Proactive integration

BAC GIANG - This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the Index for evaluating the implementation of free trade agreements in localities (FTA Index). Bac Giang belongs to the group of localities with many component indicators scoring at an average level; therefore, it is necessary to clearly identify limitations in order to overcome them and contribute to improving this index ranking.

The FTA Index comprises component indicators such as: dissemination and promotion of FTAs; implementation of legal regulations on FTAs; policies supporting enhanced competitiveness; and implementation of commitments on sustainable development. Based on a 10-point scale, Bac Giang province achieved average or below-average scores in all of these indicators.

Specifically, in the component index on communication and dissemination activities (assessing the level of businesses' access to communication and dissemination of FTAs), Bac Giang achieved 5.51 points, ranking 45th nationwide; the component index on implementation of legal regulations to enforce FTAs ​​achieved 5.44 points; the component index on programs and policies to support and enhance the competitiveness of businesses achieved 5.04 points; and the index on sustainable development achieved 4.77 points.

The reason many component indicators are only average is due to the limited utilization of opportunities from FTAs, especially in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. Many businesses have not paid sufficient attention to or updated information, do not fully understand specific commitments, and lack the capacity to meet standards regarding origin of goods, technology, environment, and labor. Coordination between agencies, local authorities, and the business community in implementing FTAs ​​has not been truly synchronized or effective, reducing the spillover effects of the agreements.

The world is changing every day. The most obvious example is the increasing strategic competition and trade wars between major powers, particularly the growing trend of protectionism. Simultaneously, the US President recently announced increased tariffs on goods from many countries when imported into the United States. In this context, the implementation of FTAs ​​will provide significant advantages in boosting trade between nations. Therefore, some argue that proactive integration is a crucial factor in promoting trade and exports.

Authorities need to innovate and guide businesses in effectively implementing FTAs. FTAs ​​are no longer limited to traditional areas like rules of origin and preferential tariffs; they now include broader commitments in areas such as trade in services, intellectual property, labor, and the environment. This requires government agencies to expand their scope and strengthen guidance in these areas to meet the increasingly stringent standards of new-generation FTAs. Businesses need to proactively identify and propose solutions to difficulties and obstacles so that they can be addressed promptly and effectively utilize FTAs.

Truong Son

Source: https://baobacgiang.vn/chu-dong-hoi-nhap-postid416030.bbg