a country with a medium income level or more by 2010.

 

Reporter: As you said, Vietnam is likely to become a WTO member soon. What advice do you recommend for domestic enterprises currently?

Ms Pham Chi Lan: Currently, major contents on the external relations of the Government have been completed, such as opening up markets and creating a safe business environment for enterprises. Whether Vietnam is successful participating in the WTO playground depends greatly on Vietnamese enterprises.


Firstly, first of all domestic enterprises should strictly comply with laws, not only international regulations that Vietnam has committed to, but also domestic regulations. If Vietnamese businesses fail to meet this requirement, they will make mistakes in terms of the law and will have to suffer disadvantages, particularly in the current context as Vietnam is opening up its markets and facing tough competition.


Second but more importantly, enterprises should learn more about international trade issues such as technical trade barriers. If enterprises do not have a deep understanding of the issue, their products cannot be exported to foreign markets or will be returned. I know that it is not easy to understand these issues as Vietnamese businesses lack experience. I advise them to change their approach. They should also ask consultancy companies and professional legal services for advice.


Thirdly, I think that all enterprises have their own strength to secure a foothold in the domestic and global market. Therefore, they should review their strengths and weaknesses to improve their competitive edge in compliance with the current context. Besides, enterprises should also explore their own advantages, as WTO accession will open up a lot of opportunities for them.


Fourthly, Vietnamese enterprises should strengthen co-operation and their sense of community in business activities both inside and outside the country. In the future, we will have opportunities to expand markets and also face tough competition. If Vietnamese businesses do not co-operate and are only keen on competition, they will encounter difficulties in international markets. It is also necessary to co-operate among ministries, agencies and associations. This will help us become stronger to develop, as well as cope with challenges.


Finally, both enterprises and other organisations should improve the quality of human resources. Enterprises should make use of opportunities and pay special attention to improving human resources. I think that some enterprises, which have qualified staff, should continue improving their human resources to meet the requirements of international integration.


If Vietnamese enterprises can realise the above-mentioned issues, they can be confident of entering the big playing field and coping with tough competition in foreign markets.

 

Reporter: Thank you very much.

Add new comment

Đăng ẩn
Tắt