Announcing the FTA Index - a new "measure" for integration.

On the afternoon of April 8th, the announcement ceremony for the 2024 Free Trade Agreement Implementation Performance Index (FTA Index) took place at the Government Headquarters, connecting to 63 provinces and centrally-administered cities. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and delivered a keynote address.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented certificates of commendation to provinces and cities that achieved outstanding results in evaluating the implementation of free trade agreements in 2024.

Comrade Quach Tat Liem, Vice Chairman of the Hoa Binh Provincial People's Committee, attended the meeting at the Government's location. Leaders from relevant departments and agencies also attended at the provincial location.

The FTA Index is considered a new "measure" for the integration process, helping localities identify strengths and weaknesses in implementing FTA commitments. The composite index is calculated on a 40-point scale, including four component groups: access to information; law enforcement; policies supporting enhanced competitiveness; and implementation of sustainable development commitments.

According to the published results, in 2024, Ca Mau province led the country with 34.90 points; Quang Tri province scored the lowest with 14.49 points. The average value was 26.20 points, and the median was 20.40 points. Hoa Binh province achieved 23.55 points, showing initial efforts in implementing the FTA, while still having much room for improvement and ranking in the coming years.

Delegates attending at the Hoa Binh province venue.

According to the survey, 59.3% of businesses nationwide reported learning about FTAs ​​through the Department of Industry and Trade – the local coordinating agency. However, only 4.5% of businesses have dedicated FTA officers; over 54% do not have a department responsible for this matter. Participation in workshops, training sessions, and policy feedback remains limited. Meanwhile, as many as 78.3% of businesses consider the development of support programs to leverage FTAs ​​to be "very necessary".

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the FTA Index is not only a measuring tool but also a basis for guiding governance and building integration policies suitable for each region and locality. In the context of increasingly deep international integration, localities need to be proactive and adapt flexibly; accelerate administrative reforms, develop smart infrastructure, green economy, and digital economy; improve the quality of institutions and the investment environment; and support businesses in effectively utilizing opportunities from signed agreements...

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, and leaders of several ministries and sectors presented certificates of merit to localities with high results in the FTA Index 2024.

Minh Vu

Source: http://www.baohoabinh.com.vn/50/199994/Cong-bo-FTA-Index-thuoc-do-moi-cho-hoi-nhap.htm