HCMC – Vietnam’s prime minister has approved a plan to implement the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA), outlining tasks and responsibilities for ministries and agencies to ensure the trade pact is carried out fully and effectively.
The plan was issued under Decision No. 16/QD-TTg and aims to coordinate policy measures, administrative actions and supporting programs related to VIFTA’s implementation.
A key focus is raising awareness of the agreement among central and local authorities, business associations, cooperatives and the wider business community. Information dissemination will be carried out through media channels, official websites, publications, training courses and seminars to improve the understanding of commitments and implementation requirements.
The plan also emphasizes targeted training for government officials and enterprises in areas such as tariffs, rules of origin, access to the Israeli market, investment, services, customs procedures, government procurement, trade remedies and technical barriers to trade. The goal is to ensure both regulators and businesses correctly understand the agreement and can effectively use its benefits.
An information focal point on VIFTA will be established at the Ministry of Industry and Trade to provide guidance, clarify commitments and address issues related to the agreement.
In addition, Vietnam will strengthen its trade and investment information network and improve market forecasting related to Israel and the domestic market. This is intended to help Vietnamese firms stay updated on technical standards and import-export regulations in Israel. Trade and investment promotion activities in Israel will also be expanded to introduce Israeli businesses to Vietnam’s investment environment and encourage cooperation in priority sectors.
The decision assigns ministries and agencies to continue reviewing domestic laws during implementation and propose amendments where necessary to align with VIFTA commitments. Relevant legal documents will be revised and issued in line with the agreement’s roadmap.
Vietnam will designate focal agencies to participate in VIFTA’s Joint Committee and specialized subcommittees, serve as contact points for bilateral communication, and coordinate technical assistance from Israel during implementation.
The plan also includes programs to enhance competitiveness, particularly for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises and startups, while preparing support measures for sectors most directly affected by the agreement.
Further measures aim to help Vietnamese firms integrate into production networks and supply chains involving Israeli companies, encourage linkages between Israeli-invested enterprises and domestic firms, and promote mutual recognition of conformity assessment results. Training programs will also be developed to help Vietnamese exporters meet specific standards in the Israeli market, including Halal requirements.
