Since late 2018, the USAID Trade Facilitation Program has made significant strides in improving collaboration with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) and stimulating significant appetite for reform at the central and provincial levels. However, due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, implementation of USAID’s technical assistance activities are under threat of being put on hold. USAID quickly moved to mitigate the impact of the virus by supporting GDVC to increase its teleconferencing and videoconferencing capabilities.
The USAID Trade Facilitation Program is now able to conduct technical meetings, online consultations with international experts, and hold virtual workshops to ensure the timely delivery of technical assistance and training. While the use of videoconferencing represents a shift in the program’s delivery method, the minimal investment has added cost-savings associated with bringing technical experts to Vietnam. If successful, this shift can serve as a model for other programs. By making the necessary changes, USAID and GDVC are better equipped to handle the adoption of virtual training, and foster closer communication between central and provincial offices.
So What? With little certainty on when the global COVID-19 pandemic will end, a shift to videoconferencing will enable the USAID Trade Facilitation Program to maintain its momentum, and continue supporting GDVC and other partners without putting themselves at risk.