EXBS EQUIPMENT HANDOVER TO GVN HIGHLIGHTS EXPORT CONTROL

UNCLAS HANOI 000607 SIPDIS BANGKOK FOR EXBS ADVISOR BILL COMLEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KSTC PARM PREL VM SUBJECT: EXBS EQUIPMENT HANDOVER TO GVN HIGHLIGHTS EXPORT CONTROL COOPERATION ¶1. Summary: At a May 21 ceremony, the Ambassador presented USD 1.2 million of EXBS-funded, export control-related equipment to the GVN. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted our successful cooperation in this area and encouraged the GVN to continue strengthening its export control regime. GVN officials stressed that improving export control is a top priority for GVN Customs and that EXBS-provided equipment and training is helping the GVN to achieve this objective. The handover ceremony received prominent national press coverage. End Summary. Export Control: an Area of Robust Cooperation -------------- ¶2. During the equipment handover ceremony, the Ambassador presented Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program-funded equipment to Vice Minister of Finance Do Hoang Anh Tuan, General Department of Customs Director General Le Manh Hung and MOD Border Guard Command Deputy Chief of Staff Colonel Bui Song Nham. Prior to the ceremony, the Ambassador met with VM Tuan and DG Hung to underscore the importance of our cooperation in the area of export control as a means of countering the spread of WMD. He recognized the Department of Customs' ("Customs") excellent cooperation in implementing EXBS Program activities since 2005 and encouraged the GVN to set up a strong legal-regulatory framework for strategic items to complement its increasing enforcement capacity. The Ambassador also previewed the Department of Energy's Megaports proposal for Vietnam and offered Embassy support in following-up DG Hung's upcoming TDA-sponsored Customs Modernization orientation visit to the U.S. Improving Export Control a GVN Priority -------------- ¶3. VM Tuan noted that customs issues are one of his most pressing priorities at the Ministry of Finance. He stated that "Customs' top duty is to tighten controls over imports and exports in order to safeguard the Vietnamese population against the threat of weapons of mass destruction." In light of this, the GVN "highly appreciates" the EXBS-provided equipment that will enable Customs to perform this duty. ¶4. DG Hung noted that Customs needs to improve its capacity to fight terrorism. He praised the contribution of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) in providing counterterrorism-related training through EXBS-funded programs and hoped for further training opportunities in the future. EXBS Equipment Meets Needs; Improves Implementation -------------- -------------- ¶5. Following the meeting, the Ambassador, VM Tuan and DG Hung joined Colonel Nham and an audience of Customs officials for the presentation of a package of EXBS-funded equipment valued at USD 1.2 million. The equipment included a mobile x-ray van, two x-ray scanners, radiation pagers and GPS devices. Six off-road vehicles will also be delivered to the Border Guard in June. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted our excellent cooperation through the EXBS Program in the fight against the proliferation of WMD. He encouraged the GVN to work with the U.S. to ensure that its strategic trade control system is consistent with international standards, including strong national laws, national control lists harmonized with international lists and improved enforcement and pursuit of violators. ¶6. DG Hung commented on the effectiveness with which the EXBS program has been implemented, noting that many GVN officials involved in a range of activities have learned skills to implement and enhance border control. He expressed confidence that the new EXBS equipment will bring practical benefits for securing trade in the fight against terrorism. He promised to promptly distribute the equipment to local offices for use as soon as possible. ¶7. VM Tuan also expressed GVN appreciation for the equipment, noting that it is a perfect fit with the GVN's objectives and tasks in the area of customs. Noting that improved control of imports and exports is one of Customs' top strategic tasks, he said the GVN will continue to look to the U.S. for assistance in carrying out this task. Significant Press Coverage -------------- ¶8. As the result of a press release issued by the Public Affairs Sections at the Embassy and Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the ceremony received wide coverage in major national newspapers and internet news outlets on the following day. MICHALAK