Title:
Vietnam Initiative for Strengthening Trade (VIST)
Agreement Number:
7474467 P015491001
Agreement Value:
$6,999,977.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 4, 2026 - Mar 31, 2032
Description:
The project aims to foster a more inclusive, rules-based trade system in Vietnam by equipping legal institutions and professionals with the tools to shape and implement fair, transparent, and internationally aligned legal frameworks. The project will support Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) in strengthening its legal capacity to better engage in international trade and investment. The key activities of the project include: i) Building long-term legal capacity, especially in trade law and free trade agreements (FTAs); ii) Training government officials and legal professionals in negotiation and dispute resolution; iii) Supporting legislative drafting related to FTAs (pending further clarification); iv) Helping Vietnam meet international ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, which are increasingly important for global competitiveness; and v) Improving the skills of Vietnamese lawyers and arbitrators to handle disputes involving foreign investors and government contracts.
Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Expected Results:
To achieve its objectives Vietnam must strengthen the capacities of lawyers and relevant government
officials, as well as its legal and institutional frameworks. VIST would address this through two main
project components. The first intermediate outcome aims to increase human resource capacity in Vietnam
to manage trade and investment, including the greater participation of women in this area. The second
intermediate outcome focuses on increasing institutional capacity in Vietnam to support trade and
investment in the Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang IFCs, including strengthened frameworks for dispute
resolution and increased access for women-led enterprises.
Location:
OTTAWA, Ontario, CA
Reference Number:
064-2025-2026-Q4-0140
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
Not-for-profit organization or charity
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Canadian Bar Association
Program:
International Development Assistance program
Program Purpose:
The main purpose on the International Development Assistance Program is to reduce poverty for those living in countries where Global Affairs Canada engages in international development.