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Vietnam Cat Lai Port_USAID Trade Facilitation Program

In the years ahead, the Indo-Pacific region will drive as much as two-thirds of global economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the need for a recovery that promotes broad-based, inclusive economic growth. If this growth is sustainable, inclusive, and transparent, then more communities and countries, including the U.S., stand to benefit. That requires investments to encourage digital innovation, close infrastructure gaps, and expand opportunities for women and other marginalized people. It requires technology standards that protect a free and open internet, safeguard user privacy, and bring more people into Asia’s thriving digital economies. 

Under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), USAID plays a critical role in achieving the goals of IPEF, the principal platform for U.S. economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. USAID’s bilateral and regional programs advance fair and resilient trade; supply chain resilience; infrastructure, clean energy, and decarbonization; and tax administration and anti-corruption. USAID advocates for the inclusion of emerging and developing countries in IPEF to ensure inclusivity and maintains a presence in six IPEF partner countries: Fiji, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through IPEF, USAID also collaborates with other like-minded donors to advance these initiatives across the Indo-Pacific.  

Improving Trade Fairness, Competitiveness, and Resilience: USAID’s bilateral, regional, and multilateral programs level the playing field for trade by promoting legal, regulatory, and policy reforms. Specifically, USAID supports partners to meet their international trade agreement obligations and internationally-accepted standards for areas such as intellectual property and worker’s rights. To improve competitiveness, USAID supports reforms to cut red tape, lowering the cost of doing business and spurring private investment. These programs, including those contributing to free, fair, resilient, and reciprocal trade in USAID partner countries under IPEF, help countries to: (a) foster private investment in sustainable, high-standards infrastructure, (b) accelerate digital and regional connectivity, and (c) reform their procurement rules in line with international best practices. 

Promoting Sustainable, Transparent, and High-Quality Infrastructure Development: USAID’s assistance supports partner countries in advancing sustainable, transparent, and high-quality infrastructure development. Through technical assistance and training, USAID programs, including those under the Infrastructure Transaction and Assistance Network (ITAN) Initiative. Additionally, by expanding the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a global climate initiative co-led by India and the United States, USAID helps reduce the threats of climate change to infrastructure around the world. 

Strengthening Digital Economy and Connectivity: USAID programs, including those under the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) Initiative

Strengthen Workforce Development and Primary Education: Amid the COVID-related setbacks in education over the past two years, USAID will work with education institutions and governments across the Indo-Pacific to ensure that more youth, including emerging leaders, can cultivate the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to contribute to their county’s economy and development. Our activities (a) facilitate exchange and networking opportunities among STEM scholars, leaders, researchers, and professionals; (b) make curricula more relevant to in-demand skills; and (c) make access to high-quality education more equitable for women, minority, and other vulnerable groups. 

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2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy