VN officially becomes a full WTO member
VNGOVNet – On January 11, 2007, Vietnam officially became a full member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Vietnamese diplomatic delegation in front of WTO headquarters
On the main gate of the WTO headquarters is the banner “Welcome Vietnam as the 150th WTO member” in English, French and Spanish, standing by the gold-star red flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and WTO’s logo. This is the first time WTO has given such ceremonial treatment to a new member. In the ceremony, WTO General Director Pascal Lamy warmly congratulated Vietnam as official WTO member and expressed his wish that Vietnamese people will gain more achievements in national development.
On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Ambassador Ngô Quang Xuân stressed that Vietnam is strongly committed to being an active member of WTO, fulfilling all obligations and rights of a full member, and becoming a reliable partner of all countries and economies in the world.
MOFA Spokesman Lê Dũng
Informing Vietnam’s full membership of WTO, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lê Dũng said “This is an important event in Vietnam’s international economic integration, marking Vietnam’s comprehensive participation in the global trade system.”
From now on, Vietnam starts to observe WTO accession commitments and regulations set by the organization. At the same time, it will also enjoy full interests and equality in relations with other WTO members. By joining WTO, Vietnam has the good opportunity to broaden its export and service markets, seek for more partners, attract more FDI, and settle trade disputes under WTO regimes. Besides, there will be big challenges, requiring all sectors and echelons, especially Vietnamese enterprises, to make efforts to grab chances and overcome difficulties.
As a new member, Vietnam is committed effective and active participation in and contribution to building a multilateral trade system of equality and mutual benefit.
By Hoàng Nguyên Hồ
