VIETNAM: CLARIFYING WTO LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

UNCLAS HANOI 000464

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

STATE ALSO FOR E, EB AND EAP/BCLTV
STATE PASS USTR EBRYAN, GHICKS
STATE ALSO PASS USAID
DOC FOR 4431/MAC/AP/OPB/VLC/HPPHO
GENEVA FOR USTR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD VM WTO
SUBJECT: VIETNAM: CLARIFYING WTO LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS



1. (SBU) This is an action request. Please see para. 3.


2. (SBU) While the GVN has the clear goal of WTO accession
in December 2005, they do not comprehend all the
requirements or steps to do so. Recent conversations with
GVN officials have shown that, except for the Ministry of
Trade, the GVN does yet not understand the importance or the
difficulty in preparing legislation needed for WTO accession
or the timetable for doing so. The Prime Minister's
Research Council has been working under the assumption that
completing draft legislation a year from now would be
sufficient. Diplomatic colleagues have reported similar
findings. As DUSTR Byran determined during her visit last
month, neither the National Assembly nor the other
ministries understand the gravity of the situation. The
Ministry of Trade is focused on market access negotiations
and does not have the clout to energize other ministries.


3. (SBU) To get the message clearly to the GVN and speed up
their legislative efforts, we need to be able to explain
simply but clearly what the GVN needs to do in terms of
legislation. For example, it would useful to list which
laws must be brought into compliance with WTO and which new
laws must be passed. Post requests that the Department and
Washington agencies provide such guidance.

MARINE


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