Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, head of Vietnam’s mission to the WTO, met Director General Ngozi Okonjo Iweala on April 10 to discuss outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference and future priorities.
Dung praised the director general’s leadership in preparing and organising the conference, noting that despite limited outcomes, it delivered positive signals.
He said WTO members had reaffirmed support for the organisation’s leadership and multilateral principles, while active engagement during negotiations reflected strong global interest in the WTO’s future.
The ambassador also highlighted progress in areas such as support for small economies and fisheries, describing them as foundations for further work.
Reaffirming Vietnam’s position, Dung said the country remains an active and responsible WTO member, consistently participating in discussions and contributing to key negotiations.
He stressed Vietnam’s support for core WTO principles, including consensus, most favoured nation treatment, special and differential treatment for developing countries, and fair competition.
Dung also announced Vietnam’s decision to join the Information Technology Agreement Expansion, a move aimed at deepening integration and boosting the digital economy.
Okonjo Iweala welcomed the decision, saying it would help Vietnam attract high quality investment and promote digital industry development.
On future priorities, she said the WTO should focus on advancing unfinished negotiations rather than introducing new issues, with the aim of achieving tangible progress at upcoming meetings.
She also emphasised the need to extend the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and maintain momentum in key negotiations.
Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening the WTO’s central role, sustaining reform efforts and enhancing the effectiveness of the global trading system amid ongoing economic challenges.
