Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and its emergence as a major player in international trade has prompted many people to ask, “Does Vietnam have a free trade agreement?” The answer is yes, Vietnam has several free trade agreements in place that have helped to spur economic growth and increase the country`s global competitiveness.
One of the most significant free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which came into force in January 2019. This landmark agreement, which includes 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia, among others, is aimed at lowering trade barriers and boosting economic growth.
Under the CPTPP, Vietnam has agreed to reduce tariffs on imports and exports, which has opened up new markets for Vietnamese businesses. For example, Vietnam`s textile industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the country`s exports, has seen a surge in demand since the agreement came into effect, as tariffs on textile imports from the CPTPP countries have been reduced or eliminated.
In addition to the CPTPP, Vietnam has signed several other free trade agreements with countries around the world. These include:
– The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA): This agreement, which came into force in August 2020, eliminates tariffs on more than 99% of goods traded between the EU and Vietnam and is expected to boost trade between the two regions significantly.
– The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA): This agreement, which was signed in 2009, aims to eliminate tariffs on goods traded between the ASEAN countries, Australia, and New Zealand by 2020.
– The Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA): This agreement, which was signed in 2014, aims to eliminate tariffs on more than 90% of goods traded between Vietnam and South Korea by 2020.
Collectively, these free trade agreements have helped to make Vietnam a more attractive destination for foreign investment, as they offer investors greater access to markets and reduce the cost of doing business. Moreover, they have facilitated the growth of Vietnam`s exports, which has helped to boost the country`s economic growth.
In conclusion, Vietnam has signed several free trade agreements that have helped to boost the country`s economic growth and make it a more attractive destination for foreign investment. These agreements have helped to reduce trade barriers and increase access to new markets, which has facilitated the growth of Vietnam`s exports, particularly in the textile industry. As Vietnam continues to strengthen its ties with other countries around the world, it is likely that the country will sign even more free trade agreements in the future.