Results and lessons learned from the Beyond-WTO Programme on helping Vietnam manage its international integration process after joining the World Trade Organisation in 2007 were shared at a workshop in Hanoi on March 7.

Funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UK Department for International Development, the programme aims to support Vietnam in managing economic integration as well as in its process to transfer to a market economy.

The programme has provided Vietnam with access to international experience so that it can perfect its laws and policies, especially those related to international economic integration, and enhance the participation of organisations and people in the policy making process, said Trinh Minh Anh, head of the B-WTO Programme Office.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu stressed that results gained from the programme have also helped Vietnam implement its priorities on WTO commitment, develop its market economy, modernise the agricultural sector and rural areas.

Former Trade Minister Truong Dinh Tuyen noted that the programme has importantly contributed to strengthening institutions of a market economy and creating a competitive business environment, while minimising bad impacts of the integration process on vulnerable sectors and disadvantaged groups.-VNA