Vietnam signals readiness to support WTO reform talks
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien called for a comprehensive reform of the World Trade Organisation to strengthen its role and adaptability in the changing global economic landscape.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (right) and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Jeju on May 15 (Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is willing to cooperate closely with other World Trade Organisation (WTO) members in advancing discussions on initiatives and solutions aimed at reforming the global trade body, stated Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien during a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on May 15 in the Republic of Korea.
At the meeting held on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Jeju, Dien affirmed Vietnam’s consistent respect and support for the multilateral trading system.
He urged the WTO to reinforce its central role in upholding global trade order, and highlighted the importance of strict adherence to international commitments.
The minister further called for a comprehensive reform of the organisation to strengthen its role and adaptability in the changing global economic landscape.
In response, Director-General Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Vietnam’s stance and proposals. She expressed confidence that, through concerted efforts and close collaboration among member states, the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 2026 in Cameroon, would yield substantive outcomes, contributing to promoting the organisation's role in global trade and benefiting all members.
Both sides shared optimism that the MRT meeting would result in agreements🐓 to help stimulate economic growth among member economies./.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) committees on trade defence held a series of meetings from April 28 to May 1, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the WTO, and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland, announced on May 6.
Through Hien’s remarks, WTO members appreciated Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role in promoting cooperation among member states and enhancing transparency in meeting its notification obligations under WTO regulations.
Vietnam's signing of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession protocol in Geneva on November 7, 2006, and its subsequent entry as the organisation's 150th member on January 11, 2007, marked a pivotal turning point in the nation's development. Over the past 18 years, this membership has strengthened Vietnam’s position in global value chains while demonstrating its strong commitment to international economic integration.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
