VietNamNet Bridge - Economists from the World Bank and the Post-WTO Technical Cooperation Programme are gathering in Hanoi to share experiences and provide expertise on how to tackle issues which arise in the post-WTO period.

From anti-dumping lawsuits…

Adam McCarty from Mekong Economics – a leading economic consulting company in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, said that Vietnam has coped with numerous issues, particularly anti-dumping lawsuits after officially joining the WTO in January 2007. He said the application of anti-dumping measures is not a good practice because both consumers and importers will eventually suffer losses once the lawsuits are filed. In addition, the WTO is not the forum where such lawsuits are tabled for discussion.

According to him, Vietnam should show its consistency in economic management, particularly in raising the awareness of businesses. The country should have lobbying campaigns for international economic activities.

Pham Chi Lan, an economic expert, gave a warning about the possible application of non-market regulations to a market economy in trade activities.

Luong Van Tu, President of the Vietnam Cacao and Coffee Association, pointed out the fact that many countries want to make use of anti-dumping lawsuits with the aim of safeguarding the domestic market while cornering the global market.

Dr Tran Dinh Thien from the Vietnam Economics Institute complained that Vietnam’s market economy institutions remain incomplete and inconsistent even though the country has carried out the Doi Moi (Renewal) process for more than 20 years.

“Vietnam needs to have a genuine market economy without too much relying on anti-dumping programmes,” said Mr Thien.

… to intellectual property

The ineffective implementation of intellectual property rights (IPR) has hindered the development of technical industries – a potential area of Vietnam. Notably, the entertainment industry has encountered many difficulties due to illegal copying.

Experts said that Vietnam has imposed light penalties on IPR violators, citing a VND15- million-penalty level is not harsh enough to prevent law-breakers from violating IPRs.

Law consultant Thomas Treutler proposed that Vietnam raise the penalty level to US$20,000 levied on law-breakers in a civil court case. In his opinion, the court should come up with decisions independently and without assistance from other administrative agencies. In addition, all the decisions made by the court and administrative agencies must be made public.

He also suggested that Vietnam amend articles 26 and 33 of its Intellectual Property Law in conformity with WTO institutions.

Delegates presented reports on many other issues which Vietnam have to deal with in the post-WTO period. They include the non-market economy, industrial and agricultural policies, institutional reform, financial and investment services, technical barriers, social impact from WTO admission and communications.

They also put forward solutions to help Vietnam tackle these issues effectively.