Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam has called on the United States to conduct an objective and fair assessment of the country's efforts and achievements in intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement after Washington launched a trade investigation into the issue.
Responding on May 30 to the press queries regarding the fresh decision by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on May 29 to initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said strengthening IP protection and enforcement remains a consistent policy of Vietnam.
"Vietnam is committed to building a transparent and healthy business and investment environment, promoting innovation and fully implementing its international commitments," the diplomat remarked.
Hang noted that Vietnam's position, efforts and results in the field of intellectual property protection and enforcement had already been outlined in statements issued on May 1 and May 14.
“The initiation of a Section 301 investigation is a procedure carried out in accordance with US law,” she said, adding that relevant issues would continue to be considered through exchanges and consultations between the two sides during the course of the investigation.
According to the spokeswoman, Vietnam and the US have maintained close discussions on the matter in recent years, with the US side positively acknowledging Vietnam's policies as well as the measures it has taken to strengthen IP protection and enforcement.
She said Vietnam stands ready to continue consultations, share information and clarify relevant policies, regulations and ongoing measures.
“At the same time, we request that the US conduct an objective and fair assessment, fully recognising Vietnam's efforts and substantive achievements, in a cooperative and constructive spirit consistent with the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, for the benefit of the people and businesses as well as for both countries in general,” Hang said./.
