Ha Noi (VNA) – A workshop aimed at discussing measures to enhance the effectiveness of Viet Nam’s legislation in relation to the country’s WTO commitments was held in Ha Noi on June 8 in the framework of the EU-sponsored Mutrap project.
Junior professional Associate Radu Tatucu, who is working for the World Bank, addressed the workshop, which was entitled “Improving the quality of trade-related legislation in Viet Nam”, and held with the participation of Vietnamese legislators and European Union (EU) consultative experts.
He said improvements are needed in internal coordination between different ministries involved in the preparation, drafting, discussion and ultimately adoption of the legislation, so that laws approved by the National Assembly, as well as regulations issued by local People’s Councils are in line with WTO principles and Viet Nam’s commitments before the WTO.
“There are certain methodological issues that need to be improved by Vietnamese legislators,” he stressed.
He remarked that organising the workshop is a positive step and shows the Vietnamese government’s efforts in improving the legal system in the country.
Countries becoming WTO members need time to adjust to legislative and economic reforms, he said, adding that legislative reform should be seen as a positive because Viet Nam is embracing the rules of the international economy and by doing so is building a well rounded legislative system which is attractive to foreign investment.
Ngo Duc Manh, Director of the Scientific Research, Library, and Information Centre of the National Assembly’s Office, said that after the country joined the WTO in January, the Vietnamese government has looked into laws and regulations relating to the implementation of WTO commitments. The 2007 agenda of the NA has touched upon the building of 21 bills and 14 ordinances and resolutions.
The EU-sponsored Mutrap project began in September 1998. The second phase of the project, which will be allocated 5.35 million euros of which the Vietnamese government will shoulder 250,000 euros, was launched in January 2005 and is expected to be completed by June 2008.
The project is aimed at supporting Viet Nam to further accelerate economic development and integrate into global and regional trade systems.-Enditem |