Within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Ministerial Council meeting that took place in Melbourne, Australia, from November 20-21, Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien, had bilateral meetings with representatives from Japan and New Zealand.
During his meeting with Japan's State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and State Minister of Cabinet Office, Mr. Kazuchika Iwata, both parties exchanged views on the process of expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) membership, the agenda for upgrading the Agreement, and priority directions of Vietnam as 2026 chair of the CPTPP.
State Minister Iwata emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity through high-standard trade agreements like the CPTPP, especially in the face of global economic and trade challenges. Japan hopes that CPTPP members will soon agree on the number of economies eligible to start accession negotiations.
Regarding the CPTPP upgrade negotiations, Mr. Iwata appreciated Vietnam's stance and suggested close cooperation on priority issues, particularly e-commerce and trade facilitation. Japan also acknowledged Vietnam's significant role as the 2026 Chair of the CPTPP.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, for his part, stated that alongside expansion, CPTPP members need to enhance the effective implementation of the Agreement. Vietnam supports the admission of new members but stresses the need for a transparent, predictable selection process and appropriate resource allocation if accession negotiations are initiated.
On the topic of upgrading the CPTPP, Minister Dien affirmed Vietnam's support for a "balanced approach that considers the interests and perspectives of all members," while sharing Vietnam's priorities for 2026 and committing to maintain close consultations with Japan.
In a meeting with New Zealand's Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McClay, both sides centered on the U.S. countervailing duty policy, CPTPP expansion, and the agenda for upgrading the Agreement.
Regarding membership expansion, Minister McClay noted the necessity and significance of initiating negotiations with certain economies as the CPTPP continues to assert its role in regional trade connectivity.
Minister McClay also proposed solutions to address resource constraints if CPTPP members agree to open negotiations with multiple economies simultaneously.
For the Agreement upgrade, he suggested developing a comprehensive agenda covering topics of interest to all members.
Minister Dien, for his part, appreciated the information shared by New Zealand and emphasized that full implementation of the Agreement remains a top priority for members. He proposed that the CPTPP establish a transparent, objective admission process, consistent with the principle of consensus, and agree on a resource coordination mechanism if negotiations with multiple economies are activated.
Regarding the CPTPP upgrade negotiations, Minister Dien reiterated Vietnam's support for the principle of "balance, considering the common interests of all members."
Both ministers agreed to assign technical teams to continue discussions in the future, working closely with other CPTPP members to advance related discussions in preparation for Vietnam's role as 2026 CPTPP Chair.
Google translate