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Third WTO Trade Policy Review: Recognizing Vietnam's Progress After Two Decades of Integration

Vietnam received many positive feedbacks from the international community at the third Trade Policy Review (TPR3) held at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva from November 4 to 6, 2026. This periodic review took place at a particularly significant time as Vietnam celebrated the 20th anniversary of signing the Protocol of Accession to the WTO (November 7, 2006).

Clearly demonstrating Vietnam's twenty-year journey of integration is the landmark change in its macroeconomic indicators. Vietnam's economy, measured by GDP, has grown significantly, from approximately US$66 billion in 2006 to a projected US$542 billion in 2026. People's incomes have also improved considerably, with GDP per capita increasing more than fivefold, from US$996 in 2006 to approximately US$5,260 in 2026. These figures reflect the effectiveness of its strategy of innovation, institutional reform, modernization, adherence to and effective utilization of the WTO's multilateral trading system, as well as the network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Over the past two decades, Vietnam has maintained deep integration, transforming itself from a developing economy reliant on agriculture into one of the world's most open trading nations, ranking 18th in exports and 20th in imports, with total trade turnover exceeding US$1 trillion by the end of October 2026.

Speaking before the WTO's Trade Policy Review Body, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to Geneva – Head of the Vietnamese delegation at the TPR3 session, affirmed Vietnam's determination to maintain comprehensive economic integration through promoting institutional reforms, enhancing internal capacity, strengthening digital transformation, and achieving sustainable development. Vietnam asserted that it always considers the WTO's trade policy review mechanism not only as a member obligation but also as an opportunity for substantive and objective dialogue. Through this mechanism, Vietnam can clearly identify areas of legal and administrative limitations, thereby further enhancing its effective participation in the global economy and seriously implementing multilateral commitments.

Speech by Viet Nam’s Head of Delegation at TPR3. Photo: Nhat Quang

At this TPR3 session, more than 40 WTO member countries participated in expressing their opinions, including Vietnam's major trading partners such as the United States, China, the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN member states. All countries expressed their appreciation for Vietnam's outstanding economic achievements, policy reform efforts, and increasingly deep integration. In addition, delegations from various countries also contributed opinions on areas such as: consultation time for legal documents, trade facilitation, investment attraction, intellectual property protection, promoting sustainable development, reducing technical barriers, and participation in WTO initiatives. The Vietnamese side acknowledges these constructive contributions to further improve the domestic policy and legal system.

Regarding trade facilitation, Vietnam's efforts to reform administrative procedures and modernize the customs sector have also received recognition and praise from WTO members, specifically for its strategy to promote the digitalization and automation of customs processes and procedures. Member countries assess that technological solutions combined with the reduction of administrative procedures have helped to minimize time and costs for businesses, thereby facilitating and promoting global trade and supply chains.

In particular, on the sidelines of the TPR3, a conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam's signing of the Protocol on Accession to the WTO was held on November 5, 2026, at the WTO headquarters. In her speech, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised Vietnam's proactive and responsible role since becoming the organization's 150th member. The WTO head noted that Vietnam is one of the world's leading successful models in using international trade as a lever for economic development, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth. The panel discussion session of the Conference was attended by representatives from WTO member countries. During the session, representatives shared and analyzed lessons learned from Vietnam's practical development, and exchanged views on development visions for the new era.

Nhat Quang