Vietnam signals readiness to support WTO reform talks
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien called for a comprehensive reform of the World Trade Organisation to strengthen its role and adaptability in the changing global economic landscape.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (right) and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Jeju on May 15 (Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is willing to cooperate closely with other World Trade Organisation (WTO) members in advancing discussions on initiatives and solutions aimed at reforming the global trade body, stated Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien during a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on May 15 in the Republic of Korea.
At the meeting held on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Jeju, Dien affirmed Vietnam’s consistent respect and support for the multilateral trading system.
He urged the WTO to reinforce its central role in upholding global trade order, and highlighted the importance of strict adherence to international commitments.
The minister further called for a comprehensive reform of the organisation to strengthen its role and adaptability in the changing global economic landscape.
In response, Director-General Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Vietnam’s stance and proposals. She expressed confidence that, through concerted efforts and close collaboration among member states, the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 2026 in Cameroon, would yield substantive outcomes, contributing to promoting the organisation's role in global trade and benefiting all members.
♈ Both sides shared optimism that the MRT meeting would result in agreements to help stimulate economic growth among member economies./.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) committees on trade defence held a series of meetings from April 28 to May 1, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the WTO, and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland, announced on May 6.
Through Hien’s remarks, WTO members appreciated Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role in promoting cooperation among member states and enhancing transparency in meeting its notification obligations under WTO regulations.
Vietnam's signing of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession protocol in Geneva on November 7, 2006, and its subsequent entry as the organisation's 150th member on January 11, 2007, marked a pivotal turning point in the nation's development. Over the past 18 years, this membership has strengthened Vietnam’s position in global value chains while demonstrating its strong commitment to international economic integration.
The visits reflected the elevated position of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era—aimed at not only advancing ties with key regional partners like Egypt and Angola but also delivering a strategic message about Vietnam’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations as a whole.
At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
