USAID Trade Facilitation Program

Although Vietnam’s economy has become one of the most open in the world, burdensome import-export procedures are a significant barrier to trade. For example, specialized inspections—a procedure that ensures import-export goods meet required quality standards—are particularly time-consuming. This is because specialized inspections in Vietnam involve multiple ministries. The resulting lengthy border clearance times cost traders time and money, hurting small and medium enterprises the most.

The USAID Trade Facilitation Program is supporting the Government of Vietnam (GVN) to develop a more attractive business environment for enterprises, traders, and investors. These efforts include simplifying customs procedures and easing congestion at Vietnam’s ports, such as at Cat Lai, the country’s busiest container port. This has become increasingly important as trade rebounds in the post-COVID-19 environment and will strengthen implementation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of which both Vietnam and the United States are members.

STRENGHTENING INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION

The GVN has tasked the Ministry of Finance’s General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) to coordinate inter-ministerial efforts to streamline customs procedures and specialized inspections. To support these efforts, the Program is working with the GDVC to: strengthen the capacity of Vietnam's National Trade Facilitation Committee; enhance national and provincial coordination; and facilitate dialogue between customs and the business community.

EXPECTED RESULTS

In close partnership with the GDVC and other GVN agencies, the USAID Trade Facilitation Program aims to achieve the following results: 

• Harmonized and simplified customs policies and procedures across GVN units;
• Strengthened national-provincial coordination of trade facilitation strategies;
• Strengthened provincial-level implementation and inter-provincial coordination in at least five provinces, and increased capacity of provincial customs officers; and
• Enhanced partnerships between customs and the private sector.

USAID Trade Facilitation Program Newsletter (January-March 2022)