Workshop “Call for Proposals for AANZFTA and RCEP Economic Cooperation Work Programs” is a workshop organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the Australian Embassy and the RT4D Program Representative in Vietnam to update the Economic Cooperation and Technical Assistance Program of the agreements for the period 2023-2024, 2024-2025, how to develop and propose activities for the period 2025-2026.

The Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) has been implemented for more than 15 years, has just been upgraded in 2023 and is in the process of completing domestic procedures in member countries to enter into force; The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement between 10 ASEAN countries and 5 important partner countries, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, has also come into effect since the beginning of 2022. In the context of many fluctuations in the global economy, the upgrading and entry into force of the above two agreements demonstrates the efforts of ASEAN and Vietnam in strengthening regional economic linkages, creating a foundation for Vietnam and its member states to respond flexibly to new challenges as well as maximizing the growth potential from markets in the region. To achieve this goal, it is very necessary to effectively implement the above agreements, starting with careful preparation in many aspects, from the domestic legal framework to improving the implementation capacity of relevant agencies.

To support Vietnam and other member countries of the AANZFTA and RCEP agreements in the effective implementation of these agreements, in line with its commitment to economic cooperation and technical assistance, Australia has implemented the Regional Trade for Development Program (RT4D) in a timely manner to promote and support member countries to effectively implement their commitments in the agreements.

At the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Viet Chi, Deputy Director of the Department of Multilateral Trade Policy, updated the signing and approval of the Second Protocol amending the AANZFTA Agreement, in which, Ms. Chi updated that so far, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos and New Zealand have completed the ratification of this Protocol and Vietnam is in the process of carrying out domestic procedures.

Ms. Nguyen Viet Chi, Deputy Director of the Department of Multilateral Trade Policy, updated the signing, approval and implementation status of some FTAs

In addition, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Country Director of the RT4D Program, updated on the Economic Cooperation and Technical Assistance Program and other issues that need attention and called on Vietnamese ministries and sectors to actively participate in building and proposing economic cooperation activities within the framework of AANZFTA and RCEP to make the most of the incentives that the Program RT4D is trying to bring these two agreements to member countries.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, Country Director of the RT4D Program, updated on the Economic Cooperation and Technical Assistance Program

Regarding the process of proposing and approving projects in the Economic Cooperation and Technical Assistance Program, Mr. Quyen Anh Ngoc, Head of ASEAN Department, Department of Multilateral Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, informed representatives of Vietnamese ministries, departments and sectors about the time to call for proposals. Specifically, for projects within the framework of the AANZFTA Agreement, the deadline for receiving proposals is January 31, 2025 and for projects within the framework of the RCEP Agreement is February 28, 2025. 

Mr. Quyen Anh Ngoc, Head of ASEAN Department, Department of Multilateral Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Trade informed the process of proposing and approving projects of the Program

Through detailed sessions on proposal drafting and best practices, participants will gain insights into aligning their initiatives with shared program objectives and ensure a strategic approach to accessing technical assistance. As a result, Vietnam ministries and departments will be better prepared to contribute to the utilisation of these free trade agreements and strengthen Vietnam’s integration into regional trade networks.