Implementation and utilization of commitments in the WTO and new generation FTAs: Preliminary report on the results of enterprise survey within the framework of FTU-WTO Chairs Programme Phase III

The paper presents a preliminary report on enterprise survey results on the actual implementation and application of Vietnam's commitments in the WTO and new-generation FTAs. The survey was conducted in the period from June to July 2022, after Vietnam has joined the WTO more than 15 years, the CPTPP has taken effect for more than three years, the EVFTA for about two years, the RCEP for half a year and more than two years since the COVID-19 outbreak. The contents of the enterprise survey focused on: (1) Assessing enterprises' understanding of commitments under the WTO and new-generation FTAs, (2) Enterprises' assessment of the implementation of commitments within the framework of WTO and new-generation FTAs, (3) Actual import and export activities of enterprises in relation with countries participating in new-generation FTAs, (4) Effects of new-generation FTAs on enterprises in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery period; (5) Business future and business expectations; and (6) Factors in the utilization of new-generation FTA preferences. In addition to survey results, the research team has conducted consultations and in-depth interviews with experts and representatives of state management agencies and proposed some recommendations to state management agencies, associations, and businesses for more effective utilization of WTO and new-generation-FTA commitments.