Vietnam Actively Participates in the WTO Rules of Origin Committee Meeting
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From April 3 to April 4, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Rules of Origin convened its regular session in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Vietnamese delegation was represented by Mr. Phạm Quang Huy, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam in Geneva; Ms. Trịnh Thị Thu Hiền, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade); together with officials from the Vietnamese Mission in Geneva and the delegation from Vietnam.
Vietnam Highlights Progress in Implementing Rules of Origin
During the session, Ms. Trịnh Thị Thu Hiền, head of the Vietnamese delegation, delivered a statement providing updates on Vietnam’s implementation of rules of origin (ROO) for goods exported to WTO member countries.
Her presentation received positive recognition from WTO members, who praised Vietnam’s proactive and transparent approach in fulfilling its notification obligations and promoting cooperation among member countries.
Ms. Hiền emphasized the crucial role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in enforcing rules related to product origin and introduced Vietnam’s robust legal framework for certificate of origin (C/O) issuance, including:
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Decree No. 31/2018/NĐ-CP (dated March 8, 2018),
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Circular No. 05/2018/TT-BCT (dated April 3, 2018), and
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Circular No. 44/2023/TT-BCT (dated December 29, 2023).
These regulations ensure that C/O-issuing organizations and businesses operate in a transparent, consistent, and legally compliant manner under WTO standards.
Enhancing Cooperation and Electronic Data Exchange
Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation with WTO members in origin verification and experience sharing on certification practices.
In the coming period, Vietnam aims to implement electronic origin data exchange mechanisms with selected importing countries to:
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Simplify customs procedures,
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Improve origin verification efficiency, and
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Reduce administrative burdens for both businesses and authorities.
Such initiatives align with WTO’s objective of facilitating trade and improving transparency in the global supply chain.
International Recognition of Vietnam’s Transparency and Compliance
WTO members expressed strong appreciation for Vietnam’s progress in strengthening its state management capacity on rules of origin, particularly its efforts in:
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Preventing trade fraud and misdeclaration of origin,
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Enhancing administrative transparency, and
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Promoting trade facilitation in line with global standards.
Vietnam’s contributions were viewed as practical and constructive, helping to reinforce trust and cooperation among WTO members.
Vietnam’s Contribution at the 30th Anniversary of the Committee
This year’s meeting carried special significance as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin.
Vietnam’s participation and presentation were recognized as a meaningful contribution to the milestone event, demonstrating the country’s active role in multilateral trade cooperation and its commitment to fair, transparent, and sustainable international trade.
“Vietnam remains committed to deepening collaboration with WTO members and strengthening its capacity to ensure fair, efficient, and transparent trade practices,” the delegation emphasized.