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

2010/11 2010/12 2011/01 2011/02 2011/03 2011/04 2011/05 2011/06 2011/07 2011/08
2010/11/28 2010/11/29 2010/11/30
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

66 72 73 75 79 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
1966/12
1972/02 1972/03 1972/08
1973/04 1973/10
1975/03
1979/08
1985/01 1985/02 1985/03 1985/04 1985/05 1985/06 1985/10
1986/02 1986/05 1986/08 1986/09 1986/11 1986/12
1987/04 1987/06 1987/07 1987/09 1987/12
1988/01 1988/03 1988/04 1988/07 1988/08 1988/09 1988/10 1988/11 1988/12
1989/01 1989/03 1989/04 1989/06 1989/09 1989/11 1989/12
1990/01 1990/02 1990/03 1990/07 1990/08 1990/10 1990/11 1990/12
1991/01 1991/03 1991/05 1991/06 1991/07 1991/08 1991/09 1991/10 1991/11
1992/01 1992/03 1992/04 1992/05 1992/06 1992/07 1992/08 1992/09 1992/10 1992/11 1992/12
1993/01 1993/02 1993/04 1993/07 1993/10 1993/11 1993/12
1994/01 1994/02 1994/03 1994/04 1994/05 1994/06 1994/08 1994/11 1994/12
1995/01 1995/02 1995/03 1995/04 1995/05 1995/06 1995/07 1995/08 1995/09 1995/10 1995/11 1995/12
1996/06 1996/07 1996/08 1996/09 1996/11
1997/01 1997/02 1997/03 1997/04 1997/05 1997/06 1997/08 1997/09 1997/10 1997/11 1997/12
1998/02 1998/03 1998/05 1998/07 1998/08 1998/11 1998/12
1999/01 1999/09 1999/10 1999/11 1999/12
2000/04 2000/05 2000/06 2000/07 2000/08 2000/09 2000/10 2000/11 2000/12
2001/01 2001/02 2001/03 2001/04 2001/05 2001/06 2001/07 2001/08 2001/09 2001/10 2001/11 2001/12
2002/01 2002/02 2002/03 2002/04 2002/05 2002/06 2002/07 2002/08 2002/09 2002/10 2002/11 2002/12
2003/01 2003/02 2003/03 2003/04 2003/05 2003/06 2003/07 2003/08 2003/09 2003/10 2003/11 2003/12
2004/01 2004/02 2004/03 2004/04 2004/05 2004/06 2004/07 2004/08 2004/09 2004/10 2004/11 2004/12
2005/01 2005/02 2005/03 2005/04 2005/05 2005/06 2005/07 2005/08 2005/09 2005/10 2005/11 2005/12
2006/01 2006/02 2006/03 2006/04 2006/05 2006/06 2006/07 2006/08 2006/09 2006/10 2006/11 2006/12
2007/01 2007/02 2007/03 2007/04 2007/05 2007/06 2007/07 2007/08 2007/09 2007/10 2007/11 2007/12
2008/01 2008/02 2008/03 2008/04 2008/05 2008/06 2008/07 2008/08 2008/09 2008/10 2008/11 2008/12
2009/01 2009/02 2009/03 2009/04 2009/05 2009/06 2009/07 2009/08 2009/09 2009/10 2009/11 2009/12
2010/01 2010/02

### Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
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 Freetown Consulate Fukuoka Consulate Frankfurt
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
Iran RPO Dubai Embassy Islamabad Consulate Izmir Consulate Istanbul
Embassy Jakarta Consulate Johannesburg Consulate Jerusalem Consulate Jeddah
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 Ouagadougou Embassy Ottawa Embassy Oslo Consulate Osaka Kobe
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
Embassy Quito Consulate Quebec
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
Embassy Windhoek Embassy Wellington Embassy Warsaw
Embassy Yerevan Embassy Yaounde Consulate Yekaterinburg
Embassy Zagreb

### Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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
QA QUAN QUOC QM QI QADRI QT QU
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
XA XM XR XL XY XC XK XF XT XD XG XI XH XB XE XW XX XV XXX XJ XU XS XZ XQ XO XP XFNEA XTAG
YM YMOEXC YI YE YL YEH YMCS YOUSSEF YU
ZO ZI ZK ZR ZF ZU ZL ZP ZA ZIM ZANU ZJ ZM ZOELLICK ZCTU ZB ZN ZH ZT ZFR ZEALAND ZW ZXA

### Browse by classification

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN SECRET SECRET//NOFORN UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

### Community resources

Follow us on Twitter Check our Reddit Twitter this Digg this page Contact us on IRC

courage is contagious

### Viewing cable 03HANOI3243, VIETNAM: NATIONAL TRADE ESTIMATES REPORT

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.

To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.
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. #03HANOI3243.

Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
03HANOI3243 | 2003-12-16 03:03 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Hanoi

`

    This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

` `

    UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 HANOI 003243

    SIPDIS

    STATE PASS USTR
    STATE FOR EB/MTA/MST

    E.O. 12958: N/A
    TAGS: ETRD ECON EFIN VM ASEAN BTA FINREF IPROP
    SUBJECT:  VIETNAM:  NATIONAL TRADE ESTIMATES REPORT

    REF: STATE 310953

    ¶1.  The following is the text of the draft National Trade
    Estimate report for Vietnam.

    ¶2.  Begin Text of Report:

    TRADE SUMMARY

    The landmark U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement that
    seeks to normalize trade relations between the two
    countries came into effect on December 10, 2001, and
    Vietnam began receiving NTR treatment.  As a result of
    the lowering of tariffs from an average of 40 percent to
    an average of 3 percent, Vietnamese exports to the U.S.
    have increased rapidly in the last two years.

    The U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam was $2.4 billion in
    the first nine months of 2003.  U.S. goods exports for
    the first nine months of 2003 were $1.16 billion, up
    219.2 percent from the previous year. (Note:  U.S.
    exports excluding aircraft sales were $449 million, up
    24% from the previous year.)   Corresponding U.S. imports
    from Vietnam were $3.6 billion, up 130.5 percent.

    IMPORT POLICIES

    Tariffs

    Vietnam's tariff schedule was rationalized in 1992 and
    simplified in 1999, following Vietnam's accession to the
    ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).  Currently, there are three
    sets of tariff rates:  most favored nation (MFN) rates
    that apply to about 75 percent of total imports from
    about eighty countries that have bilateral trade
    agreements with Vietnam, including the U.S.; Common
    Effective Preferential Tariff  (CEPT) rates that apply to
    imports from ASEAN countries; and general tariff rates
    (50 percent higher than MFN) that apply to all other
    countries.   Under the terms of the US-Vietnam Bilateral
    Trade Agreement (BTA), Vietnam is obligated to reduce
    significantly tariffs by an average of about one-third to
    one-half on a broad range of US imports over a period of
    three years.

    On September 1, 2003, a new harmonized tariff system took
    effect that is based on the eight digit Harmonized System
    of Tariffs and conforms to ASEAN's Harmonized Tariff
    Nomenclature (AHTN).  The new system consists of 10,689
    lines (4200 more than the old one), of which 5,300 lines
    are at four and six digits and 5,400 lines are at eight
    digits.  There are now fifteen tariff rates (down from
    twenty) and the simple average tariff rate increased from
    16.8 to 18.2 percent.  In implementing the new tariff
    system, the Government of Vietnam raised tariff rates on
    195 items and reduced them on 106.  Protection on 72
    items, except for PVC powder and granules and welding
    steel tubes, was converted from price differential
    surcharges to tariffs.  Tariff rates on petrol and oils
    (heading 2709 and 2710) are not specified in the new
    schedule.

    The National Assembly retains authority over setting
    tariff bands for each product and the government is free
    to adjust applied tariffs within the bands.  There is no
    online published tariff schedule, and it is often
    difficult to determine when and how much tariffs have
    changed.

    Non-tariff barriers

    Non-tariff barriers (NTB's) were introduced in Vietnam
    when the country shifted from CMEA to market trade in the
    late 1980s to early 1990s and quickly became a key
    component of Vietnam's trade policy.  In the past few
    years, Vietnam has made significant progress in reducing
    the use of NTBs and, under the terms of the BTA, Vietnam
    agreed to eliminate all non-tariff barriers, including
    import and export restrictions, quotas, licensing
    requirements, and controls for all product and service
    categories over a period of three to seven years,
    depending on the product.

    Import prohibitions:  Vietnam currently prohibits the
    commercial importation of the following products:  arms
    and ammunition, explosive materials (not including
    industrial explosives), military technical equipment and
    facilities, narcotics, toxic chemicals, "depraved and
    reactionary" cultural products, firecrackers, some
    children's toys, cigarettes, second-hand consumer goods,
    right-hand drive motor vehicles, used spare parts for
    vehicles, used internal combustion engines of less than
    30 horsepower, asbestos materials under the amphibole
    group, various encryption devices, and encryption
    software.
    Quantitative restrictions and non-automatic licensing:
    Vietnam has been phasing out the use of quantitative
    restrictions on imports.  The following products remain
    subject to quantitative restrictions:  sugar, petroleum
    products, cement and clinker, some common chemicals,
    chemical fertilizer, paint, tubes and tires, paper, silk,
    ceramic (construction), construction glass, construction
    steel, some engines, some types of automobiles,
    motorcycles, bicycles and parts, and ships and vessels.
    Quantitative limitations on exports in most sectors have
    been eliminated as well, with the exception of textiles,
    garments, and a list of sensitive items.   In May 2003,
    the Prime Minister issued a decision to implement tariff-
    rate quotas on certain agricultural products that were
    not previously under quotas. Cotton, tobacco materials,
    and salt are the three items on "trial" implementation as
    of July 01, 2003. During the "trial" period, import
    licenses for those items are granted upon the demand
    level to set up a volume of quotas for the following
    years. Milk materials, corn, and poultry eggs are the
    remaining targeted items to be implemented sometime in
    ¶2004.

    Foreign invested enterprises are not permitted to import
    goods freely in Vietnam.  Foreign invested enterprises
    are allowed only to import goods used as inputs in the
    manufacturing process, and machinery equipment,
    transportation means and materials used in the
    construction and installation of their project in
    accordance with their investment license.

    Special authority regulation:  Previously, importers
    required approval from the relevant ministry(ies) to
    import many goods.  This system was changed in 2001.
    Now, seven ministries and agencies are responsible for
    overseeing a system of minimum quality/performance
    standards for animal and plant protection, health safety,
    local network compatibility (in the case of
    telecommunication), money security, and cultural
    sensitivity.  Goods that meet the minimum standards can
    be imported upon demand and in unlimited quantity and
    value.

    Foreign Exchange system:  In 1998, the State Bank of
    Vietnam (SBV) issued a foreign exchange surrender
    requirement for all exporters, including foreign invested
    enterprises.  A series of reductions decreased this
    requirement from 80 percent of foreign exchange balances
    to 30 percent as of May 2002.    In April 2003,
    Government Decision 46 reduced the foreign exchange
    surrender requirement to zero percent.

    May 2000 amendments to the Law on Foreign Direct
    Investment (FDI) allowed FDI enterprises to purchase
    foreign currency at authorized banks to finance current
    and capital transactions and other permitted
    transactions.  Controls on current account transactions
    have been liberalized.  A 1998 Decree allowed both
    residents and non-residents to open and maintain foreign
    exchange accounts with authorized banks in Vietnam.  A
    2001 Circular permitted foreign investors to transfer
    abroad profits and other legal income upon presentation
    of relevant documents to the authorized banks.  A 2003
    Decree contains the Government of Vietnam's guarantee to
    assist in the balancing of foreign currency for foreign
    invested enterprises and foreign business cooperation
    parties that invest in the construction of infrastructure
    and certain other important projects in the event that
    banks permitted to trade foreign currency are unable to
    fully satisfy their foreign currency demand.

    Customs:  Vietnam is phasing out minimum import prices in
    its customs valuation system.  The number of commodity
    groups subject to a minimum value was reduced from 34 in
    1997 to seven in 2000.  These include:  beverages of all
    kinds; tires, rubber inner tubes and mud-resistant fronts
    used for cars, motorcycles and bicycles; floor tiles and
    sanitary wares; construction glass and vacuum flasks;
    engines; electric fans; motorcycles; and, unprocessed
    tobacco.

    Under the BTA, Vietnam is now obligated to apply
    transaction value for U.S. imports and to ensure that no
    administrative fee or charge imposed by customs
    authorities in connection with importing or exporting any
    good will exceed the actual cost of the service provided
    by Customs. Vietnam has also committed to apply
    transaction value to imports from ASEAN countries.  In
    June 2002, the Government issued Decree 60 establishing
    rules for customs valuation based on transaction value,
    in accordance with WTO principles. Decree 60 applies to
    goods imported from countries to which Vietnam has made a
    commitment on customs valuation. Despite the fact that no
    exceptions are included in the BTA, Decree 60 reserves
    Vietnam the right to apply minimum tax calculation prices
    on a number of items "in order to protect the State's
    interests and domestic production." The Ministry of
    Finance, in coordination with other ministries and
    agencies, is drafting the list of exempted items.

    Trading rights:  Under the terms of the BTA, three years
    after the entry-into-force of the agreement, enterprises
    with capital directly invested by U.S. nationals and
    companies in production and manufacturing will be able to
    engage in trading activities in most products and will be
    able to enter into joint ventures with Vietnamese
    partners to engage in trading activities in all products,
    as long as the U.S. partner holds no more than a 49
    percent share in the venture.  Seven years after entry-
    into-force of the BTA, U.S. companies will be able to
    establish wholly owned trading companies in Vietnam.  The
    right to trade in certain goods is subject to a phase in
    period.

    STANDARDS, TESTING, LABELING AND CERTIFICATION

    Vietnamese law requires all imports to have a label with
    contents and instruction for use in Vietnamese.  The
    labels can be placed on the goods after they have been
    imported.

    The Ministry of Science and Technology publishes a list
    of imports and exports requiring state quality control.
    The items are listed with their HS numbers and are
    grouped under functional agencies including the Ministry
    of Public Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
    Development, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of
    Fisheries, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
    Some items are subject to national standards; some are
    subject to regulations of the functioning agencies; and
    some are subject to both.  Other items are subject to
    GOCT (the standards system that was created by the Soviet
    Union which now applies only to explosives and explosive
    accessories).  Exporters and importers must have permits
    from the functioning agencies or a receipt showing an
    inspection is in process for the controlled items at the
    time they go through customs.

    GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT

    Government procurement practices can be characterized as
    a multi-layered decision-making process, which often
    lacks transparency and efficiency.  Although the Ministry
    of Finance allocates funds, various departments within
    the ministry or agency involved determine government
    procurement needs.  Competition for government
    procurements may take any of several forms:  sole source
    direct negotiation, limited tender, open tender,
    appointed tender, or special purchase.  Currently,
    ministries and agencies have different rules on minimum
    values for the purchase of material or equipment, which
    must be subject to competitive bidding.  High-value or
    important contracts such as infrastructure (except World
    Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP, or bilateral official
    development assistance projects) require bid evaluation
    and selection and are awarded by the Prime Minister's
    office or any other competent body.  No consolidated or
    regular official listing of government tenders exists;
    however, some solicitations are announced in the both
    Vietnamese and English language newspapers.

    EXPORT SUBSIDIES

    Export credit is very limited in Vietnam.  The Export
    Promotion Fund managed by the Ministry of Finance,
    provides subsidies in the form of interest rate support
    and direct financial support (to first-time exporters,
    for exports to new markets, or for goods subject to major
    price fluctuations).  The Fund also provides export
    rewards and bonuses.  Since 1998, the average annual
    export reward provided to eligible enterprises has ranged
    from USD 2900 to USD 4710.  Provision of export bonuses,
    originally targeted for exports of agricultural products,
    was expanded in 2002 to include non-agricultural products
    such as handicrafts, rattan and bamboo ware, plastic
    products and mechanical products.

    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) PROTECTION
    Vietnam is a member of the World Intellectual Property
    Organization (WIPO) and is a signatory to the Paris
    Convention for Industrial Property.  It has acceded to
    the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Madrid Agreement.
    While not yet a party to the Berne Convention, Vietnam
    agreed under the 1997 U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Copyright
    Agreement to provide U.S. copyrights protection on a
    national treatment basis in accordance with the terms of
    that convention.  Under the terms of the BTA, Vietnam was
    obligated by December 2003 to make its system for
    protecting IPR, including enforcement, consistent with
    the WTO TRIPS agreement.  The President of Vietnam is
    expected to sign the GVN's applications for accession to
    the Berne Convention and the Geneva Convention by the end
    of 2003.  Considerable progress has been made over the
    past few years in establishing the legal framework for
    IPR protection.  New legislation this year included
    regulations on protection of architectural copyright,
    layout of integrated circuits and border measures.
    However, the legal reform process is not yet complete.

    Enforcement of IPR protection remains extremely weak.
    The BTA requires the Government of Vietnam to provide
    expeditious remedies to prevent and deter infringement of
    IP rights, including particular judicial and
    administrative procedures, prompt and effective
    provisional measures secured by sufficient evidence, and
    criminal procedures and penalties for willful trademark
    counterfeiting or infringement of copyrights or
    neighboring rights on a commercial scale.

    Patent and Trademarks

    Trademark registration in Vietnam is relatively
    straightforward, although infringement is widespread and
    enforcement of administrative orders and court decisions
    finding IPR infringement remains problematic.  Vietnam's
    laws offer some protection for foreign patent holders,
    but there are infringements.  The National Office of
    Intellectual Property (NOIP), under the Ministry of
    Science and Technology (MOST), administers Vietnam's
    patent and trademark registration systems.  NOIP has made
    significant progress in recent years to build adequate
    capacity to record and adjudicate patent and trademark
    claims, and is working with a number of foreign patent
    and trademark agencies to enhance its systems.  Yet
    obtaining expeditious adjudication and administrative
    enforcement of patent and trademark violations remains
    difficult.  Although the BTA requires national treatment
    for IPR fees, industrial property fees charged to foreign
    organizations and individuals are significantly higher
    than the fees charged to Vietnamese nationals.

    Copyright

    The Copyright Office of Vietnam is under the control and
    supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Information.
    Significant progress has been made in putting in place
    the laws to protect copyrights, including those belonging
    to foreigners, but enforcement is almost non-existent.
    This is particularly true for certain categories of
    products, such as PC software, music and video CDs, VCDs,
    and DVDs.  Industry estimates of piracy rates for
    software, music, and videos run as high as 99 percent.
    Local police authorities often are slow to act on
    administrative orders fining infringement and enforcing
    court decisions.

    SERVICES BARRIERS

    Under the terms of the BTA, Vietnam agreed for the first
    time to liberalize a broad array of services sectors,
    including telecommunications, accounting, banking, and
    distribution services, and to apply MFN treatment to U.S.
    services suppliers in all sectors and for all modes of
    supply (with itemized exceptions).  The BTA also
    incorporated the WTO Agreements on Trade in Services
    (GATS) (except Paragraphs 3 and 4), Annex on Movement of
    Natural Persons, Annex on Telecommunications (except
    Paragraphs 6 and 7), and the Telecommunications Reference
    Paper.  Vietnam's commitments to liberalize market access
    on services are phased in over specified time periods
    depending on the sector.  The commitments by sector are
    as follows:

    Accounting, Auditing, and Bookkeeping Services:  For the
    first three years under the BTA, licenses will be granted
    on a case-by-case basis.  The company must employ at
    least five persons with licenses to be a CPA in Vietnam
    who have practiced in Vietnam for more than one year.
    For the first two years under the BTA, firms with U.S.
    equity will only be allowed to supply services to foreign-
    invested enterprises and foreign funded projects in
    Vietnam.  Branching is not permitted.

    Taxation Services:  For the first five years under the
    BTA, licenses will be granted on a case-by-case basis,
    and firms with U.S. equity will only be allowed to supply
    services to foreign-invested enterprises and foreign
    funded projects in Vietnam.  Branching is not permitted.

    Architectural, Engineering, and Computer Services:  For a
    period of two years from the date of establishment and
    operation, U.S.-owned companies may only provide services
    to enterprises with foreign directly-invested capital in
    Vietnam.  U.S. companies have to be legally registered in
    the U.S.  Branching is not permitted.

    U.S. companies and companies with U.S. directly-invested
    capital are not permitted to carry out topographic,
    construction geological, metrological, geological, and
    environmental investigations; or technical investigations
    for designing rural-urban construction plans, unless
    otherwise authorized by the Government of Vietnam.

    Legal Services:  Under the terms of the BTA, 100 percent
    equity ownership in companies, joint ventures, and
    branches are permitted.  U.S. lawyers may not appear
    before Vietnamese courts.  However, U.S. firms may advise
    on Vietnamese law if they hire persons with Vietnamese
    law degrees who satisfy the requirements applied to like
    Vietnamese practitioners.  Branches of law firms may
    receive a five-year renewable license.  In July 2003, the
    Government promulgated Decree 87 significantly reforming
    the regulatory framework for the operations of foreign
    law practices and foreign law firms. The decree
    substantially broadened the scope of practice of foreign
    law firms in Vietnam. Foreign law practices are permitted
    to provide advice on foreign and international law in the
    areas of business, investment and commerce, which was
    prohibited before. They are now no longer restricted to
    providing "legal consultancy services and other legal
    services", including consultancy on Vietnamese law, as
    long as their firms employ a Vietnamese lawyer or a
    foreign lawyer with a Vietnamese law degree.  The law
    firms are allowed to employ Vietnamese lawyers, with
    unlimited practicing scope of legal consultancy and legal
    services. However, participation by foreign lawyers in
    Vietnamese court proceedings remains prohibited and was
    further extended to Vietnamese lawyers and trainee
    Vietnamese lawyers employed by foreign law practices.

    Advertising Services and Market Research:  Vietnam has
    not agreed to provide market access for advertising
    services for wines and cigarettes or for the cross-border
    supply of market research services.  U.S. companies in
    these sectors may initially only establish a commercial
    presence through joint ventures or business cooperation
    contracts with Vietnamese partners.  U.S. investment is
    limited to 49 percent of the legal capital for the first
    five years under the Bilateral Trade Agreement, 51
    percent for years six and seven, and is unlimited after
    that.  Vietnam has not agreed to ensure national
    treatment for the cross-border supply of market research
    services.

    Management Consulting:  U.S. companies may only establish
    a commercial presence through joint ventures or business
    cooperation contracts.  After the BTA has been in effect
    for 5 years, enterprises with 100 percent U.S. ownership
    will be permitted.

    Telecommunication Services:  Initially, the provision of
    basic telecommunications services, value-added
    telecommunications services, and voice telephone services
    are only permitted through business contracts with
    Vietnamese gateway operators.  According to the terms of
    the BTA, by December 2003,  (December 2004 in the case of
    Internet services), U.S. value-added telecommunications
    service providers may establish joint ventures with
    Vietnamese partners with up to 50 percent equity
    ownership.  These joint ventures may not, however,
    construct their own long-distance and international
    circuits.  Four years after entry-into-force of the BTA,
    U.S. basic telecommunications service suppliers can
    establish joint ventures with Vietnamese partners with up
    to 49 percent U.S. equity ownership.  These joint
    ventures may not, however, construct their own long-
    distance and international circuits.  Six years after
    entry-into-force of the Agreement, U.S. voice telephone
    service providers may establish joint ventures with
    Vietnamese partners with up to 49 percent U.S. equity
    ownership.

    Audiovisual Services:  Vietnam has not agreed to provide
    market access or national treatment for cross-border
    supply or consumption abroad of audiovisual services.
    U.S. service suppliers may establish a commercial
    presence only through a business cooperation contract or
    joint venture with a Vietnamese partner.  For the first
    five years after entry-into-force of the BTA, U.S.
    ownership may not exceed 49 percent.  After five years,
    U.S. ownership may not exceed 51 percent.

    Construction and Related Engineering Services:  Vietnam
    has not agreed to provide market access or national
    treatment for the cross-border supply of construction and
    related engineering services.  Branches are not
    permitted.  For the first three years after their
    establishment and operation, 100 percent U.S.-owned
    enterprises may only provide services to enterprises with
    foreign directly invested capital in Vietnam.  U.S.
    companies must be legally registered for operation in the
    U.S.

    Distribution Services:  Vietnam does not provide market
    access or national treatment for the cross-border supply
    of distribution services.  Three years after entry-into-
    force of the BTA, U.S. service providers may establish
    joint ventures with Vietnamese partners with up to 49
    percent U.S. equity.  After six years, U.S. ownership in
    joint ventures will be unlimited.  After seven years,
    companies with 100 percent equity will be allowed.  One
    retail outlet may be established as of right, while
    additional outlets will be considered on a case-by-case
    basis.  For some agricultural and industrial products,
    market access in this sector is subject to additional
    limitations, which will be phased out over a period of
    three to five years.  There are a limited number of
    products for which Vietnam did not commit to allow
    distribution services.

    Educational Services:  Vietnam will not provide market
    access or national treatment for the cross-border supply
    of educational services.  For the first seven years after
    entry-into-force of the BTA, U.S. companies may only
    establish a commercial presence through a joint venture.
    After that, schools with 100 percent U.S.-invested
    capital may be established.  Foreign teachers employed by
    educational units with U.S.-invested capital must have
    five years teaching experience and be recognized by the
    Ministry of Education.

    Insurance Services:  Vietnam has agreed to allow market
    access for the cross-border supply of insurance services
    to enterprises with foreign invested capital or
    foreigners working in Vietnam; reinvestment services;
    insurance services in international transportation;
    insurance brokering and reinsurance brokering services;
    and advisory, claim settlement, and risk assessment
    services.  Three years after entry-into-force of the BTA,
    U.S. companies can establish joint ventures with
    Vietnamese partners with up to 50 percent U.S. equity
    participation.  After five years, 100 percent U.S.-
    invested companies may be established.

    Companies with U.S.-invested capital cannot provide
    insurance for motor vehicle third party liability,
    insurance in construction and installation, insurance for
    oil and gas projects, or insurance for projects and
    construction of high danger to public security and
    environment.   Three years after entry-into-force of the
    BTA, this limitation is eliminated for joint ventures.
    After six years, this limitation is eliminated for
    companies with 100 percent U.S. capital.

    For the first 5 years after entry-into-force of the BTA,
    any company with U.S. capital must reinsure part of the
    accepted liabilities (currently at a minimum rate of
    twenty percent) through the Reinsurance Company of
    Vietnam.

    Banking:  Vietnam has not agreed to provide market access
    or national treatment for the cross-border provision of
    banking services, except for financial information
    services and advisory, intermediation, and other
    auxiliary services.  U.S. banks may establish branches,
    joint ventures with Vietnamese banks, wholly owned U.S.
    financial leasing companies or joint venture financial
    leasing companies with Vietnamese partners.

    For the first three years after entry-into-force of the
    BTA, the only legal form apart from banks and leasing
    companies in which U.S. companies may provide financial
    services is through joint ventures with Vietnamese banks.
    During the first nine years, U.S. equity in joint venture
    banks must be between 30 percent and 49 percent.  After
    nine years, 100 percent equity participation in
    subsidiary banks will be allowed.
    The right of U.S. banks to accept Vietnamese currency
    deposits on the same basis as domestic banks is phased in
    over eight years for business clientele and ten years for
    retail depositors.  After this, U.S. bank branches will
    be entitled to full national treatment.  Vietnam is
    fulfilling this commitment by gradually allowing U.S.
    banks to increase the amount of deposits in Vietnamese
    Dong (i.e. the local currency) relative to the branch's
    legal paid-in capital with the ratio presently at 250
    percent.  (Prior to entry-into-force of the BTA, this
    ratio was 25 percent.)   In addition, financial
    institutions with U.S. equity cannot issue credit cards
    on a national treatment basis until eight years after
    entry-into-force of the BTA.  U.S. banks are now allowed
    to place automatic teller machines outside their office
    on a national treatment basis.

    Vietnam reserved the right to limit, on a national
    treatment basis, equity investment by U.S. banks in
    privatized Vietnamese state-owned banks.

    U.S. bank branches, subsidiaries, or U.S.-Vietnam joint
    ventures must obtain a license to establish a commercial
    presence in Vietnam.  A U.S. parent bank must provide
    minimum capital of $15 million to establish a branch.
    Establishing a U.S.-Vietnam joint venture bank or a U.S.
    bank subsidiary requires minimum capital of $10 million.

    For the first three years after the entry-into-force of
    the Agreement, financial institutions with 100 percent
    U.S. equity ownership may not take an initial mortgage
    interest in land use rights.  After three years, these
    institutions will be allowed to take an initial mortgage
    interest in land-use rights held by foreign-invested
    enterprises, and may use mortgages or land-use rights for
    the purpose of liquidation in case of default.

    Establishing a wholly owned subsidiary of a U.S.
    financial leasing company or a joint venture leasing
    company requires three consecutive profitable years, and
    $5 million in legal capital.

    For the first three years under the BTA, Vietnam is not
    obligated to provide national treatment with respect to
    access to central bank rediscounting, swap, and forward
    facilities.  However, in 2003, the State Bank of Vietnam
    allowed one U.S. bank with branches in Vietnam (and some
    local banks) to provide swap service on a pilot basis.

    Non-banking Financial Services:  The BTA allows 100
    percent U.S. equity in financial leasing and in other
    leasing after 3 years.

    Securities-Related Services:  Vietnam has not agreed to
    provide market access or national treatment for the cross-
    border supply of securities-related services.  Non-bank
    U.S. securities service suppliers may only establish a
    commercial presence in Vietnam in the form of a
    representative office.

    Health-Related Services:  U.S. operators may provide
    service through the establishment of 100 percent U.S.-
    owned operations, joint ventures with Vietnamese partners
    or through business cooperation contracts.  The minimum
    investment capital is $20 million for a hospital, $2
    million for a polyclinic, and $1 million for a specialty
    unit.

    Tourism and Travel-Related Services:  U.S. companies may
    establish a commercial presence to provide hotel and
    restaurant services, in conjunction with investment for
    the construction of a hotel, either in the form of
    business cooperation contracts, joint ventures with
    Vietnamese partners, or companies with 100 percent U.S.
    equity investment.

    There are limitations with respect to travel agencies and
    tour operators.  U.S. companies supplying these services
    may establish a commercial presence only through a joint
    venture with Vietnamese partners and can initially only
    contribute 49 percent of the capital.  Three years after
    entry-into-force of the BTA, 51 percent participation
    will be allowed, and all limitations will be abolished
    after five years.  Tourist guides in joint ventures must
    be Vietnamese citizens.  Service supplying companies with
    U.S.-invested capital may only supply inbound service.
    INVESTMENT BARRIERS
    At present the Government of Vietnam maintains an
    extensive investment licensing process, which is
    characterized by stringent and time consuming
    requirements that are frequently used to protect domestic
    interests, limit competition, and allocate foreign
    investment rights among various countries.  Foreign
    businesses are permitted to remit profits, share revenues
    from joint ventures, incomes from services and technology
    transfers, legally owned capital, and properties in hard
    currency.  Foreigners are also allowed to remit abroad
    royalties and fees paid for the supply of technologies
    and services, principal and interest on loans obtained
    for business operations, and investment capital and other
    money and assets under their legitimate ownership.

    The BTA provides a broad range of benefits to U.S.
    investors in Vietnam that should significantly enhance
    the investment environment for U.S. firms.  Vietnamese
    investment obligations under the BTA include:  providing
    national and most-favored-nation treatment, except where
    explicit exceptions have been made; ensuring treatment of
    expropriation consistent with international standards;
    and guaranteeing access to third-party investor-state
    dispute settlement.   In practice, however, recognition
    and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Vietnam
    currently remains questionable.

     In addition, Vietnam is obligated under the BTA
    gradually to discontinue application of any TRIMS or
    performance requirements inconsistent with the WTO TRIMS
    agreement.  Vietnam is also obligated to refrain from
    imposing requirements to transfer technology as a
    condition for the establishment, expansion, acquisition,
    management, conduct, or operation of an investment.
    Vietnam currently imposes a number of performance
    requirements with respect to the establishment of an
    investment and/or the receipt of a benefit or incentive.
    Vietnam retains restrictions on foreign shareholding in
    Vietnamese companies, although the ratio has been raised
    from twenty to thirty percent.   In March 2003, the
    Government issued Decree 27 amending the Law on Foreign
    Investment, removing trade balancing requirements and
    foreign exchange controls.  In April, the Government
    issued a decision to reduce the foreign exchange
    surrender requirement to zero percent

    Decree 27 also now allows foreign investors to recruit
    Vietnamese workers directly, without having to go through
    labor recruitment agencies.  However, in September,
    Vietnam issued Decree 105, which provides that all
    enterprises operating in Vietnam may only employ foreign
    nationals at the lesser of 1) a maximum rate of 3 percent
    of their total work force or 2) 50 persons.  In response
    to complaints from the foreign business community, the
    Government has stated that it will issue legislation
    clarifying the decree and providing exemptions for
    certain sectors and types of employment.

    In the BTA, Vietnam committed to gradually shift to an
    investment registration regime for most sectors.
    According to Decree 27, the following types of investment
    are no longer subject to investment licensing:
    investment projects that export eighty percent of
    products; investments in "encouraged" or "specially
    encouraged" projects located in industrial zones (with
    some exceptions); and investment in the manufacturing
    sector with a value of up to USD 5 million in investment
    capital.

    ANTICOMPETITIVE PRACTICES

    Vietnam maintains a policy of bias in favor of domestic-
    market oriented industries, particularly those dominated
    by state-owned enterprises.  Although all registered
    firms, regardless of ownership, can engage legally in
    foreign trade, barriers exist that discourage trading by
    non-state enterprises.  For example, stringent regulatory
    requirements demanded by ministries prevent private firms
    from exporting rice or importing fertilizer.  Also,
    monopolies in production result in monopolies in trading,
    as in the case of coal.  The tariff structure also favors
    domestic industries, particularly those dominated by
    state-owned enterprises.  Most lower tariffs are on items
    predominantly used by those enterprises as inputs.

    ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

    To date, e-commerce has not made much progress in
    Vietnam. Obstacles to its development include:  the low
    number of Internet subscribers in-country, obtrusive
    firewalls, limited bandwidth and other problems with the
    Internet infrastructure, limitations of the financial
    system (including the low number of credit cards in use),
    and regulatory barriers.  However, recent developments to
    facilitate the growth of e-commerce in Vietnam include
    legal acceptance of e-signatures and implementation of
    the electronic inter-bank transaction system.  The number
    of online transactions has been increasing. The Ministry
    of Trade has the lead in drafting a new ordinance on E-
    Commerce, which is expected to come into effect in
    September 2004.

    The Government of Vietnam continues to attempt to keep
    close control on all websites established in Vietnam.  In
    October 2002, the Government of Vietnam passed a new
    regulation on the establishment and modification of
    websites.  The regulation requires domestic and foreign
    agencies, organizations, and enterprises to obtain a
    license from the Ministry of Culture and Information
    before establishing new websites.  The Ministry then has
    30 days to make a decision on granting the license.  The
    regulation also requires diplomatic and other foreign
    entities to obtain written approval from the Ministry of
    Foreign Affairs (MFA) before requesting a license from
    MOCI.  Vietnam may also require organizations to request
    permission from MOCI before making changes to the content
    of their existing websites based on licensing
    requirements in the regulation.

    OTHER BARRIERS

    Corruption

    U.S., other foreign, and domestic firms have identified
    corruption in Vietnam in all phases of business
    operations as an obstacle to their business activities.
    Vietnam scored a 2.6 out of a possible high score of 10
    points on Transparency International's Corruption
    Perception Index.  In large part due to a lack of
    transparency, accountability, and media freedom,
    widespread official corruption and inefficient
    bureaucracy remain serious problems that even the
    Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government of Vietnam
    admit they must address on an urgent basis.  Competition
    among government agencies for control over business and
    investments has created a confusion of overlapping
    jurisdictions and bureaucratic procedures and approvals,
    which in turn create opportunities for corruption.  Low
    pay for government officials and woefully inadequate
    systems for holding officials accountable for their
    actions compound the problems.  Implementation of the
    Government of Vietnam's public administration reform
    program, developed with the assistance of the World Bank,
    as well as Vietnam's obligations under the transparency
    provisions of the BTA promise some improvement in the
    situation in the medium to long term, but it appears
    unlikely there will be much improvement in the near term.

    End text.
    BURGHARDT

`