NA expected to ratify document on UK’s accession to CPTPP at upcoming session
The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on May 15 agreed to submit the document on the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to the NA for approval at the upcoming 7th session which is scheduled to start on May 20.
NA Permanent Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the meeting of NA Standing Committee on May 15. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on May 15 agreed to submit the document on the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to the NA for appr🀅oval at the upcoming 7th session which is scheduled to start on May 20.
Speaking at the meeting of the NA Standing Committee on May 15, Vice Chairwoman of the Presidential Office Phan Thi Kim Oanh said that on February 1, 2021, the UK officially applied to join the CPTPP. During negotiations with the UK on its CPTPP accession, Vietnam has achieved its target of requesting the UK to commit to open its market at a high level to ensure compliance with the agreement's standards.
After meetings at all levels, on March 31, 2023, CPTPP member countries and the UK announced a joint statement on ending the negotiations. The UK and the CPTPP members signed the Accession protocol of the UK to the CPTPP at the 7th Commission Meeting hosted by New Zealand on July 16, 2023, making this country the 12th signing member of the deal.
The Government of Vietnam proposed the NA ratify the UK’s accession protocol at the 7th session of the 15th NA so that Vietnam will be one of the first six CPTPP countries to ratify it. The early ratification and implementation of commitments in the protocol will help realise opportunities for Vietnamese goods to access the UK market, thereby helping to consolidate and strengthen trade - investment relations between the two countries, and enhance Vietnam's image and position in actively promoting international economic cooperation.
Chairman of the NA's Committee for Foreign Affairs Vu Hai Ha emphasised that the ratification of the protocol demonstrates the high and appropriate political determination, in line with the policies and foreign policy of the Party and State and has a positive impact on the country's socio-economic development.
For bilateral letters between Vietnam and the UK confirming Vietnam's application of market-opening commitments in the field of Government Procurement for the UK as well as for other CPTPP member countries have different contents from the Vietnam - UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), the NA's Committee for Foreign Affairs asked the Government to urgently direct relevant ministries and agencies to review, amend or supplement current legal documents or issue new legal documents (if needed) to guide the implementation of the commitments on Government Procurement in these agreements./.
The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK’s signing of an agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on July 16 will create a strong driving force to further boost bilateral economic-trade-investment ties.
The UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will complement the existing UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and help upgrade the bilateral relations thanks to additional preferential tariffs, Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the UK, reportedly said.
The UK’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will bring about wonderful trade and investment opportunities to each CPTPP member, while affirming the deal as a model of economic cooperation in the region in the 21st century, a Vietnamese official has said.
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.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
