Participating in negotiations to expand and upgrade international economic and trade agreements

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has just signed Decision No. 883/QĐ-TTg dated May 18, 2026, establishing the Government Negotiation Delegation on international economic and trade affairs.

The Government Negotiation Delegation has the function of assisting the Prime Minister in directing ministries, sectors and localities in the negotiation, signing, coordination of ratification, approval and implementation of international treaties and international agreements on economics and trade of the State and Government of Vietnam, including multilateral, bilateral, regional agreements and other mechanisms within the framework of international cooperation.

According to the Decision, the Delegation is tasked with assisting the Prime Minister in developing orientations, strategies, plans and comprehensive negotiation schemes for participation in Vietnam’s international treaties and international agreements on economics and trade; proposing negotiation objectives, viewpoints and roadmaps with partners and groups of partners through flexible forms appropriate to national interests and Vietnam’s socio-economic development orientation.

To take the lead and coordinate with ministries and sectors in preparing, organizing and implementing negotiation activities for international treaties and international agreements on economics and trade; proposing to competent authorities measures to handle difficulties and obstacles arising during the negotiation process.

To formulate negotiation plans, organize negotiations and implement negotiation outcomes at different levels and scopes on the basis of the comprehensive scheme and negotiation results after approval by the Prime Minister and competent authorities.

In addition, the Delegation is tasked with taking the lead and coordinating with ministries and sectors in participating in activities implementing Vietnam’s rights and obligations as a member in mechanisms under international treaties and agreements on international economics and trade (standing bodies, secretariats, councils, joint committees, implementation committees, etc.); participating in negotiations to expand and upgrade international treaties and agreements on international economics and trade to which Vietnam is a member (WTO, APEC, ASEM, ASEAN, bilateral and multilateral FTAs, etc.) in order to meet cooperation and development needs at national, regional and global levels, while making better use of existing markets.

To organize consultations and collect opinions from the business community and relevant stakeholders on negotiation contents in appropriate forms, based on assessments of impacts, opportunities, challenges and risks to the economy, thereby formulating negotiation plans to protect and strengthen Vietnam’s international economic and trade interests.

To coordinate with ministries and sectors in monitoring, evaluating and proposing solutions to difficulties arising during the implementation of Vietnam’s international treaties and agreements on economics and trade; organizing information dissemination and guidance for ministries, sectors, organizations and enterprises in implementing Vietnam’s commitments. To perform other tasks related to negotiation, signing, coordination of ratification, approval and implementation of international treaties and agreements on economics and trade assigned by competent authorities.

Minister of Industry and Trade to head Government Negotiation Delegation

Regarding the organization and operation of the Government Negotiation Delegation, the Decision stipulates that the Minister of Industry and Trade will serve as Head of the Government Negotiation Delegation.

The Deputy Heads include: A Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade serving as Standing Deputy Head, assisting the Head in coordinating overall activities of the Government Negotiation Delegation, directly overseeing professional work on international economic and trade negotiations, managing areas within the functions and tasks of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and acting on behalf of the Head when authorized.

A Deputy Minister of Finance serving as Deputy Head, responsible for areas within the functions and tasks of the Ministry of Finance, including Vietnam’s market opening commitments on tariffs, customs, investment, financial services (insurance, securities), government procurement and other fields, and acting on behalf of the Head when authorized within the assigned areas.

A Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs serving as Deputy Head, responsible for external affairs, diplomatic engagement, bilateral and multilateral relations in economic and trade negotiations and other areas as required by assigned functions and tasks, and acting on behalf of the Head when authorized within the assigned areas.

Members include: A Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment; a Deputy Minister of Science and Technology; a Deputy Minister of Justice; a Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; a Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam; a Deputy Minister of Public Security; a Deputy Minister of Health; a Deputy Minister of Home Affairs; and three department- or agency-level leaders in charge of international trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade participating in supporting the standing operations of the Government Negotiation Delegation.

Where necessary, at the proposal of the Head of the Government Negotiation Delegation, the Prime Minister shall consider and decide on the addition of members who are leaders of other relevant ministries, sectors and agencies.

Technical-level negotiation groups under the Government Negotiation Delegation shall be established according to the requirements of each international trade agreement and arrangement, with representatives being technical-level officials from relevant ministries and sectors, and consultants may be mobilized where necessary.

Ministries and sectors are responsible for appointing representatives who are experienced negotiators with in-depth expertise in their assigned fields to ensure quality, effectiveness and consistency throughout the negotiation process.

In special cases, the Prime Minister shall decide on the establishment of negotiation delegations to handle strategic and urgent issues related to national interests. The composition, head and operating regulations of such negotiation delegations shall be decided by the Prime Minister.