A decree, an affirmation: Part 2: Sending a big message

On April 1, 2025, Vietnam officially announced the Draft Decree on Strategic Trade Controls – becoming one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to proactively issue a comprehensive legal framework in this field. The action took place less than two weeks after the working trip of Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien to the United States, which was strategic in both timing and content.

A pioneering move

In the context of global trade facing many difficulties from supply chain shifts and technological competition, Vietnam's proactive control of strategic trade activities - especially related to dual-use goods, high technology, and sensitive products - is an action demonstrating a firm, transparent stance and readiness for deep integration.

On April 1, 2025, Vietnam officially announced the Draft Decree on Strategic Trade Control - becoming one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to proactively issue a comprehensive legal framework in this field. Illustrative photo

The draft Decree not only regulates the control of goods, but is also a tool to help Vietnam build a controlled trade ecosystem, capable of monitoring the use, transfer, and import and export of high-tech products. This is a key point in the strategy to attract investment in industries such as semiconductors, AI, digital technology, etc.

Action and… series of actions

During his working trip to Washington in March 2025, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien had a direct meeting with the US Trade Representative and representatives of many US ministries and sectors to discuss bilateral economic cooperation. At the meeting, the Vietnamese side not only expressed goodwill but also made substantive proposals - including the establishment of a strategic trade control mechanism to ensure transparency, prevent trade fraud and increase trust with partners.

Immediately after returning home, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien launched a series of drastic actions. The convening of the first meeting of the Drafting Committee and the posting of the draft online within 24 hours demonstrated the speed and determination of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Dr. Le Quoc Phuong - former Deputy Director of the Center for Industry and Trade Information - Ministry of Industry and Trade commented: "This is a goodwill, quick, responsible, and practical step of Vietnam in solving the issue of trade balance with the United States."

Meanwhile, Dr. Can Van Luc emphasized that Vietnam has a very proactive economic foreign policy strategy: “Increasing the import of strategic goods, strictly controlling illegal transportation, and making the supply chain transparent are ways for Vietnam to maintain its position in the global value chain.”

Notably, Vietnam's draft also reflects current international principles: respect for intellectual property rights, no illegal technology transfer, and control of source technology.

Send a message to major partners about exemplary behavior

Vietnam issued this decree to affirm its capacity to master policies, ensure long-term benefits and create conditions for sustainable cooperation.

The United States, the European Union, and Japan – Vietnam's strategic partners – have long been waiting for such a mechanism to confidently expand investment, especially in areas with high requirements for technological security.

This decree, if passed as planned, will help Vietnam become a “reliable destination” not only in terms of market but also in terms of institutions.

Not every country can act so quickly. Vietnam released a draft just two weeks after the high-level dialogue, widely publicizing it on the Electronic Information Portal for comments. This is a model of public consultation, imbued with modern governance, compatible with the standards of OECD countries.

Vietnam does not just want to “join the playing field” – it is participating in creating the rules of the game. With the strategic trade control decree, Vietnam can become a model for institutionalizing trade commitments, promoting a transparent investment environment, and building an image of a responsible country.

Faith creates the future

The story of this Draft Decree does not lie in the technical provisions, but in the message: Vietnam has been, is and will continue to be a pioneering country in integration, a reliable partner in global trade.

The future is not about waiting – the future is about decisions made today. And Vietnam is doing just that.

Eagle

Source: https://congthuong.vn/mot-nghi-dinh-mot-loi-khang-dinh-bai-2-gui-thong-diep-lon-381037.html