National Assembly of Vietnam approves CPTPP accession document of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland

With 459 out of 460 National Assembly delegates present in agreement, the National Assembly ratified the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Previously, on behalf of the National Assembly Standing Committee, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee Vu Hai Ha presented the Explanation Report, incorporating opinions from National Assembly delegates and revising the draft resolution approving the Standard Document of Accession to CPTPP of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Earlier on June 8, 2024, the National Assembly discussed in the Hall the approval of the United Kingdom’s accession to the CPTPP, as per Report No. 02/TTr-CTN dated May 8, 2024, of the President (referred to as the Document).

Regarding the ratification authority, order, and procedures for proposing the ratification of the Document, all National Assembly delegates agreed that the CPTPP Accession Document of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (hereinafter referred to as the United Kingdom) is an integral part of the CPTPP Agreement. This document amends and supplements the CPTPP Agreement under the National Assembly’s ratification authority. The order, procedures, and documents submitted for ratification comply with the provisions of the 2013 Constitution, the Law on Organization of the National Assembly, and the Law on International Treaties.

Regarding the necessity for ratification, the timing of the ratification, and the draft resolution on ratification, National Assembly delegates agreed on the need and timing for the National Assembly to ratify the Document at its 7th Session, aligning with the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the United Kingdom (UKVFTA) on several important contents for Vietnam.

Within the framework of joining the CPTPP Agreement, the UK will recognize Vietnam’s manufacturing industries operating under market economic conditions.

The 15th National Assembly’s ratification of the Document at its 7th Session will position Vietnam among the first six CPTPP countries to ratify the Document. This demonstrates Vietnam’s proactive and responsible approach to promoting bilateral trade and investment relations between Vietnam and the UK, affirming Vietnam's role and position in the region and the world. It also creates new momentum for the country’s socio-economic development, contributes to perfecting the legal system, and enhances the competitiveness of businesses.

The National Assembly Standing Committee also addressed and incorporated several points of interest raised by the delegates. Some comments suggested the need for information dissemination and propaganda to raise awareness among Vietnamese businesses about the content of the CPTPP Document and Agreement and the UKVFTA Agreement.

The National Assembly Standing Committee reported that the Government has identified key tasks in the draft Plan to implement the Document, including strengthening propaganda and disseminating the Document's content. In response to comments from National Assembly delegates, to ensure full and effective implementation of the Document, the National Assembly Standing Committee requested the Government to study and supplement the content of the Document Implementation Plan. This includes strengthening propaganda and dissemination efforts regarding the CPTPP and UKVFTA agreements.

The National Assembly Standing Committee recognizes that if the National Assembly ratifies the Document at the 7th Session, and if all six CPTPP members complete the ratification procedure before October 16, 2024, the Document will become effective from December 16, 2024. Therefore, considering the comments from National Assembly delegates, the National Assembly Standing Committee proposed that the Government research and revise the Plan, specifically determining the timeline to complete the necessary legal and procedural work to ensure timely implementation once the Document takes effect.