Vietnam National Trade Repository is officially launched (Photo: VNA)

The VNTR, online at vntr.moit.gov.vn, was developed by the MoIT with support from the British Government.

The portal provides updated trade information in both Vietnamese and English, including schedules for tariff commitments in the free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has joined within the ASEAN framework, non-tariff measures, legal documents on trade, and customs clearance rules and procedures.

It also introduces the best trade facilitation practices applied by ASEAN members, along with lists of businesses given priority in handling tax, export, import, and customs clearance procedures in member countries of the ATIGA and the FTAs between ASEAN and partner countries.

In his address Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said: "The VNTR aims to realize Vietnam’s commitment to enhance policy transparency, facilitate regional trade, and boost businesses’ access to regional countries’ trade policies. It will also help build strategy market accessing strategies and improve competitiveness. The VNTR was completed after 16 months. The Ministry of Industry and Trade encourages the business community in Vietnam and in ASEAN to use the portal."

Experts say the VNTR will help improve the Vietnamese economy’s diversity and reach by supporting micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including women-led companies, to benefit from transboundary trade, which will create an catalyst for trade and investment in Vietnam.