Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287
Articles
Brazil
Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Sweden
00. Editorial
United States
Latin America
Egypt
Jordan
Yemen
Thailand
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
2011/05/20
2011/05/21
2011/05/22
2011/05/23
2011/05/24
2011/05/25
2011/05/26
2011/05/27
2011/05/28
2011/05/29
2011/05/30
2011/05/31
2011/06/01
2011/06/02
2011/06/03
2011/06/04
2011/06/05
2011/06/06
2011/06/07
2011/06/08
2011/06/09
2011/06/10
2011/06/11
2011/06/12
2011/06/13
2011/06/14
2011/06/15
2011/06/16
2011/06/17
2011/06/18
2011/06/19
2011/06/20
2011/06/21
2011/06/22
2011/06/23
2011/06/24
2011/06/25
2011/06/26
2011/06/27
2011/06/28
2011/06/29
2011/06/30
2011/07/01
2011/07/02
2011/07/04
2011/07/05
2011/07/06
2011/07/07
2011/07/08
2011/07/10
2011/07/11
2011/07/12
2011/07/13
2011/07/14
2011/07/15
2011/07/16
2011/07/17
2011/07/18
2011/07/19
2011/07/20
2011/07/21
2011/07/22
2011/07/23
2011/07/25
2011/07/27
2011/07/28
2011/07/29
2011/07/31
2011/08/01
2011/08/02
2011/08/03
2011/08/05
2011/08/06
2011/08/07
2011/08/08
2011/08/10
2011/08/11
2011/08/12
2011/08/13
2011/08/15
2011/08/16
2011/08/17
2011/08/19
2011/08/21
2011/08/22
2011/08/23
2011/08/24
2011/08/25
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Antananarivo
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Alexandria
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embasy Bonn
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Brazzaville
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangui
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Belfast
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Cotonou
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chiang Mai
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Chengdu
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
DIR FSINFATC
Consulate Dusseldorf
Consulate Durban
Consulate Dubai
Consulate Dhahran
Embassy Guatemala
Embassy Grenada
Embassy Georgetown
Embassy Gaborone
Consulate Guayaquil
Consulate Guangzhou
Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Hong Kong
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kolonia
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Krakow
Consulate Kolkata
Consulate Karachi
Consulate Kaduna
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Lusaka
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Lome
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy Libreville
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Leipzig
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Mission Geneva
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Mogadishu
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maseru
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Merida
Consulate Melbourne
Consulate Matamoros
Consulate Marseille
Embassy Nouakchott
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Nuevo Laredo
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Consulate Nagoya
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Praia
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Moresby
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Podgorica
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Ponta Delgada
Consulate Peshawar
REO Mosul
REO Kirkuk
REO Hillah
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Surabaya
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy Tirana
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
Consulate Thessaloniki
USUN New York
USMISSION USTR GENEVA
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Mission CD Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
US Delegation FEST TWO
UNVIE
UN Rome
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vientiane
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ADANA
ASEC
AFIN
AMGT
AE
AORC
AID
AR
AO
AU
ASEAN
AGOA
AFGHANISTAN
AFFAIRS
AMED
APER
ASECARP
APEC
AEMR
AS
AA
ANET
AFLU
ABLD
AL
ASUP
AJ
APECO
AMER
ABUD
AODE
AM
AFSN
AESC
AND
AG
ALOW
AROC
AVIANFLU
ATRN
ACOA
AEGR
AMGMT
AADP
AFSI
ACABQ
APRM
AZ
AIDS
ASE
AGAO
ADCO
ABDALLAH
ARF
AIDAC
ACOTA
ASCH
AC
ASEG
AGR
ACS
AMCHAMS
AN
AMIA
ASIG
ADPM
ADB
ANARCHISTS
ALOWAR
ARM
AUC
AINF
AINT
AORG
AY
AVIAN
AMEDCASCKFLO
AK
ARSO
ARABBL
ASO
ANTITERRORISM
ARABL
AOWC
AGRICULTURE
ALJAZEERA
AMTC
AFINM
AOCR
ABER
ARR
AFPK
ASSEMBLY
ASSK
AZE
AORCYM
AINR
AGMT
AEC
ACKM
APRC
AIN
ASCC
AFPREL
ASED
APERTH
ASFC
ASECTH
AFSA
AOMS
AORCO
ANTXON
ARC
AFAF
ADIP
AIAG
AFARI
AEMED
AORL
AX
ASECAF
AOPC
ASECAFIN
AFZAL
APCS
AMB
AGUIRRE
AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL
AIT
ARCH
AMEX
ALI
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AORCD
AVIATION
ARAS
AINFCY
ACBAQ
AOPR
AREP
ALEXANDER
ATRD
AEIR
AOIC
ABLDG
ASEX
AFR
ASCE
ATRA
ASEK
AER
ALOUNI
AMCT
AVERY
APR
AMAT
AEMRS
ASPA
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ALL
AECL
ACAO
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORD
AFL
AME
ADM
ASECPHUM
AGIT
ABT
ASECVE
AGUILAR
AT
ABMC
ALZUGUREN
ANGEL
ASR
ANTONIO
BMGT
BEXP
BM
BG
BL
BA
BR
BTA
BO
BY
BBSR
BLUE
BK
BF
BTIO
BELLVIEW
BE
BU
BN
BH
BD
BC
BTC
BILAT
BT
BX
BRUSSELS
BP
BB
BRPA
BUSH
BURMA
BMENA
BESP
BIT
BBG
BGD
BMEAID
BAGHDAD
BEN
BIO
BMOT
BWC
BLUNT
BURNS
BUT
BGMT
BAIO
BCW
BOEHNER
BFIF
BOL
BASHAR
BIMSTEC
BOU
BIDEN
BZ
BFIN
BTRA
BI
BHUM
BOIKO
BERARDUCCI
BOUCHAIB
BORDER
BEXPC
BTIU
BTT
BIOS
BEXB
BGPGOV
BOND
BLR
CE
CG
CH
CVR
CASC
CU
CI
CD
CO
CDG
CB
CJAN
CPAS
COM
CVIS
CMGT
CT
CENTCOM
CNARC
CTERR
COUNTER
CHIEF
CDC
CTR
CBW
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CY
CA
CM
CS
CWC
CN
CITES
CF
CWG
CIVS
CFIS
CASCC
CROATIA
CONS
COUNTERTERRORISM
CASA
COE
CJ
CHR
CODEL
CR
CBC
CACS
CHERTOFF
CAS
CONTROL
CONDITIONS
CONDOLEEZZA
CITEL
CV
CLINTON
CHG
CZ
CON
CTBT
CEN
CRIMES
COMMERCE
CLOK
CRISTINA
CFED
CARC
CND
CTM
CARICOM
COUNTRYCLEARANCE
CBTH
CHINA
CSW
CICTE
CJUS
CYPRUS
CW
CAMBODIA
CENSUS
CIDA
CRIME
CBG
CBE
CMGMT
CAIO
CEC
CARSON
CPCTC
CEDAW
COMESA
CVIA
CWCM
CEA
COSI
CAPC
CGEN
COPUOS
CGOPRC
COETRD
CKGR
CFE
CQ
CITT
CIC
CARIB
CVIC
CLO
CAFTA
CVISU
CHRISTOPHER
CACM
CIAT
CDB
CIS
CUL
CHAO
CNC
CL
CSEP
COMMAND
CENTER
COL
CAN
CAJC
CUIS
CONSULAR
CLMT
CIA
CBSA
CEUDA
CAC
CROS
CIO
CPUOS
CKOR
CVPR
CONG
CONTROLS
CEPTER
CVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGKIRF
CDCE
DPOL
DEMARCHE
DHS
DR
DA
DISENGAGEMENT
DEMOCRATIC
DEFENSE
DJ
DY
DARFUR
DHRF
DEA
DTRO
DPRK
DO
DARFR
DOC
DRL
DK
DOJ
DTRA
DOMESTIC
DAC
DOD
DEAX
DIEZ
DEOC
DELTAVIOLENCE
DCOM
DMINE
DRC
DCG
DPKO
DOMESTICPOLITICS
DE
DB
DOT
DEPT
DOE
DHLAKAMA
DHSX
DS
DKEM
DAO
DCM
DANIEL
DEM
DAVID
DCRM
ETRD
EAGR
ETTC
EAID
ECON
EFIN
ECIN
EINV
ELAB
EAIR
ENRG
EPET
EWWT
ECPS
EIND
EMIN
ELTN
EC
ETMIN
EUC
EZ
ET
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EU
EUN
EG
EINT
ER
ECONOMICS
ES
EMS
ENIV
EEB
EN
ECE
ECOSOC
EK
ENVIRONMENT
EFIS
EI
EWT
ENGRD
ECPSN
EXIM
EIAD
ERIN
ECPC
EDEV
ENGY
ECTRD
EPA
ESTH
ECCT
EINVECON
ENGR
ERTD
EUR
EAP
EWWC
ELTD
EL
EXIMOPIC
EXTERNAL
ETRDEC
ESCAP
ECO
EGAD
ELNT
ECONOMIC
ENV
ETRN
EIAR
EUMEM
ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID
EREL
ECOM
ECONETRDEAGRJA
ETCC
ETRG
ECONOMY
EMED
ETR
ENERG
EITC
EFINOECD
EURM
EENG
ERA
EXPORT
ENRD
ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC
EGEN
EBRD
EVIN
ETRAD
ECOWAS
EFTA
ECONETRDBESPAR
EGOVSY
EPIN
EID
ECONENRG
EDRC
ESENV
ETT
EB
ENER
ELTNSNAR
ECHEVARRIA
ETRC
EPIT
EDUC
ESA
EFI
ENRGY
ESCI
EE
EAIDXMXAXBXFFR
EETC
ECIP
EIAID
EIVN
EBEXP
ESTN
EING
EGOV
ETRA
EPETEIND
ELAN
ETRDGK
EAIDRW
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
EPEC
ENVI
ELN
EAG
EPCS
EPRT
EPTED
ETRB
EUM
EAIDS
EFIC
EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM
EAIDAR
ESF
EIDN
ELAM
EDU
EV
EAIDAF
ECN
EDA
EXBS
EINTECPS
ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ
EPREL
EAC
EINVEFIN
ETA
EAGER
EINDIR
ECA
ECLAC
ELAP
EITI
EUCOM
ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID
EARG
ELDIN
EINVKSCA
ENNP
EFINECONCS
EFINTS
ECCP
ETC
EAIRASECCASCID
EINN
ETRP
EAIDNI
EFQ
ECOQKPKO
EGPHUM
EBUD
ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ
ENERGY
ELB
EINDETRD
EMI
ECONEFIN
EIB
EURN
ETRDEINVTINTCS
EIN
EFIM
ETIO
ELAINE
EMN
EATO
EWTR
EIPR
EINVETC
ETTD
ETDR
EIQ
ECONCS
EPPD
ENRGIZ
EISL
ESPINOSA
ELEC
EAIG
ESLCO
EUREM
ENTG
ERD
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
ECINECONCS
ETRO
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECUN
EFND
EPECO
EAIRECONRP
ERGR
ETRDPGOV
ECPN
ENRGMO
EPWR
EET
EAIS
EAGRE
EDUARDO
EAGRRP
EAIDPHUMPRELUG
EICN
ECONQH
EVN
EGHG
ELBR
EINF
EAIDHO
EENV
ETEX
ERNG
ED
FR
FREEDOM
FINREF
FJ
FI
FRELIMO
FOREIGN
FAA
FETHI
FAS
FTAA
FRB
FAO
FCS
FINANCE
FWS
FTA
FEMA
FDA
FLU
FRANCISCO
FBI
FORCE
FO
FARC
FK
FT
FCSC
FAC
FM
FMGT
FINV
FCSCEG
FARM
FERNANDO
FINR
FIN
FINE
FIR
FDIC
FOR
FOI
FCUL
FKLU
FMLN
FISO
FIXED
GM
GMUS
GG
GR
GE
GAZA
GT
GH
GZ
GJ
GLOBAL
GV
GABY
GOI
GA
GCC
GB
GY
GATT
GC
GUAM
GEORGE
GTIP
GOV
GOMEZ
GUTIERREZ
GL
GKGIC
GF
GU
GWI
GARCIA
GTMO
GN
GANGS
GIPNC
GAERC
GREGG
GUILLERMO
GASPAR
GERARD
GI
HK
HR
HUMANR
HUMAN
HO
HA
HUMANRIGHTS
HU
HHS
HIV
HUM
HRKAWC
HILLEN
HILLARY
HDP
HUMRIT
HSTC
HUMANITARIAN
HCOPIL
HADLEY
HURI
HL
HRETRD
HOURANI
HG
HARRIET
HESHAM
HI
HNCHR
HARRY
HRECON
HRC
HOSTAGES
HEBRON
HUMOR
HSWG
HYMPSK
HECTOR
HN
HYDE
HUD
HRPGOV
HIGHLIGHTS
ID
ILC
IS
IZ
ICAO
IMO
ITU
IR
IAEA
ICRC
IPROP
IT
IBRD
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ISSUES
ITRA
IV
IO
IGAD
IRAQ
IN
IMF
ICTR
ISCON
IADB
IDB
IEA
INR
IWC
ICCAT
ILO
INMARSAT
IOM
ICJ
IQ
ISPA
ITRD
IPR
INTELSAT
ISN
IAHRC
INTERNAL
IFAD
IICA
IHO
IRAN
IL
IRCE
IC
INTELLECTUAL
IRM
IE
ICTY
IDLI
IFO
ISCA
INF
INL
ISRAEL
INV
IBB
INFLUENZA
ISPL
ITER
ITIA
INRA
ISAF
IACHR
INTERPOL
IFR
IRS
INRB
IEF
ISAAC
ICC
INDO
IIP
IATTC
INAUGURATION
IND
INS
IZPREL
IACI
IEFIN
INNP
ILAB
IA
IMTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
IFIN
IRAJ
IX
ICG
IF
ITPHUM
ITA
IP
IACW
IK
IUCN
IZEAID
IRPE
IDA
ISLAMISTS
ITF
INRO
IBET
IDP
IRC
ISO
ICES
IRMO
ITPGOV
IQNV
IMSO
IRDB
IMET
INCB
IFRC
JA
JO
JP
JM
JCIC
JOHN
JE
JEFFERY
JS
JUS
JN
JOHNNIE
JAMES
JKUS
JOSEPH
JML
JAWAD
JSRP
JIMENEZ
JOSE
JKJUS
JK
JAPAN
KMDR
KPAO
KPKO
KJUS
KCRM
KGHG
KFRD
KWMN
KDEM
KTFN
KHIV
KGIC
KIDE
KSCA
KNNP
KHUM
KIPR
KSUM
KISL
KIRF
KCOR
KRCM
KPAL
KWBG
KN
KS
KOMC
KSEP
KFLU
KPWR
KTIA
KSEO
KMPI
KHLS
KICC
KSTH
KMCA
KVPR
KPRM
KE
KU
KZ
KFLO
KSAF
KTIP
KTEX
KBCT
KOCI
KOLY
KOR
KAWC
KACT
KUNR
KTDB
KSTC
KLIG
KSKN
KNN
KCFE
KCIP
KGHA
KHDP
KPOW
KUNC
KDRL
KV
KPREL
KCRS
KPOL
KRVC
KRIM
KGIT
KWIR
KT
KIRC
KOMO
KRFD
KUWAIT
KG
KFIN
KSCI
KTFIN
KFTN
KGOV
KPRV
KSAC
KGIV
KCRIM
KPIR
KSOC
KBIO
KW
KGLB
KMWN
KPO
KFSC
KSEAO
KSTCPL
KSI
KPRP
KREC
KFPC
KUNH
KCSA
KMRS
KNDP
KR
KICCPUR
KPPAO
KCSY
KTBT
KCIS
KNEP
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KNNB
KGCC
KINR
KPOP
KMFO
KENV
KNAR
KVIR
KDRG
KDMR
KFCE
KNAO
KDEN
KGCN
KICA
KIMMITT
KMCC
KLFU
KMSG
KSEC
KUM
KCUL
KMNP
KSMT
KCOM
KOMCSG
KSPR
KPMI
KRAD
KIND
KCRP
KAUST
KWAWC
KTER
KCHG
KRDP
KPAS
KITA
KTSC
KPAOPREL
KWGB
KIRP
KJUST
KMIG
KLAB
KTFR
KSEI
KSTT
KAPO
KSTS
KLSO
KWNN
KPOA
KHSA
KNPP
KPAONZ
KBTS
KWWW
KY
KJRE
KPAOKMDRKE
KCRCM
KSCS
KWMNCI
KESO
KWUN
KPLS
KIIP
KEDEM
KPAOY
KRIF
KGICKS
KREF
KTRD
KFRDSOCIRO
KTAO
KJU
KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW
KEN
KO
KNEI
KEMR
KKIV
KEAI
KWAC
KRCIM
KWCI
KFIU
KWIC
KCORR
KOMS
KNNO
KPAI
KBWG
KTTB
KTBD
KTIALG
KILS
KFEM
KTDM
KESS
KNUC
KPA
KOMCCO
KCEM
KRCS
KWBGSY
KNPPIS
KNNPMNUC
KWN
KERG
KLTN
KALM
KCCP
KSUMPHUM
KREL
KGH
KLIP
KTLA
KAWK
KWMM
KVRP
KVRC
KAID
KSLG
KDEMK
KX
KIF
KNPR
KCFC
KFTFN
KTFM
KPDD
KCERS
KMOC
KDEMAF
KMEPI
KEMS
KDRM
KEPREL
KBTR
KEDU
KNP
KIRL
KNNR
KMPT
KISLPINR
KTPN
KA
KJUSTH
KPIN
KDEV
KTDD
KAKA
KFRP
KWNM
KTSD
KINL
KJUSKUNR
KWWMN
KECF
KWBC
KPRO
KVBL
KOM
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KEDM
KFLD
KLPM
KRGY
KNNF
KICR
KIFR
KM
KWMNCS
KAWS
KLAP
KPAK
KDDG
KCGC
KID
KNSD
KMPF
KPFO
KDP
KCMR
KRMS
KNPT
KNNNP
KTIAPARM
KDTB
KNUP
KPGOV
KNAP
KNNC
KUK
KSRE
KREISLER
KIVP
KQ
KTIAEUN
KPALAOIS
KRM
KISLAO
KWM
KFLOA
LE
LU
LH
LA
LG
LO
LY
LANTERN
LI
LABOR
LORAN
LTTE
LT
LAS
LAB
LAW
LVPR
LARREA
LEBIK
LAURA
LS
LOTT
LOVE
LR
LEON
LAVIN
LGAT
LV
LAOS
LOG
LN
LB
MOPS
MO
MARR
ML
MASS
MZ
MR
MNUC
MX
MV
MCC
MY
MEDIA
MTCRE
MG
MCAP
MOPPS
MP
MI
MK
MC
MD
MA
MU
MASC
MW
MT
MEPP
MN
MTCR
MH
MEPI
MIL
MNUCPTEREZ
MMAR
MICHAEL
MUNC
MDC
MPOS
MONUC
MAR
MGMT
MAS
MEPN
MENDIETA
MARIA
MONTENEGRO
MOOPS
MSG
MARITIME
MURRAY
MUKASEY
MOTO
MCA
MFO
MEX
MRSEC
MMED
MACP
MAAR
MINUSTAH
MCCONNELL
MAPP
MGT
MARQUEZ
MANUEL
MNUR
MCCAIN
MF
MOHAMMAD
MOHAMED
MNU
MFA
MILITANTS
MINORITIES
MTS
MLS
MILI
MIAH
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MED
MARAD
MNVC
MINURSO
MNUCUN
MIK
MARK
MBM
MPP
MILITARY
MAPS
MNUK
MILA
MTRRE
MACEDONIA
MICHEL
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
MPS
MARRGH
MRCRE
MTRE
MORALES
MAP
MCTRE
MHUC
MOPSGRPARM
MOROCCO
MCAPS
NL
NU
NS
NI
NPT
NATO
NO
NG
NATEU
NSF
NZ
NAS
NP
NDP
NLD
NGO
NEPAD
NAFTA
NASA
NEA
NGUYEN
NIH
NK
NIPP
NONE
NR
NANCY
NEGROPONTE
NRR
NERG
NSSP
NSG
NSFO
NE
NATSIOS
NFSO
NATIONAL
NTDB
NT
NCD
NTSB
NRC
NELSON
NAM
NH
NPG
NEC
NSC
NFATC
NMFS
NATOIRAQ
NAR
NZUS
NARC
NCCC
NA
NC
NEW
NRG
NUIN
NOVO
NATOPREL
NEY
NV
NICHOLAS
NPA
NW
NARCOTICS
NORAD
NOAA
NON
NTTC
NKNNP
NMNUC
NUMBERING
ODIP
OIIP
OPRC
OSCE
OREP
OTRA
OPET
OSCI
OVIP
OECD
OCII
OUALI
OPDC
OEXC
OFPD
OPIC
OFDP
OPCW
OECV
OAS
OM
OMIG
ODAG
OPREP
ORA
OIC
OEXCSCULKPAO
OIG
OASS
OFFICIALS
ORTA
OSAC
OIL
OIE
OEXP
OPEC
OPDAT
OMS
OES
OHI
OMAR
OCRA
OFSO
OCBD
OSTA
OAO
ONA
OTP
ORC
OAU
OXEC
OA
ODPC
OPDP
OVIPPRELUNGANU
OASC
OSHA
OPCD
OTR
OPPI
OPCR
OF
OFDPQIS
OSIC
OHUM
OSTRA
OASCC
OBSP
OFDA
OPICEAGR
OIM
OGAC
OTA
OTRAORP
OPPC
OESC
OCEA
OVP
ON
OPAD
OTAR
OCS
ODC
OTRD
OCED
OSD
ORUE
OREG
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PGOV
PREL
PREF
PL
PM
PHSA
PE
PARM
PINS
PK
PUNE
PO
PALESTINIAN
PU
PBTS
PROP
PTBS
POL
POLI
PA
PGOVZI
POLMIL
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLM
PD
POLITICS
POLICY
PAS
PMIL
PINT
PNAT
PV
PKO
PPOL
PERSONS
PING
PBIO
PH
PETR
PARMS
PRES
PCON
PETERS
PRELBR
PT
PLAB
PP
PAK
PDEM
PKPA
PSOCI
PF
PLO
PTERM
PJUS
PSOE
PELOSI
PROPERTY
PGOVPREL
PARP
PRL
PNIR
PHUMKPAL
PG
PREZ
PGIC
PBOV
PAO
PKK
PROV
PHSAK
PHUMPREL
PROTECTION
PGOVBL
PSI
PRELPK
PGOVENRG
PUM
PRELKPKO
PATTY
PSOC
PRIVATIZATION
PRELSP
PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ
PMIG
PREC
PAIGH
PROG
PSHA
PARK
PETER
POG
PHUS
PPREL
PS
PTERPREL
PRELPGOV
POV
PKPO
PGOVECON
POUS
PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN
PWBG
PMAR
PREM
PAR
PNR
PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO
PARMIR
PGOVGM
PHUH
PARTM
PN
PRE
PTE
PY
POLUN
PPEL
PDOV
PGOVSOCI
PIRF
PGOVPM
PBST
PRELEVU
PGOR
PBTSRU
PRM
PRELKPAOIZ
PGVO
PERL
PGOC
PAGR
PMIN
PHUMR
PVIP
PPD
PGV
PRAM
PINL
PKPAL
PTERE
PGOF
PINO
PHAS
PODC
PRHUM
PHUMA
PREO
PPA
PEPFAR
PGO
PRGOV
PAC
PRESL
PORG
PKFK
PEPR
PRELP
PREFA
PNG
PGOVPHUMKPAO
PRELECON
PINOCHET
PFOR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PRELC
PREK
PHUME
PHJM
POLINT
PGOVPZ
PGOVKCRM
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PECON
PEACE
PROCESS
PLN
PRELSW
PAHO
PEDRO
PRELA
PASS
PPAO
PGPV
PNUM
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGIV
PRFE
POGOV
PEL
PBT
PAMQ
PINF
PSEPC
POSTS
PHUMPGOV
PVOV
PHSAPREL
PROLIFERATION
PENA
PRELTBIOBA
PIN
PRELL
PGOVPTER
PHAM
PHYTRP
PTEL
PTERPGOV
PHARM
PROTESTS
PRELAF
PKBL
PRELKPAO
PKNP
PARMP
PHUML
PFOV
PERM
PUOS
PRELGOV
PHUMPTER
PARAGRAPH
PERURENA
PBTSEWWT
PCI
PETROL
PINSO
PINSCE
PQL
PEREZ
PBS
RS
REFUGEES
RW
RP
RELFREE
RO
REGIONAL
RIGHTS
REACTION
REPORT
RU
RENAMO
RIGHTSPOLMIL
REFORM
RM
REFUGEE
REL
RELATIONS
ROW
RREL
REGION
RATIFICATION
RBI
RICE
ROOD
RODENAS
RUIZ
RODHAM
ROBERT
RGY
ROY
REUBEN
RELIGIOUS
RUEHZO
RODRIGUEZ
RUEUN
RELAM
RSP
RF
RSO
RCMP
REO
ROSS
RPTS
RENE
REID
RUPREL
RMA
RI
REMON
RPEL
RFE
RFIN
RA
RAFAEL
RAY
RUS
RPREL
ROBERTG
RECIN
RAMONTEIJELO
SNAR
SP
SN
SMIG
SL
SOCI
SU
SG
SF
SENV
SZ
SOE
SCUL
SY
SO
SR
SYR
SE
SA
SW
SIPDIS
SCIENCE
SADC
SI
SCI
SOCIETY
SC
SAARC
STR
SECRETARY
SANC
SSH
ST
SNA
SGWI
SEP
SOCIS
SETTLEMENTS
SPECIALIST
SK
SHUM
START
STET
SCVL
SREF
SCHUL
SCUIL
SYRIA
SECURITY
SPCE
SYAI
SMIL
SOWGC
STEPHEN
SNRV
SKCA
SENSITIVE
SECI
SNAP
SPP
SCUD
SOM
SPECI
SMIGBG
SENC
SCRM
SGNV
SECTOR
SENVEAGREAIDTBIOECONSOCIXR
SENVSXE
SASIAIN
SACU
SENVSPL
SWMN
STEINBERG
SOPN
SOCR
SCOI
SCRS
SILVASANDE
SWE
SARS
SNARIZ
SUDAN
SENVQGR
SM
SNARKTFN
SAAD
SD
SAN
SIPRNET
STATE
SENS
SUBJECT
SFNV
SECSTATE
SSA
SPCVIS
SOI
SOFA
SCULKPAOECONTU
SPTER
SKSAF
SENVKGHG
SHI
SEVN
SANR
SPSTATE
SMITH
SCOM
SH
SNARCS
SNARN
SIPRS
SNARM
SIPDI
SCPR
SNIG
SELAB
SULLIVAN
SENVENV
SECDEF
SOLIC
SOIC
SPAS
SASC
SOSI
SEC
SEN
SENVCASCEAIDID
TU
TH
TW
TSPA
TRGY
TPHY
TBIO
TIFA
TS
TZ
TX
TSPL
TT
TK
TC
TINT
TERFIN
TERRORISM
TIP
TURKEY
TI
TECHNOLOGY
TNGD
TRSY
TRAFFICKING
TOPEC
TPSL
TP
TD
TR
TA
TIO
TREATY
TO
THPY
TECH
TRADE
TPSA
TG
TAGS
TF
TRAD
THKSJA
TVBIO
TNDG
TN
TBIOZK
TWI
TV
TWL
TRT
TWRO
TSRY
TTPGOV
TAUSCHER
TRBY
TRBIO
TL
TPKO
TIA
TGRY
TSPAM
TREL
TNAR
TBI
TFIN
TPHYPA
TWCH
THOMMA
THOMAS
TERROR
TRY
TBID
TPP
TE
THANH
TJ
TBKIO
UNGA
USUN
UN
UG
UNSC
UK
UP
US
UNCTAD
UNVIE
UNHRC
USTR
UNAMA
UNCRIME
UNESCO
UV
UNDP
UNHCR
UNCSD
UNCHR
UZ
USAID
UNEP
UNO
UNPUOS
UY
UNDC
UNCITRAL
UNAUS
UNCND
UA
UNMIK
USTDA
USEU
USDA
UNICEF
UR
UNFICYP
USNC
USTRRP
UNODC
UNRWA
UNOMIG
USTRPS
USAU
USCC
UNEF
UNGAPL
UNFPA
UNSCE
USSC
UGA
UEU
UNMIC
UNTAC
UNION
UNCLASSIFIED
USPS
UNA
UMIK
USOAS
UNMOVIC
UNFA
UNAIDS
UNCHC
USGS
UNSE
UNRCR
UNTERR
USG
UE
UAE
UNWRA
UNCSW
UNSCR
UNCHS
UNDESCO
UNPAR
UNC
UB
UNSCS
UKXG
UNGACG
UNREST
UNHR
USPTO
UNFCYP
USCG
UNIDROIT
UNSCD
UPU
UNBRO
UNECE
USTRUWR
UNCC
UNESCOSCULPRELPHUMKPALCUIRXFVEKV
VM
VE
VT
VETTING
VN
VZ
VIS
VC
VTPREL
VIP
VTEAID
VTEG
VOA
VA
VTIZ
VANG
VISIT
VO
VENZ
VAT
VI
VEPREL
VEN
WFP
WTO
WHO
WTRO
WBG
WMO
WIPO
WA
WI
WSIS
WHA
WCL
WE
WMN
WEBZ
WS
WAR
WZ
WMD
WW
WILLIAM
WEET
WAEMU
WM
WWBG
WWT
WWARD
WITH
WMDT
WTRQ
WCO
WEU
WALTER
WRTO
WB
WHTI
WBEG
WCI
WEF
WAKI
WHOA
WGC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 07HANOI310, USG OFFICIALS DISCUSS TIFA, IPR AND TRADE IMPLEMENTATION
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #07HANOI310.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07HANOI310 | 2007-02-22 06:35 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Hanoi |
VZCZCXRO4244
OO RUEHHM
DE RUEHHI #0310/01 0530635
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 220635Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4656
INFO RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY 5425
RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 2582
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE USD FAS WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 HANOI 000310
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EAP/MLS
DEPT PASS TO USTR DAVID BISBEE
COMMERCE FOR 4431/MAC/AP/OPB/VLC/HPPHO AND EMIKALIS
BANGKOK for USPTO JNESS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ECON ECPS KIPR EAGR USTR VM
SUBJECT: USG OFFICIALS DISCUSS TIFA, IPR AND TRADE IMPLEMENTATION
WITH GVN
(U) THIS CABLE IS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET.
REF: A) HANOI 233
B) HANOI 294
¶1. (SBU) Summary: Officials from USTR and the Department of
Commerce discussed a range of current trade issues with Government
of Vietnam (GVN) officials during a Febrary 6-9 visit to Hanoi,
including: a potential Tade and Investment Framework Agreement
(TIFA); itellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement; signl
piracy; the GVN IT procurement policy; sanitar and phytosanitary
(SPS) measures; recent decreeson cosmetics and labeling; data
protection; a ne chemicals law; trading rights; updated tariff
shedules; customs valuations; and pharmaceutical reresentative
offices. The GVN interlocutors indiated their willingness to work
cooperatively to rsolve outstanding trade issues, and in many cases
have already begun to address USG concerns. The isit laid the
groundwork for ensuring Vietnam imlements its World Trade
Organization (WTO) commiments. End Summary.
TIFA
----
¶2. (SBU) UST's Director for Southeast Asia David Bisbee and
epartment of Commerce's (DOC) ASEAN Director ElenaMikalis met with
a series of GVN officials to ure a positive response to USTR's
proposal to initate negotiation of a Trade and Investment Framework
Agreement (TIFA) under the Enterprise for ASEAN nitiative. In
meetings with the major stakeholdrs, including the Office of the
Government (OOG) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ministry of
rade (MOT) and Ministry of Finance (MOF), GVN officals
consistently expressed support for a TIFA, bt explained that they
must reach inter-ministeril consensus prior to formal agreement.
An MOT oficial commented that an agreement on the TIFA textcould
be reached "in ten minutes," after receivin approval from the Prime
Minister. Bisbee agree, adding that the TIFA is a very general
framewok document requiring no new market access commitmets from
either party. Once in place, the two sies can develop an evolving
work plan to address mre specific trade and investment issues of
mutua interest. The MOT contact confided that the PM'soffice has
signaled its agreement, and MOT hopesfor formal written approval
soon.
¶3. (SBU) Seeral GVN agencies raised questions about the structre
of a TIFA Joint Council (reftel D) and its ineraction with the
existing Joint Council under te Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
Bisbee explaied that there would be no need to duplicate the
tructure of the BTA Joint Council, adding that the TA structure
could be appropriate for TIFA meetigs as well. A TIFA Joint
Council could, among oher functions, conduct the annual BTA review
in consolidated process, Bisbee said.
Intellectua Property Rights (IPR)
---------------------------------
¶4. (U) IPR enforcement agencies in Hano and HCMC briefed the USG
officials on the statu of implementation of Vietnam's new
IPR-related egal framework. Vietnam's enforcement agencies mut
familiarize themselves with the new regulationsand changing
responsibilities, a contact at NOIPexplained, but these changes
should ultimately iprove the GVN's enforcement capacity. The MOT'sMarket Management Bureau (MMB) reported that it ha been tasked to
chair an inter-ministerial task force to coordinate better IPR
enforcement with local enforcement agencies, which may help shorten
the adjustment period.
¶5. (U) IPR officials from various agencies stressed the need for
additional training for enforcement staff, particularly at the local
level, to understand better IP rights and how to prosecute,
adjudicate and enforce those rights. Foreign language capabilities
prevent many local officials from participating in donor-funded
training courses, and GVN officials requested that future
USG-sponsored training events provide for interpretation. The USG
visitors suggested the two sides work together to develop a joint
strategy to strengthen IPR enforcement, including plans for future
training. An IPR strategy could be an important element of a TIFA
work plan.
¶6. (U) Bisbee and Mikalis also relayed IPR concerns raised by U.S.
industries in HCMC (reftel C) and in Washington. At each stop,
Bisbee urged Vietnam to submit a robust report on its IPR
enforcement activities as part of USTR's annual Special 301 Review
HANOI 00000310 002 OF 005
process. The GVN officials agreed that it is important to
demonstrate Vietnam's progress in protecting IPR. The various
agencies stated that they are sending details of their recent
enforcement actions to the Embassy and/or Consulate General.
Signal Piracy
-------------
¶7. (SBU) The Ministry of Posts and Telematics (MPT) International
Cooperation Department Deputy Director General Dr. Phan Tam conceded
that Vietnam has not yet fulfilled its BTA and WTO commitments to
issue a regulation mandating that all cable and broadcast providers
only transmit licensed content. He reported that MPT has given
"clear guidance" to Vietnam Television Technology Investment and
Development Company (VTC), a digital terrestrial service provider
operated by MPT, and other cable companies to cease broadcasting
pirated signals. (Note: VTC illegally broadcasts overspill
satellite signals to end users using the state-owned fiber optic
network for a one-time decoder box purchase fee. End Note.) Bisbee
pointed out that MPT's failure to end VTC's distribution of stolen
signals, when it is clearly in a position to do so, is a major
concern of the United States. This issue will likely arise in the
upcoming Special 301 Review of IPR enforcement in Vietnam, Bisbee
said. Dr. Tam requested that U.S. industry provide a list of
programs and channels that VTC is pirating so MPT can better
intervene with VTC.
IT Procurement
--------------
¶8. (SBU) Bisbee thanked MPT's Dr. Tam for his assistance in working
to address outstanding USG concerns with the government IT
procurement policy set forth in the 2006 Decisions 169 and 223. The
current draft circular to guide implementation of these Decisions
includes language that addresses some of the USG concerns with
respect to Vietnam's WTO commitments by clearly excluding
state-owned enterprises (SOEs) from coverage by the policy. Bisbee
suggested that MPT drafters undertake efforts to consolidate the
various policy elements in Decisions 169, 223 and the new guiding
regulation into one document, making the policy more clear and easy
to follow.
¶9. (SBU) The U.S. IT industry has ongoing concerns over the
preferences and local content requirements of the policy, Bisbee
continued. Tam and Bisbee agreed that some of these concerns may be
rooted in a misunderstanding of the policy's scope and intent. A
meeting between MPT and the industry would allow MPT to explain the
policy to IT firms, while the industry could provide some "best
practices" to help the GVN design a more technology-neutral and
non-preferential procurement policy to meet its IT procurement
needs, Bisbee said. USTR and the Embassy will continue to work with
MPT to support such a meeting.
New Cosmetics Regulation
------------------------
¶10. (U) The head of the Ministry of Health's (MOH) Cosmetics
Division explained that the November 2006 Decision 35, which
significantly broadened the range of foreign cosmetics products
which must be registered before coming into Vietnam, was issued to
harmonize Vietnam's regulations with ASEAN cosmetics standards. MOH
recognizes the immediate impact these new requirements have on U.S.
cosmetics firms, and is therefore seeking to delay implementation to
allow for an adjustment period. It therefore issued Decision 13 to
postpone the date of effectiveness for new products until April
¶2007. Domestic transparency requirements dictate that the decision,
and therefore the policy's temporary suspension, will not take
effect until March 1 -- 15 days after it was published in Vietnam's
Official Gazette. In the interim, MOH is sympathetic to, but can do
little to allay, the potential difficulties foreign firms may
encounter with customs officials.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures
-----------------------------------------
¶11. (SBU) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
International Cooperation Department (ICD) Deputy Director General
Ms. Hoang Thi Dzung informed the USG officials that her department
will serve as Vietnam's SPS Enquiry Point and Notification
Authority. MARD requested additional USDA-funded programs to
enhance Vietnam's SPS procedures. Ms. Dzung also reported that the
Minister of Agriculture supports ICD's recommendation to implement
HANOI 00000310 003 OF 005
Vietnam's SPS commitments following the U.S. model. The minister
also called for improving the national enquiry point network and
creating better linkages to foreign networks, especially the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA). To meet these goals, the ministry
is developing an SPS action plan, which Dzung committed to share
with USTR and the Embassy for comments before it is finalized in
late March. MARD plans to publish a guidebook to help domestic
producers and traders understand the requirements of the WTO SPS
agreement.
¶12. (SBU) USTR's Bisbee responded by suggesting that Ms. Dzung work
with the MOT to develop a prioritized list of technical assistance
requests, which could be included in a future TIFA work plan. He
encouraged MARD to share future SPS regulations with the WTO as
early as possible to avoid confusion and to meet Vietnam's WTO
commitments. Vietnam issued a new regulation in December requiring
that all animal proteins imported for feed be DNA tested. Even
though Vietnam was not at the time a WTO member, Bisbee said,
efforts should have been undertaken to follow a more transparent
notification process in order to allow the United States to consult
on the new requirements. Furthermore, under the BTA, MARD should
have consulted with the USG on technical regulations even prior to
WTO membership. Ms. Dzung said that because MARD did not notify the
WTO of this new regulation, the Department of Animal Health has
delayed implementation until June 30.
¶13. (U) Under the U.S.-ASEAN TIFA, the United States is working with
ASEAN member states to raise fruit irradiation standards to
facilitate access to the U.S. market. Dzung said that MARD has
received the U.S. questionnaire, and intends to submit the
information requested so that Vietnamese fruits, such as lychee and
dragon fruit, stand a better chance of qualifying for import to the
United States.
Data Protection
---------------
¶14. (U) The USG officials relayed concerns over Vietnam's procedures
for registering agrochemicals and data protection measures.
Vietnam's new IP Law and its WTO commitments require Vietnam to keep
confidential data submitted as part of a registration dossier. DDG
SIPDIS
Dzung acknowledged these commitments, and assured that MARD will
keep dossier data secret and will not rely upon it for future
license approval. As a sign of its commitment, Dzung pointed to
Vietnam's December accession to the International Union for the
Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), which entails data
protection measures.
Labeling Decree
---------------
¶15. (SBU) Bisbee raised concerns over the August 2006 Decree No. 89
on Labeling of Goods with officials from the Ministry of Trade's
Multilateral Trade Policy Department. The Decree appears contrary
to Vietnam's commitments on shelf-life contained in a May 31, 2006
exchange of letters between Minister of Trade Truong Dinh Tuyen and
Deputy United States Trade Representative Karan Bhatia. In the
exchange of letters, Vietnam committed to accept voluntary
manufacturer-determined "best-if-used-by" dates on food products
except for raw food materials and food additives. Decree 89,
however, mandates that all food, foodstuffs and drink labels must
include an expiry date.
¶16. (SBU) MOT's Multilateral Trade Policy Department Deputy Director
Luong Hoang Thai asserted that the May 31 exchange of letters
applied to the MOH's Food Hygiene Law prohibiting the import of food
raw materials or additives with less than two-thirds shelf life
remaining. In his opinion, the letters commit Vietnam to accept
"best-if-used-by" dates to permit the import of goods, and do not
apply to Vietnam's labeling requirements. Thai reported that per
the May 31 letters, Vietnam has decided not to implement the
ordinance on food imports, and will consult with other WTO members
before instituting any new rules in this area. Thai continued by
stating that these actions bring Vietnam in full compliance with its
commitments.
¶17. (SBU) Bisbee responded that U.S. negotiators disagree with his
interpretation of the intent of the letter. The United States
understands that the letters relate to the establishment of shelf
life and not simply the use of shelf life for entry. He asked for
MOT's cooperation in seeking revisions to the Labeling Decree.
HANOI 00000310 004 OF 005
¶18. (SBU) DDG Thai explained that all products in Vietnam are
labeled with the same phrase, which directly translates to mean
"date to use." He insisted that all domestic and foreign products
were required to use the same wording, and that regardless,
Vietnamese consumers would not recognize the difference between
expiry and "best-if-used-by." Decree 89 does not distort trade or
in any way violate Vietnam's commitments, Thai declared. Vietnamese
regulations permit the manufacturer to determine the most
appropriate standard to use in order to determine the "date to use"
and do not require a mandatory standard for expiration date, said
Thai. He suggested that the United States provide evidence that the
Decree distorts trade if it wants to protest further the labeling
provisions. Bisbee said he would consult with his USG counterparts
and would follow up with MOT in the near future. (Note: Foreign and
domestic food products currently on the market in Vietnam all carry
a "date to use" mark, confirming that Decree 89 does not change
existing practice.)
Chemicals Law
-------------
¶19. (U) Ministry of Industry's (MOI) International Cooperation
Department Director Mr. Cao Quoc Hung reported that the MOI is
completing a three-year drafting process for a new comprehensive
Chemical Law. According to Hung, the most recent draft has been
posted to MOI's website and will soon be available for review in
English on the OOG website. The law aims to modernize Vietnam's
chemical regulations and to comply with APEC commitments on the
Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the Classification and Labeling
of chemicals. Hung also noted that Vietnam's chemical industry is
growing rapidly -- 18 percent in 2006 -- and there is a growing need
for government regulation.
¶20. (U) USTR's Bisbee encouraged the MOI to have an open dialogue
with the USG and U.S. chemical industry as it prepares the draft
law. U.S. industry wants to help Vietnam establish a manageable
administrative system. As a first step, he proposed a digital video
conference (DVC) with U.S. industry representatives to review and
understand the draft law better, as well as to gain a clearer
picture of what the new legislation aims to accomplish. For
example, U.S. experts could help Vietnam create a comprehensive list
of permissible chemicals by combining lists developed by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Japan and Australia. Bisbee
also offered to work with MOI to develop chemical registration
regulations, which will be necessary before this law takes effect.
¶21. (U) Hung thanked the USG for the offers of assistance. He said
that MOI is very concerned with ensuring that the final law can be
effectively implemented and would therefore propose the idea of a
DVC to his minister. In response to Bisbee's questions about
chemical registrations, Hung stated that the GVN intends to
recognize the chemical lists of the United States, Japan, China and
the European Union, and therefore chemicals on those lists will not
be considered "new" to Vietnam. He explained that after the law is
posted on the OOG website, it will be available for public review
and comment for at least 60 days. Comments received during this
period will then be incorporated and a new version will be re-posted
for additional comments. MOI intends to make a presentation on the
law before the National Assembly in May with the goal of passing the
law by the end of 2007.
Trading Rights
--------------
¶22. (U) Vietnam's WTO commitments distinguish between (a) the right
to import and (b) trading, or distribution, rights (i.e., the
services of warehousing and distribution). Ministry of Trade
officials affirmed Vietnam's commitment to provide the right of
import for most goods into Vietnam immediately upon WTO accession.
Distribution services, however, are to be phased in until 2009.
(Note: Under Vietnam's WTO commitments, a foreign company can
perform distribution services as a 49 percent partner in a joint
venture in 2007; up to a 99 percent partner in a joint venture in
2008; and a wholly-foreign owned company can apply for distribution
licenses in 2009. End note.) MOT's Import/Export Department is
currently finalizing a decree that will codify Vietnam's commitments
on importation rights. This version, which should be promulgated in
the next several weeks, incorporates earlier comments submitted by
USG negotiators, Multilateral Trade Department DDG Thai said. MOT
officials report that Minister Tuyen has approved the draft, which
is now before the inter-agency process for approval. USTR's Bisbee
HANOI 00000310 005 OF 005
requested to see a draft. Reminding the MOT that it committed to
complete the Decree within 30 days of accession, Bisbee asked if the
ministry could provide an official letter or some other document to
provide interim coverage until the Decree takes effect.
Multilateral Trade Department DDG Thai agreed to raise this
possibility with the minister.
¶23. (U) The GVN has not yet developed a license application form for
companies interested in performing distribution services. Absent an
official application, MOT's America's Department Deputy Director
Nguyen Hong Dzung reported that a U.S. firm must first find a local
partner and then jointly send a letter requesting a license to MOT.
Tariff Schedules
----------------
¶24. (U) In meetings with Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of
Trade, Bisbee conveyed U.S. industry reports that some Customs
officials in HCMC continue to use pre-WTO tariff schedules. MOF
International Cooperation Department Director General Madame Nguyen
Thi Bich said that the new tariff schedule, dated December 29, 2006,
has been distributed to all local customs offices. She committed to
follow up with local HCMC Customs offices to verify use of the
correct schedule. MOT's Mr. Thai agreed to work with MOF to ensure
a mechanism exists for companies to recover costs in cases such as
this.
Pharmaceutical Representative Offices
-------------------------------------
¶25. (U) Foreign pharmaceutical companies continue to worry about
restrictions on the establishment of representative offices in
Vietnam, Bisbee reported. MOT officials requested additional
information about the type of activities foreign pharmaceutical
firms wish to perform. USTR's Bisbee explained that it would be
useful for MOT to sit down with the industry to understand the
concerns better, warning that the restrictive regulations are
causing some pharmaceutical companies to consider pulling out of
Vietnam - something which is in neither country's interests. MOT
appeared open to the idea and Bisbee said he would follow up with
industry representatives.
Customs Valuation
-----------------
¶26. (U) Ministry of Finance's Madame Bich reported that MOF
submitted a draft Decree on Valuations to the OOG in January.
Several other ministries raised concerns over the draft, however,
and inter-ministerial discussions are ongoing. Madame Bich has
conveyed USG comments on the draft decree to the drafting committee,
and assured Bisbee that they have been taken into account. She
stated that the final language would comply with Vietnam's WTO
commitments, and hopes the Decree will be finalized by the end of
February.
Comment
-------
¶27. (SBU) Throughout the week's meetings, the GVN interlocutors
reciprocated the U.S. officials' desire to capitalize on current
momentum to enhance bilateral trade relations. Despite the "thorny"
issues raised in some of these meetings, the discussions were
productive and atmospherics remained consistently positive. Though
the GVN has many issues that will require much work to resolve, this
visit helped lay the groundwork for further cooperation in making
sure Vietnam meets its obligations as the WTO's newest member.
¶28. (U) This cable has been cleared by USTR's David Bisbee.
ALOISI