Vietnam Seeks Deeper WTO Cooperation for Economic Growth

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on September 12 called on the World Trade Organization (WTO) to continue its support for Vietnam. As an active WTO member, Vietnam has been making active contributions to the organization's agenda, including ratifying the first phase of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, negotiating entry into the expanded Information Technology Agreement (ITA2), and preparing for its next Trade Policy Review scheduled for late 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang said. Vietnam is intensifying efforts to attract investment in strategic sectors such as clean energy, green industry, high technology, and infrastructure. PM Hung urged India's ACME Group and GMR Group to expand their investment and cooperation in these areas. Furthermore, Vietnam could deepen its cooperation with BRICS through four main areas: expanding trade and market access; attracting and promoting two-way investment; engaging deeper in global supply chains and logistics networks; and advancing cooperation in science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Domestically, the provincial People's Committee has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment to prepare an investment proposal for upgrading and expanding the Con Co storm shelter in Con Co special zone. The project, with a total investment of 400 billion VND (approximately 15.4 million USD), is scheduled to be implemented from 2026 to 2028. Farmers in the province are also gradually embracing advances in science and technology and digital transformation, providing an important impetus for the agricultural sector to shift toward modern production in line with Politburo Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW dated June 16, 2022. Major export products include rattan and bamboo products, sedge and wickerware, fine wooden furniture and handicrafts, ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles. Many craft village products feature diverse designs and good quality, gradually enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan stated that Vietnam is committed to creating favorable conditions for French businesses to invest and operate in the country on a stable, long-term basis. Deputy Foreign Minister Giang also highly praised the significance of Purves’ visit in strengthening and further deepening the Vietnam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership. Discussions with Moscow authorities reviewed the implementation of the 2025-2027 cooperation program and discussed key priorities for the new period, including urban transport, science and technology, digital transformation, trade and investment, and cultural exchanges. Several businesses from Mexico's Veracruz state expressed their wish to organize a delegation to Vietnam to gain first-hand insights into the market, seek partners, and explore investment and business opportunities, initially focusing on trade, energy, agriculture, and tourism. Honda Vietnam sold 862,105 motorcycles during the first five months of its 2026-2027 fiscal year (April through August), a 0.2% decrease from the same period last year.