Currently, not only do regulatory agencies in EU countries or the United States set labor and environmental regulations and standards for imported goods, but also consumers in these countries This also tilts the choice towards products that meet sustainability standards. However, many Vietnamese businesses do not know, understand and understand these issues and are therefore not prepared or do not have enough resources to implement them. This directly affects the export activities of Vietnamese enterprises to large markets such as the EU or the United States.

Some challenges in implementing environmental protection commitments under EVFTA

Both the EU and Vietnam attach importance and set goals for sustainable development, harmony between economic and social development, and environmental protection. Therefore, the environmental commitments and obligations established in the EVFTA pose requirements requiring the responsibility of the Government, businesses, and all citizens in seriously and effectively implementing commitments and environmental obligations.

For businesses, EVFTA is a new generation Agreement with very high standards. Thus, in addition to meeting requirements and standards for trade in goods and services, Vietnam also needs to comply and meet high environmental requirements and standards. The EU is a group of developed European countries, with very high and strict requirements on standards, quality, and environmental safety for goods imported from abroad. Therefore, for goods and the environment, the EU sets strict regulations on relevant technical regulations and standards.

For example, a product must be labeled with a CE mark (a mandatory mark for goods (according to regulations) and is considered a trade passport into the EU market) to be considered to meet safety and security regulations. environment, circulated on the EU market.

Recently, the EU has paid more and more attention to factors demonstrating the environmental friendliness of products and the social responsibility of businesses in commercial activities of goods and services.

In the current situation, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult for businesses to immediately meet the requirements for high standards and regulations related to the environment, especially for businesses with high technological achievements. backward production and business technology.

Along with that, many businesses lack information, or do not have accurate and timely information about EU technical standards, requirements and conditions related to the environment, thus affecting their operations. production and business.

Recently, although many businesses have changed their awareness and awareness of environmental protection, due to reasons of development or economic difficulties, the awareness of environmental protection is still limited. mechanism. For management agencies at all levels, difficulties in implementing commitments and obligations related to the environment stem from a number of reasons such as the system of environmental policies and laws that are still in the process of being implemented. continue to be perfected.

Recently, many environmental policies and laws have been developed and promulgated, however, in some areas related to the environment, there is still a lack of specific regulations and overlaps in management. leading to difficulties and inadequacies in the management and implementation of international commitments and obligations. Enforcement and compliance with environmental laws in general are not as effective as expected.

Although there have been many regulations on environmental protection, along with strengthening inspection, examination and sanctioning of violations of environmental laws, there are still many violations of environmental laws being committed. detect. The capacity of staff in handling international trade issues related to the environment does not meet requirements. Financial resources for environmental protection activities are limited. Financial difficulties will lead to difficulties in investing adequately in modern technologies to serve environmental protection management. This will lead to difficulties in meeting and complying with the obligations and high standards committed in the Agreements.

Along with tariff incentives and the gradual elimination of trade barriers, the import of goods, supplies and technology under environmental standards is still lower than international standards in general, especially especially those of developed countries, leading to the risk of Vietnam becoming a place to store and use outdated equipment and production lines and consume poor quality goods. There still exists a situation where localities are applying various preferential measures to attract FDI investment, while not really focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Minh Toan