The federal government has hit a roadblock in its bid to haul China over the coals at the World Trade Organisation for Beijing’s ban on Australian barley exports, after the push became collateral damage in a spat between the US and Venezuela.

The latest statistics of the General Department of Customs show that the total import and export value of Vietnam from March 1 to 15 reached US$26.36 billion, increased by22% (equivalent to US$4.76 billion) compared to the second half of February 2021.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could bring substantial benefits to Vietnam’s exports thanks to easier rules of origin compared to other free trade agreements, mostly apparel, farm produce, and aquatic products, experts have said.

China is encouraging the early implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and members of the Asia-Pacific trade pact aim for it to take effect from Jan. 1, 2022, Wang Shouwen, China’s vice commerce minister, said on Thursday.

The Philippines has expressed its intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Chinese President Xi Jinping made global headlines at the APEC summit on 20 November 2020 by announcing that China was considering joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held phone talks with Chilean President Sebastian Piñera on March 24 to discuss orientations and specific measures to enhance the Vietnam-Chile comprehensive partnership as the two nations are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties (March 25, 1971-2021).

Companies face prospect of rerouting vessels to potentially risky routes around Africa

Vietnam expects to gain 8-10 billion USD from shipping fruits and vegetables abroad, with revenue of processed products accounting for at least 30 percent of the total by 2030.

Vietnam must stay active in inviting multinational corporations and renowned companies to invest locally, especially those from countries with advantages in terms of technology, capital, and management skills, including the United States, the EU, and Japan, according to insiders.