Assist small and medium-sized businesses in capitalizing on the ATISA Agreement.

DNHN - Assist small and medium-sized businesses in capitalizing on the ATISA Agreement.

"ASEAN Market: From Initiatives to Action" was the topic of a workshop recently co-organized by the German International Cooperation Organisation (GIZ) and the Department of Enterprise Development of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The conference garnered the active involvement of over one hundred delegates representing associations, industries, and business communities in Vietnam and several ASEAN countries. The delegates engaged in a discussion regarding significant emerging prospects in international commerce, with a particular emphasis on the ASEAN region. They specifically examined the opportunities presented by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA).

Vietnam made notable advancements in the realm of regional and global economic integration throughout the period spanning from 2010 to 2021. Exports from Vietnam to ASEAN are projected to increase from 9.3 billion USD in 2010 to 29.1 billion USD in 2021, representing a substantial increase in trade. It is important to note, nevertheless, that the vast majority of these exports originate from foreign corporations that are active in Vietnam. Consequently, further initiatives are required to promote and enhance market entry opportunities for domestic enterprises, with a particular emphasis on the small and medium-sized business (SME) sector, comprising 97% of the overall business population. Vietnam's manufacturing sector.

The ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), which was ratified by member nations and signed into force in 2019, is regarded as a significant impetus for advancing intra-ASEAN trade within this framework. ATISA implements a "pick and drop" methodology, in which participating nations agree to facilitate access to all service sectors except those that are enumerated in the List of Incompatible Measures.

During the conference, Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung, the Deputy Director of the Department of Enterprise Development, addressed the significance of ASEAN cooperation and economic integration. He placed significant emphasis on the criticality of advancing the exportation of goods from Vietnam to ASEAN. Nevertheless, he further observed that there exists a wealth of unexplored possibilities and that small and medium-sized enterprises encounter numerous obstacles. In conclusion, he stated that the objective was to assist organizations in capitalizing on opportunities presented by digital platforms.

Ms. Sita Zimpel, Project Director of GIZ, said GIZ was very happy to participate in the event and believes that the ASEAN market still has much-unexplored potential, especially after the ATISA Agreement. She described GIZ's work in Vietnam and ASEAN, focusing on creating conditions for businesses to access reliable market information and share experiences with the business community, especially medium and large enterprises. small in ASEAN. Ms. Zimpel emphasized the role of ASEAN Access and the AED Business Portal as important platforms supporting this goal.

At the event, the Business Information Portal was introduced as an electronic information connection site, providing information and business support services. The website integrates information about businesses, consulting networks, policy support programs, business guidance, and more to support small and medium-sized businesses. Businesses and organizations can take advantage of information and services to expand production and business activities, participate in the global supply chain, and connect conveniently and securely on a modern technology platform.

ASEAN Access Portal (https://aseanaccess.com), with more than 3,100 registered members of small and medium enterprises, along with more than 50 network partners and service providers, is introduced as the ASEAN Access portal. Main business news in the ASEAN region. The main features of ASEAN Access help users conveniently exchange market information, participate in business networking events, and participate in online training courses to support businesses expanding operations into regional markets. and international.

Ms. Hoang Thanh Thuy, Director of Mekong Coconut Oil Company, emphasized again accessing the ASEAN market in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. In the past, businesses often participated in fairs to promote products and find partners. However, due to the impact of the pandemic, the company cannot participate in offline events due to physical distancing measures.

To overcome this difficulty, Mekong Coconut Oil Company has shifted its approach to customers through the ASEAN Access Portal (https://aseanaccess.com), creating opportunities to meet customers online and succeed in their business. signing a contract.

Ms. Thuy shared that after many years of operating in the international market, offline fairs still play an important role in gathering market information. However, she also commented that "The online fair channel will be an effective means of promotion in the future. Converting to support businesses in a digital form is an appropriate and necessary direction to take. "

Bao Han