Government officials and economic experts came together for aconference in Ho Chi Minh City on July 16 to share their opinions on aplan to increase the dissemination of information about internationaleconomic integration.

The event also provided updates on anumber of free trade agreements (FTAs) recently signed between Vietnamand foreign partners.

Deputy Minister of Industry and TradeNguyen Cam Tu stressed that the plan would analyse the limitations andshortcomings in the field and propose priorities and directions for thefuture.

The plan is expected to help local enterprises andcitizens gain an insight into integration, thus helping them developappropriate business strategies, Tu said, adding that ministries,sectors, localities and businesses should cooperate together closely inthe field.

Participants underlined the need to renew methods usedto inform the public of the country’s ongoing international integrationprocess. They urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) tointensify its efforts in this regard.

Vice Chairwoman of the HoChi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hong said FTAs with strongand comprehensive commitments on trade, services, investment andinstitutional reform would provide opportunities as well as challengesto Vietnam’s integration efforts.

The Government, ministries,sectors and localities should collaborate to map out specific measuresto help enterprises and trade associations take advantage of FTAs anddeal with challenges effectively, she stressed. Hong also stated thatthe municipal People’s Committee was working hard to provide assistancein and information on the integration process.-VNA