VIETNAM, 26 AUGUST 2025 – As part of a regional, multi-country capacity building program involving Viet Nam, the Philippines, and Thailand, Regional Trade for Development (RT4D), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam (MoIT), is hosting two workshops in Ho Chi Minh City on 26 August and Hai Phong on 29 August to support Vietnam in transitioning to the Negative List approach under the upgraded Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).

These events build on a Regional Workshop in Hanoi in June 2025 and will be followed by sessions in Thailand and the Philippines in late October 2025, reflecting AANZFTA Parties’ collaborative approach to economic cooperation. They bring together officials, trade negotiators, and private sector representatives across borders to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure commitments are met under the AANZFTA Upgrade.

Under the Negative List approach, all service sectors are open to trade unless specifically listed as restricted, creating greater transparency, predictability, and opportunities for businesses across the region. This shift is expected to boost market access, foster deeper regional integration, and ensure more inclusive benefits, including for enterprises led by women, people with disabilities and disadvantaged groups.

Tailored to Vietnam’s specific needs, the Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City workshops will bring together around 40 participants in each city, including legislators, trade negotiators, and relevant regulators. The full-day programs will combine expert presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises to strengthen understanding of the Negative List approach under the Second Protocol.

These events build on a Regional Workshop in Hanoi in June 2025 and will be followed by sessions in Thailand and the Philippines in late October 2025, reflecting AANZFTA Parties’ collaborative approach to economic cooperation. They bring together officials, trade negotiators, and private sector representatives across borders to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure commitments are met under the AANZFTA Upgrade.

Under the Negative List approach, all service sectors are open to trade unless specifically listed as restricted, creating greater transparency, predictability, and opportunities for businesses across the region. This shift is expected to boost market access, foster deeper regional integration, and ensure more inclusive benefits, including for enterprises led by women, people with disabilities and disadvantaged groups.

Tailored to Vietnam’s specific needs, the Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City workshops will bring together around 40 participants in each city, including legislators, trade negotiators, and relevant regulators. The full-day programs will combine expert presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises to strengthen understanding of the Negative List approach under the Second Protocol.