Midterm evaluation : USAID/Vietnam trade facilitation program

It was evaluated after three years of implementation. TFP aims to support Vietnam to adopt and implement a risk-based approach to customs, which will facilitate the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The underlying theory of change (TOC) is that by harmonizing and simplifying national policies and procedures, strengthening national-provincial coordination as well as strengthening provincial coordination, and partnerships between customs and the private sector, the program would contribute to expediting cross-border trade and enable Vietnam’s ability to implement WTO TFA commitments. The program targets six provinces: Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City. Evaluation questions covered the progress toward the program’s purpose, the extent to which coordination at central and provincial levels as well as central-provincial level were strengthened, and to identify drivers of progress in a trade facilitation system, assess the program’s gender-responsiveness, and lessons learned. The evaluation used the 5Rs Framework which is part of USAID’s Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation tools to assess Vietnam’s trade facilitation system through the lens of results, roles, relationships, rules, and resources. Evaluation methods consisted of document research, an online survey of 210 program participants, 46 key informant interviews, and three focus group discussions. There is evidence that the program made considerable contributions to harmonized and simplified policies and procedures across the government in specialized inspection (SI) reform, risk management, and customs procedures. It laid a foundation for strengthening national-provincial coordination indicated by an improved compliance at the provincial level. Though the program strengthened stakeholders in some targeted provinces, it found flexible pathways to facilitate provincial implementation. The program enhanced partnerships between customs and the private sector and leveraged private sector knowledge and communication, especially at the national level