In a bid to bolster Vietnam’s trade and economic prospects, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng has reached out to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) for enhanced support. His appeal came during recent discussions held in Switzerland, where Thắng underscored the necessity for a robust global trading framework that Vietnam can rely on to fuel its growth.
Thắng emphasized Vietnam’s dedication to maintaining a rules-based international trade system, urging the WTO to expedite its reform processes. He highlighted the need for the organization to rejuvenate its dispute resolution mechanism and to broaden its purview to cover emerging sectors such as digital commerce, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the resilience of supply chains. These areas are becoming increasingly critical for nations seeking to stay competitive in the modern economy.
Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister articulated Vietnam’s strategic vision of achieving high-income status by the year 2045. In pursuit of this ambition, he invited the WEF to deepen its cooperative efforts with Vietnam, specifically through the advancement of investment, innovation, and public-private partnerships. He also stressed the importance of establishing international financial centers as a part of this collaborative endeavor.
The response from WTO and WEF officials was encouraging, as they expressed support for Vietnam’s ongoing economic reforms. They committed to continued collaboration with the Southeast Asian nation, focusing on initiatives that enhance trade, foster investment, and build capacity. This partnership is seen as pivotal for Vietnam as it navigates the complexities of an evolving global economic landscape.