A decree, a statement: Part 2: Sending a strong message

On April 1, 2025, Vietnam officially announced the Draft Decree on Strategic Trade Control, positioning itself as one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to proactively establish a comprehensive legal framework in this domain. This move comes less than two weeks after Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien's working visit to the US, underscoring its strategic significance in both timing and substance.

A pioneering step

In the context of global trade facing challenges from supply chain shifts and technological competition, Vietnam's proactive approach to controlling strategic trade activities, especially regarding dual-use goods, high-tech products, and sensitive items, demonstrates a firm, transparent, and deeply integrated stance.

On April 1, 2025, Vietnam officially announced the Draft Decree on Strategic Trade Control, becoming one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to proactively introduce a comprehensive legal framework in this field. Illustrative photo.

The draft decree is not just about regulating goods, it serves as a tool for Vietnam to build a controlled trade ecosystem capable of overseeing the use, transfer, and import-export of high-tech products. This is a crucial factor in attracting investment in key sectors, such as semiconductors, AI, and digital technology.

Action and… a series of actions

During his visit to Washington in March 2025, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien held direct meetings with the US Trade Representative and various American government agencies to discuss bilateral economic cooperation. Vietnam not only demonstrated goodwill but also put forward concrete proposals, including establishing a strategic trade control mechanism to ensure transparency, prevent trade fraud, and enhance trust with partners.

Immediately upon returning to Vietnam, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien took decisive actions. The first meeting of the Drafting Committee was convened, and within 24 hours, the draft was made publicly available online, highlighting the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s promptness and determination.

Dr. Le Quoc Phuong remarked, "This is a proactive, responsible, and practical move by Vietnam to address trade balance issues with the US."

Meanwhile, Dr. Can Van Luc emphasized that Vietnam is executing a highly proactive economic diplomacy strategy: "Increasing imports of strategic goods, strictly controlling illegal transshipment, and ensuring supply chain transparency are ways for Vietnam to secure its place in the global value chain."

Notably, Vietnam's draft decree aligns with existing international principles: respecting intellectual property rights, prohibiting unauthorized technology transfers, and controlling core technologies.

Sending a message of exemplary conduct to major partners

Vietnam is not issuing this decree merely to assert policy autonomy, safeguard long-term interests, and foster sustainable cooperation.

The US, the EU, and Japan – Vietnam’s strategic partners – have long awaited such a framework to confidently expand investments, particularly in fields with high technological security requirements.

If enacted as planned, this decree will position Vietnam as a “trusted destination” not only in terms of market potential, but also in regulatory reliability.

Not every country can act this swiftly. Vietnam introduced the draft just two weeks after high-level dialogues and made it publicly available for feedback – a transparent consultation model aligned with modern governance standards, comparable to OECD countries.

Vietnam does not merely seek to “join the game”, but to help shape its rules. With the strategic trade control decree, Vietnam has the potential to become a model for institutionalizing trade commitments, fostering a transparent investment environment, and establishing itself as a responsible global player.

Trust that shapes the future

The significance of this Draft Decree is not in its technical clauses but in the message it conveys: Vietnam is, and will continue to be, a pioneering nation in global integration and a trusted partner in international trade.

The future is not something to wait for – it is shaped by timely decisions made today. And Vietnam is taking action accordingly.