VOV.VN -Seeking solutions to support and create optimal conditions for businesses to export goods and services to the ASEAN market were highlighted at a conference held in Hanoi on September 23.

(Photo: Bnews.vn) 

In his remarks at the conference, Nguyen Vu Kien, head of the International Relations Department under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) descried ASEAN as a vast market that has been opened to all member states.

 To ensure transparency and equality for exporters and avoid conflicts, it is essential to build a mechanism to support exporters in dealing with problems facing them during the import-export process, he said, adding that the mechanism will help improve the operational efficiency of businesses and trade relations among ASEAN member states and harmonize the business environment in the region as a whole.

 Regarding an ASEAN Portal funded by the European Union through ARISE Plus, Paul Mandl, head of the project, said that the ASSIST portal (assist.asean.org) offers information on legal regulations, criteria and measures to make it easier for the process of exporting goods and services to the ASEAN market.

 It also helps exporters interact directly with authorities of ASEAN members and ask for consultations.

 Paoplo R. Vergano, an expert from the ARISE Plus, said that the ASSIST will help businesses deal with issues relating to tariff and non-tariff measures as well as investment in some fields, but it does not involve in the settlement of disputes between employees and employers or complaints related to discrimination or cases settled by countries, as well as matters irrelevant to trade, service and investment in ASEAN.

 According to Nguyen Tuong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, with the support of the ASSIST, Vietnamese businesses are able to avoid problems pertaining to import-export activities at border gates and customs agencies.