1. Trade Capacity Vietnam project (TCV) and contributions of Vietnam’s Association of Foreign invested Enterprises (VAFIE) in TCV Project Director : Nguyen Van Toan Ha Noi, 12 th November 2014

2.  Introduction about VAFIE: VIETNAM ASSOCIATION OF FOREIGN INVESED ENTERPRISES is a non-governmental organization established in 2004 Members are the FDI enterprises and enterprises in foreign trade and investment filed in Vietnam, Serve as a bridge between its members and a larger domestic business community as well as public authorities and government agencies.

3.  Functions/ roles of VAFIE : Serve as a bridge between its members and a larger domestic business community as well as public authorities and government agencies. Support, advise members and the other enterprises on trade and investment through providing information, policy consultancy, supporting for the implementation of legal procedures related to trade and investment. Gather opinions/feedbacks of enterprises, participate in government policy dialogues in the field of trade and investment, including participation in the process od development and evaluation of laws/regulations, organizing seminars and conferences on trade related policies, submitting proposals for law/regulation amendments whereas inadequacies in practices. Conduct dialogues with central and local government agencies to find out solutions for trade and investment related problems of members enterprises.

4.  The trade and investment relationship between Vietnam-EU: - Two-way trade Vietnam-EU 2013 reached nearly $ 34 billion - Export from Vietnam to the EU reached nearly $ 10 billion - The investment from EU to Vietnam are increase quality and quantity - In 2014, EU’s ODA commitment to Vietnam is 542 mil EUR - Free Trade Agreement VN-EU FTA is in the process of negotiating and signing is one of the top priorities of the integration policy of the government of Vietnam.

5.  VAFIE’s contributions to the process of international economic integration of Vietnam: In the current integration process, Vietnam is giving high priority toward development of trade and investment relations with developed, in which the European Union is a focus. In 2011, VAFIE has received funding from the EU-MUTRAP and successfully organized two workshops on the topic of opportunities and challenges for FDI enterprises in Vietnam after signing of Vietnam-EU FTA in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Title of the Action: Trade capacity Vietnam (TCV) Location(s): Việt Nam, Hanoi, Phu Tho, Thai Binh, Hoa Binh, Bac Ninh,Hai Phong,Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Ho Chi Minh, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Can Tho, An Giang. Ca Mau. Implemented by: - VAFIE – Vietnam association of Foreign Invested Enterprises - ASMES – Association of Small and Medium Enterprises of the South - Sequa – A Germany-Based international consulting and training company Budget:525,000 EUR, 90% financing from EU (472.500 EUR), 10% co- financing by VAFIE,ASMES and Sequa Total duration: 36 months, starting on August 1 st 2014 until 31 July 2017  Introduction on project Trade Capacity Vietnam

7.  Overall objective: “Further Vietnam’s integration into international trading systems, enhance Vietnam – EU trade relations and maximize the benefits for economic development, inclusive growth and poverty reduction“  Specific objective: Increase participation of VAFIE and ASMES and its members in policy development process on international trade and invement through Trade Advocacy Committees and enhance SMEs trade capacity and compliance with EU market requirements through Trade Nucleus Network; Increase capacity for the VAFIE and ASMES through improved trade capacity and compliance to EU market requirements by the Trade Nuclei network

8.  Estimated results : 1.Capacity Building: VAFIE and ASMES have qualified staffs and sufficient number of resource persons in the areas of key trade and investment issues. 2.Advocacy: Trade Advocacy Committees (TAC) are established at both VAFIE and ASMES and increase their capacity to participate actively in national policy consultation mechanisms and in the process of trade policy making.

9.  Estimated results : 3. Outreach / Nuclei: VAFIE and ASMES have introduced the Trade Nucleus Approach as a successful business and communication model. 4. Trade Desks established at VAFIE and ASMES to provide, consult and connect members with the EU enterprises. The trade desks shall be further in operation after the finishing of the project.

10.  The final beneficiaries: Experts and staffs of VAFIE and ASMES can improve their trade and investment knowledge and expertise. VAFIE and ASMES, through the activities of TCV can enhance and promote their organisations. Enterprises and VAFIE & ASMES members can improve trade capacity with the EU, expand their products to the EU market. Representatives from governmental agencies and institutes involved in the project can improve their further studies and participate deeper in the process of trade policy making.

11.  Commitment of VAFIE, ASMES and Sequa: Try the best to fulfil tasks to achieve set objectives and results of the project. Implement appropriate processes and procedures in accordance with EU guidelines. Comply with the terms of the grant contract. Outreach as far as we can: not only the VAFIE and ASMES members, but larger number of SMEs and agencies will be given opportunities to participate and take benefits from this project.

12. Kính chúc toàn thể quý vị mạnh khỏe, hạnh phúc và thành công. Xin trân trọng cảm ơ n ! Liên hệ : Văn phòng Dự án Năng lực Thương mại Việt Nam (TCV): P. 603 – 604, Tầng 6, 65 Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Việt Nam Tel +84 (4) 62757026 ; Fax +84 (4) 38232786; Email: tcv@vafie.org.vn Website:tcv.vafie.org.vn