Vietnam Governance for Inclusive Growth Program: Q3 FY2017: APR 1 – JUN 30, 2017

The program focuses on improving the legal and regulatory environment, accountability, and the inclusion of groups that have historically not had equality of rights or opportunities improved. It emphasizes building collaborative partnerships and trust to create meaningful and sustainable reform. After nearly four years of implementation, the GIG Program has cultivated strong support with its counterparts. Together, they have supported Vietnam's efforts to improve its legal drafting, including on more than 50 laws and regulations. The program has also implemented almost 50 activities to enhance policy development and worked with more than 60 civil society organizations to support reforms. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, Vietnam's National Assembly adopted five laws, the development of which the GIG Program and its counterparts have supported since 2015. These laws contribute to increased trade and investment, enhanced private sector competitiveness, rule of law and judicial effectiveness, more effective public administration and financial management, improved inclusion of vulnerable groups, and enhanced coordination to combat wildlife trafficking. The GIG Program and its counterparts also collaborated to achieve greater transparency in policy implementation. For example, the Ministry of Justice and the GIG Program finalized a handbook and case studies to improve the knowledge and skills of Vietnamese officials, legal experts, and researchers on the prevention and settlement of investor-state disputes. These activities helped improve the accountability of the public sector and enhance the trust of international investors in Vietnam's implementation of international investment commitments and the management of investor-state dispute settlement. In addition, the GIG Program and its counterparts facilitated private sector participation and competitiveness through various technical assistance activities. These activities included the development of a Domestic Trade Strategy to 2025, with a vision to 2035, assigned by the Prime Minister in Decision 2146/QD-TTg of December 1, 2014. The strategy aims to improve the legal and regulatory environment for domestic market growth. The GIG Program has also supported the development of laws and regulations that promote inclusive growth. For example, the program has worked with the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to assess the economic, social, and environmental impact of labor laws. This effort has helped to improve the legal and regulatory framework in Vietnam and promote inclusive growth. The GIG Program's efforts have been recognized through the adoption of five laws by Vietnam's National Assembly during the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. These laws contribute to increased trade and investment, enhanced private sector competitiveness, rule of law and judicial effectiveness, more effective public administration and financial management, improved inclusion of vulnerable groups, and enhanced coordination to combat wildlife trafficking. The program's achievements demonstrate its commitment to promoting inclusive growth and improving the legal and regulatory environment in Vietnam.