WTO Director General lauds Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements

Geneva (VNA) – Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Roberto Azevedo has expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past time as well as the country’s marked strides in international integration and trade liberalization.

He made the remarks at a reception for Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the WTO and other international organisations, in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 24. Dung came to present his credentials to the WTO Director General.

Azevedo suggested Vietnam continue its coordination with the WTO Secretariat in putting forth initiatives in order to effectively materialise multilateral commitment packages and deal with emerging issues in the global trade.

For his part, Dung noted his wish to receive more consultations from the WTO Secretariat and the Director General about Vietnam’s economic and trade development policy.

He also called for their support in building a legal framework for economy and trade, training and improving Vietnam’s capacity to actualise multilateral commitments and handle disputes.

The two sides exchanged view on issues relating to the global trade and economy, including preparations for the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference  scheduled for December 2017 in Argentina and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2017 to be hosted by Vietnam.

Dung congratulated Azevedo on achievements the WTO has recorded through the ninth and tenth WTO Ministerial Conferences in Indonesia and Kenya, especially commitment packages for developing and underdeveloped nations.

He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy on reform, opening, trade liberalization, and deeper integration into the world economy.

The ambassador also stressed Vietnam’s backing of the multilateral trade system and pledged efforts to contribute to the organiation’s successes.-VNA