Viet Nam prepares for negotiations to join Information Technology Agreement expansion
VGP - Viet Nam is preparing for negotiations to join the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA2).
Addressing a recent formal meeting of the Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology Products (ITA Committee) held at the headquarters of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Minister Counsellor and deputy head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam in Geneva Pham Quang Huy said that in July, the WTO Secretariat will provide technical assistance to relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies in preparing the country's schedule of commitments for accession to the agreement.
On April 15, 2026, Viet Nam had submitted official communications to the WTO Director-General and relevant WTO bodies requesting the launch of ITA2 accession negotiations.
The Vietnamese representative reaffirmed the country's appreciation of ITA2's role in promoting the liberalisation of trade in information technology products, helping reduce costs, improve access to technology, and foster global innovation.
Over the years, Viet Nam has actively integrated into the global economy and achieved significant progress in the information technology sector, emerging as an important regional hub for electronics and high-tech manufacturing and exports.
Recognising the benefits of deeper participation in international cooperation frameworks in this field, Viet Nam has decided to begin negotiations to join ITA2.
The move reflects the country's proactive approach to international economic integration and its commitment to making responsible and constructive contributions to the WTO's rules-based multilateral trading system.
Members including the U.S., the European Union, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Switzerland welcomed Viet Nam's decision and commended the progress achieved since April. They described Viet Nam as a key partner in global IT supply chains and pledged their support for the upcoming negotiations.
Viet Nam will engage in the negotiation process in a constructive, responsible and cooperative manner and maintain close consultations with ITA members in the period ahead./.
