Socialist Republic of Vietnam

HA NOI (March 13, 2003) — Major issues such as the observation of the Bilateral Trade Agreement, Viet Nam’s bid for the WTO accession, and intellectual property topped the agenda of the second session of the joint Viet Nam-US Committee for Economic and Commercial Development, which wrapped up in Ha Noi on Monday after a week-long sitting.

Leaders of the two delegations were Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Trade Luong Van Tu and the US Deputy Trade Representative John Huntsman.

American delegates acknowledged Viet Nam’s strenuous efforts to live up to its commitments in the agreement and called for Viet Nam’s continued endeavours in this field.

They highlighted the need to protect intellectual property rights, and expressing satisfaction at Viet Nam’s resolve and measures in this regard.

Vietnamese delegates asked its American partners to arrange talks and sign a protocol between the two countries on the control of animal and plant diseases and quarantine measures.

The two sides shared the view that strict BTA implementation will help Viet Nam gear up for WTO accession.

The American side reiterated its commitment to supporting the Vietnamese bid. The two delegations said they would make necessary preparations for participating in the WTO Secretary meeting in May.

The session also discussed an agreement between the two countries on textiles and garments.

The Vietnamese side expressed deep concern and discontent with over recent developments of the tra and ba sa fillet lawsuit. American delegates suggested that Viet Nam continue to work with the US Department of Commerce to settle the dispute.

Vietnamese and American delegates compared notes on a string of issues relating to enterprises of both countries and agreed to hold regular meetings on those issues in a bid to stimulate economic and commercial bonds between the two countries.

They held that every possible liaison channels, including diplomatic ways via the two countries’ embassies, should be utilised to cater for the expansion of bilateral co-operation.

The next meeting of the joint Viet Nam-US committee is slated to take place in the US in 2004. —VNS