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February 05, 1995

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines, the first meeting of the Joint Commission was held in Manila from 03 to 05 February 1995.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by H.E. Nguyen Manh Cam, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Philippine delegation was led by H.E. Roberto R. Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The lists of the two delegations appear as Annexes A & B.

The meeting was held in plenary and adopted the agenda, which appears as Annex C.

The leaders of both Delegations expressed their optimism that this meeting would further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

I. BILATERAL ISSUES

A. Trade and Investments

(1) The Philippine delegation noted that current trade volumes do not reflect the full potentials of Philippines-Vietnam relations. The Philippine side stressed the need to undertake specific measures to create a more favorable investment and trade environment. These measures include: (a) the lowering of trade barriers; (b) consistency and predictability in the formulation and implementation of policies, rules and regulations; (c) provision and exchange of information vital to trade; (d) more contacts between businessmen from both countries.

(2) The Vietnamese delegation noted that Vietnam-Philippine trade is not proportionate to the potentials as well as the expectations of the two countries. The delegation noted that the following factors restrain increases in the volume of trade: (a) the similarity of products between Vietnam and the Philippines; b) limited exchanges and contacts between business organizations; and (c) lack of adequate transport and communication links.

(3) The Vietnamese delegation said that their government has been streamlining procedures to encourage trade and investments. The delegation proposed the establishment of a Vietnam-Philippines Commercial Council which would link the two countries' Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as Philippine participation in trade fairs, exhibitions and expositions. The Philippine side noted that the Vietnamese proposals could greatly enhance trade exchanges between the two countries.

(4) The Vietnamese delegation expressed its satisfaction that the Philippines had already 11 projects in Vietnam, and hoped that there would be more joint ventures in the near future. The Philippine side stressed that more Philippine companies like San Miguel Corporation, which has expanded its operations, would increase their trade and investment activities in Vietnam if the reform measures indicated earlier would be in place.

(5) Both sides noted that Vietnam's entry into ASEAN, AFTA and WTO could facilitate trade exchanges with the Philippines and the rest of the region. The Philippine delegation expressed full support for Vietnam's entry into these regional and multilateral organizations.

B. Science and Technology

(6) The Vietnamese delegation noted that the Philippines has many good experiences in the scientific and technological fields and is pleased over the cooperation between the two countries in these fields. The delegation recognized Philippine contribution in the TCDC and UNDP-initiated programs which benefitted Vietnam.

(7) The Vietnamese delegation asked the Philippines to consider other forms of cooperation instead of those proposed in the Protocol Implementing the Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Vietnam and Philippines for the years 1995-1996. The Vietnamese delegation proposed the signing of an agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation to facilitate direct contacts between scientists of the two countries.

(8) The Philippine delegation proposed joint activities especially in environmental management and protection, and the promotion of trilateral cooperation in carrying out these activities.

C. Education and Culture

(9) The Vietnamese delegation cited the need for Philippine assistance in education, particularly in English-language training, and proposed the signing of an agreement on cooperation between the two education ministries. The delegation informed the Philippine delegation that there is the possibility that the ASEAN-Japan Fund may be used for this purpose.

(10) The Philippine delegation assured the Vietnamese delegation of Philippine support for Vietnam's educational programs, including the training of officials involved in ASEAN-related activities, and technical officials in the agricultural sector. The Philippine delegation assured the Vietnamese delegation that the Philippines will discuss the possible use of a part of the ASEAN-Japan fund with Japan at the next Philippine-Japan Sub-Ministerial Meeting.

(11) The Philippine delegation informed the meeting that Vietnam had been given special slots in various initiatives of the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO).

(12) The Philippine delegation proposed the exchange of high-level visits between education officials and the integration of Vietnam into ASEAN educational meetings, projects and exchanges. The ASEAN Cultural Fund could be used for this purpose.

D. Tourism Development

(13) The Vietnamese delegation requested the training of its tourism staff by the Department of Tourism. The delegation also proposed exchanges of visits, study tours, and joint promotional activities.

(14) The Philippine delegation emphasized the need to package and promote the Philippines and Vietnam as a single destination. The delegation also proposed the signing of a protocol on specific measures to implement the Tourism Agreement.

E. Agriculture

(15) The Vietnamese delegation proposed some concrete measures for the implementation of the MOU on Agricultural Cooperation such as the production and processing of bananas, coconuts, and vegetable seeds, and investments in poultry and animal husbandry.

(16) The Philippine delegation informed the Vietnamese side that the feasibility study on the establishment of the sugar factory by Victorias had already been completed. The factory operations may start within the year.

(17) The Philippine delegation expressed its desire to send trainees to Vietnam to acquire technology in aquaculture. The Vietnamese delegation would like to send trainees to the Philippines for training in fish breeding, and pearl and seaweed farming.

F. Defense Cooperation

(18) The Philippine delegation noted that the recent visit of Defense Minister Gen. Doan Khue reflected the new level of confidence between the Philippines and Vietnam. The delegation informed the Vietnamese side that Secretary Renato de Villa will visit Vietnam this year.

(19) The Vietnamese delegation proposed cooperation between the two interior ministries including high-level exchanges to cover law enforcement and crime prevention activities.

(20) The Philippine delegation acknowledged the need for exchanges between the interior ministries.

G. Labor and Social Welfare

(21) The Vietnamese delegation pointed out that Vietnam and the Philippines are both labor exporting countries. The delegation stressed the need to promote cooperation and exchange of visits between officials responsible for labor and social welfare.

(22) The Philippine delegation agreed on the usefulness of such cooperation and exchanges. It proposed that Vietnam sign the U.N. Convention for the Protection of Migrant Workers.

H. Shipping

(23) The Vietnamese delegation noted the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation signed in 1992. The Vietnamese delegation hopes that the maritime links will be expanded so as to further increase bilateral trade.

(24) The Philippine delegation indicated that trade volume could be enhanced if the private sector is encouraged to participate in infrastructure development, exchange of shipping missions and cooperation in shipbuilding and ship repair.

I. Asylum Seekers

(25) The Memorandum of Understanding on the Principles and Arrangements concerning the return of Vietnamese Non-Refugees from the Philippines to Vietnam was signed. A copy of the MOU appears as Annex D.

II. REGIONAL ISSUES

A. Relations with other countries

26) The Vietnamese and the Philippine delegations exchanged views on their respective foreign policies and current relations with other countries.

27) The Vietnamese delegation stated that, consistent with its new open policy in foreign relations, Vietnam has normal diplomatic relations with many countries, especially the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and is intent on forging closer relations with its immediate neighbors, namely Cambodia, Laos, China, ASEAN member countries, and Myanmar. Vietnam is presently negotiating border and territorial disputes with its neighbors and at the same time engaging in cooperative activities in trade, investments, tourism, science and technology, education, etc.

28) The Philippine delegation stated that its policy direction is similar to Vietnam's. The Philippines has continued to foster better relations not only with its ASEAN neighbors, but also with the rest of South East Asia. Except for the conflicting claims in the South China Sea, the Philippines has no differences with China, and both countries continue to enjoy good and extensive relations. Philippine relations with the United States have evolved from one based on military alliance to one that is based on economic partnership.

29) The Philippines has also broadened its relations with countries in the Middle East.

30) On the strength of recent positive developments, notably the improvement of the economy, and the peace and order situation, the Philippines has embarked on a massive information campaign to correct the outdated negative perception of other countries regarding the country.

B. South China Sea

31) The Vietnamese and the Philippine delegations reiterated their governments' adherence to the 1992 Manila Declaration on the South China Sea. The two delegations agreed that littoral states should have jurisdiction over their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. While exerting efforts toward long-term solutions, stability and the status quo should be maintained so as not to create complicated situations. The two delegations favored both bilateral and multilateral negotiations among claimant countries in the South China Sea.

32) Both sides expressed support for efforts towards creating an environment that would reduce the chances of conflict, increase confidence among claimant countries, and encourage progress in the workshop-series sponsored by Indonesia.

33) The Vietnamese and the Philippine delegations stressed the importance of scientific research in marine environment to their respective development programs and to the task of further enhancing bilateral relations.

34) The Philippine delegation reiterated its proposal for joint marine scientific research focusing on the protection and preservation of the marine environment and resources. The two countries agreed that their scientists should meet to discuss the proposed joint marine scientific research with a view to its implementation.

C. Vietnam's Entry in ASEAN

35) The Vietnamese delegation expressed appreciation for Philippine support to Vietnam's entry into ASEAN and optimism over its eventual participation in the AFTA in the near future. The Philippine delegation assured the Vietnamese delegation of its continued support to make Vietnam's entry into ASEAN easy, stressing that the latter has much to contribute to ASEAN and the region as a whole.

D. SEA 10

36) The Philippine delegation reaffirmed its commitment to a Southeast Asia community and, with the eventual membership of Vietnam into ASEAN, looked forward to the eventual inclusion of Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar into the fold. The Philippines will actively support activities involving the ten Southeast Asian countries, including a summit to be held in the near future.

37) The Vietnamese delegation expressed its support for the possible convening of a summit among the 10 countries in Southeast Asia, and was gratified that, aside from its forthcoming entry into ASEAN in July 1995, Laos had already obtained Observer status and Cambodia was to follow soon.

E. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

38) The two countries discussed the future direction and expectations of the two countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum as a forum for regional security and stability.

DATE AND VENUE OF SECOND MEETING OF THE JOINT COMMISSION

The Meeting agreed that the second meeting of the Joint Commission would be held in Vietnam in 1996, on a date to be mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

APPRECIATION

The Vietnamese delegation expressed its appreciation to the Government of the Philippines for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for the Meeting.

Manila, 05 February 1995