Promoting international cooperation to improve Vietnam's legal system on chemicals management

In the context of increasing international economic integration, especially when Vietnam has signed and implemented a number of new generation free trade agreements (FTA), strengthening international cooperation in the field of chemical management is an important driving force for the sustainable development of Vietnam's chemical industry.

With the increasing trend of globalization and international integration, Vietnam's chemical industry is facing great opportunities and challenges. Especially with Vietnam's accession to the new generation of free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), the need for chemicals management in accordance with international standards has become increasingly urgent. These agreements open up vast market access opportunities and impose stringent requirements for the safe management of chemicals, sustainable development and environmental protection.

As the focal point of the Ministry of Industry and Trade for national management in the field of chemicals, the Chemicals Division has been active in promoting international cooperation through its participation in many important conferences and initiatives. A case in point is Viet Nam's participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) since 1998, demonstrating its firm commitment to preventing the development and use of chemical weapons.

In addition, Viet Nam was one of the first 96 countries to sign the Minamata Convention on Mercury, establishing its pioneering role in protecting the environment and people's health. Within the framework of the Rotterdam Convention, Viet Nam is actively fulfilling its obligation to confirm the declaration of import of industrial chemicals, contributing to ensuring transparency in international trade and improving the control capacity of hazardous chemicals, in line with the commitment of the new generation of free trade agreements.

In terms of bilateral cooperation, the relationship with strategic partners such as Sweden's Kemi Industries (KEMI) and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has achieved remarkable results, which is reflected in the construction and operation of the national chemical database since 2018. Within the framework of regional cooperation, Viet Nam plays an active role in the Indo-China Regional Chemicals Management Forum and the APEC Chemicals Dialogue. These activities highlight the effectiveness of regional chemicals management regulations and are conducive to promoting the implementation of RCEP and other free trade agreement commitments.

Through international cooperation, Vietnam's legal system for chemicals management has been significantly improved. Regularly publish and update legal documents, comply with international standards and meet the country's current development requirements. This not only lays a solid legal foundation for production and operation activities, but also helps to improve the effectiveness of national management of chemicals.

In the context of the industrial 4.0 revolution and the trend of sustainable development strongly dominating the global chemical industry, it has become more urgent to promote international cooperation. New trends such as the digitalization of production processes, the application of green technologies and the development of environmentally friendly products have brought new challenges and opportunities to the Vietnamese chemical industry.

In order to continue to enhance the effectiveness of international cooperation in the field of chemical industry, the Department of Chemical Industry focuses on the following work:

the first is to strengthen the advisory role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the government in signing and implementing international commitments on chemicals to ensure the coordination of national interests with international obligations.

The second is to promote the research and application of advanced chemical management models, especially green chemistry and circular economy solutions.

Third, expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation, make full use of international resources and experience, and enhance domestic management capabilities.

Fourth, vigorously publicize and raise awareness of chemical safety in accordance with international standards, and promote the construction of a culture of safe production and use of chemicals.

As Vietnam continues to strengthen international cooperation, the status of Vietnam's chemical industry in the global chemical industry is gradually established, making important contributions to Vietnam's industrialization and modernization in the new era.

International cooperation in the field of chemicals management is not only an inevitable trend, but also an important driving force for the sustainable development of Vietnam's chemical industry. By strengthening cooperation, Vietnam has not only improved its legal system, but also gradually improved the competitiveness of the chemical industry in the region and globally.