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MUTRAP: A step toward implementation of WTO commitments and settlement of post-WTO issues of Vietnam
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14:57
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18/10/2005
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CPV: Multilateral Trade Assistance Project (MUTRAP) is one of the first Trade Related Technical Assistance Programmes of the European Community (EC) in Vietnam.
Commencing in 1998, it has supported Vietnam's international economic integration process during the past 7 years with a preparatory phase (1998 – 1999), MUTRAP I (2001 – 2003), extension and bridging phases (2003 – 2004) and the present MUTRAP II (2005 – 2008).
The project was inaugurated in Hanoi on September 26. MUTRAP's activities will be implemented from 4th quarter in 2005 to 2nd quarter in 2008. It will be part of the external assistance of the European Commission to Vietnam, which is averaging € 40 million per year. In the margins of the ASEM Summit in October 2004, the EC and the Vietnamese Government signed the financing agreement for MUTRAP II. The 5,350,000 Euro project will be implemented from 2005 to June 2008 aiming at assisting Vietnamese ministries and agencies to implement its WTO commitments and make necessary adjustments of domestic economy to adapt to new competitiveness.
Dr Markus Cornaro said that they are keen to see MUTRAP II building up on the good work of the previous phases of MUTRAP and continue to assist Vietnam in the realization of its WTO commitments in the post-accession period. As the first trading partner of Vietnam, the European Commission and European Union pay special attention to helping Vietnam put in place a platform for an open and competitive trade policy, which will in turn, contribute to the country's effort in sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
MUTRAP II initiates a new stage in the Programme's technical assistance strategy, focusing on the “post-WTO accession issues” that will be confronted by Vietnam. These issues include the implementation of WTO commitments; fully utilizing benefits resulting from WTO membership; and addressing possible impacts of integration on the national economy, especially impacts on agriculture, poverty alleviation and job restructuring. MUTRAP II activities are designed to resolve these post-WTO issues and help Vietnam to smoothly integrate into the global economy.
In the field of agriculture, the project will support the implementation of WTO agreement on agriculture, and advise on a regulatory framework to improve the marketability and competitiveness of Vietnamese agro-products.
In the field of service, it assist in reviewing and drafting legislation related to GATS implementation, assess the impacts of GATS implementation and to establish statistical system for trade in services and GATS enquiry and contact point.
The project will also focus on staff training, establishment of internet-based database and portals.
TG
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