COMPONENT A: PREPARATORY ACTIONS

2.1

HRD Strategy & HRD Policy

1. a.To provide CLMV Central Personnel Agencies the necessary skills and expertise to carry out HRD & HRM Planning & Management for the public sector.
   1. (1)Workshop on HRD Planning & Management;

1. (2)Workshop on HRD Needs Assessment; and

1. (3)Technical assistance on HRD & HRM Planning & Management to help CLMV prepare macro HRD Strategies, Policy Frameworks, Program, Plan.

PRG

2002-2007

2.2

HRD Program and Annual Plan

1. a.Prepare a comprehensive macro HRD needs assessment for the public sector;
2. b.Identify and prepare a comprehensive HRD Program and Plan for the public sector covering the short, medium, and long-term; and
3. c.Identify and prepare a comprehensive sector-specific and agency-specific HRD Plan.
   1. (1)A comprehensive HRD Program for the public sector covering the short, medium, and long-term; and

1. (2)A detailed annual HRD Plan for each priority sector in accordance with the HRD Program.

PRG

2^nd. Quarter 2002[24]

2.3

Sustainable HRD Support Mechanisms/ Institutions

1. a.Identify and set up appropriate institutional mechanisms to manage the HRD initiatives; and
2. b.Identify and set up appropriate legislative and regulatory HRD support mechanisms for sustainable HRD.
   1. (1)Appropriate training institution/s set up by CLMV to cater for HRD training initiatives required under the IAI initiatives;

1. (2)Appropriate support legislations or regulations at central and agency level prepared to support all HRD training initiatives; and

1. (3)Identify and select pool of potential trainers in general management and specific technical areas under focus agencies.

PRG

PLC

PRG

4^th Quarter of 2002

COMPONENT B: GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL AREAS

2.4

Short-term skills Training Program for Ministry of Foreign Affairs & ANS (ASEAN National Secretariat) Officials

1. a.Assist MFA officials dealing with ASEAN affairs to be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to enable them to carry out their ASEAN roles and responsibilities more effectively.
   1. (1)In-country workshop for 25 MFA officials from CLMV on management topics as identified in the CLMV Training Needs Assessment. Trained pool of key officials from MFA in select management topics.

PRG

February-March, 2002 [25]

2.5

Short-Term Skills Training Program for Priority Personnel involved with ASEAN Activities

1. a.Assist CLMV Officials dealing directly with ASEAN Activities to be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to enable them to play a more effective role in ASEAN mechanisms.

1. (1)Workshop series on Management topics for select CLMV officials from focus agencies [26];

1. (2)Workshop series on specific technical areas based on agencies and priority focus areas (in-country training program);

1. (3)Focused technical skills workshops for members of each ASEAN working group/sub-working groups/task forces etc) (training program at working group level);

1. (4)Comprehensive set of training documentation and support training materials for working group members to carry out down-line training; and

1. (5)Training courses on English for ASEAN purposes for key CLMV officials dealing with ASEAN initiatives and mechanism.

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

April – Dec., 2002 [27]

April – Dec., 2002 [28]

June – Dec., 2002 [29]

June – Dec., 2002 [30]

Jan. – June, 2002 [31]

2.6

Longer term capacity-building Training Program for Ministry of Foreign Affairs & ANS Officials

1. a.Create a sustainable pool of appropriate qualified trainers in select management topics to carry out down-line management training on on-going basis.

1. (1)Training of trainers workshop for 5 trainers from each country from CLMV; and

1. (2)Trained pool of trainers in select management topics in each country.

PRG

March-April, 2002 [32]

2.7

Longer-Term Sustainable HRD Program through Training of Trainers

1. a.Create a sustainable pool of appropriate qualified trainers for sustainable and down-line skills transfer program using the cascading principle.

1. (1)Workshop series for Training-of-Trainers workshops on Public Management topics;

1. (2)Workshop series for Training-of-Trainers on relevant sector/agency specific technical topics [33]; and

1. (3)Special Workshop series for Training-of-Trainers on English language.

PRG

April – June, 2002 [34]

2^nd – 3^rd Quarter, 2002 [35]

1^st – 2^nd Quarter, 2002 [36]

COMPONENT C: SUSTAINABLE HRD PROGRAM SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

2.8

Training Institutions Support Program

1. a.Strengthen select training institutions in CLMV for both management and technical areas.
2. (1)Equipping of training institutions (management & technical areas) with appropriate training support equipment, training aids;

1. (2)Setting up of appropriate management and technical resource centre (library, audio-visual, databases, etc);

1. (3)Setting up of appropriate information network system for training purposes.

PRG

2002-2003

2.9

Trainers’ Support Documentation and Materials

1. a.Strengthen the training process for trainers in select institutions through adequate and appropriate support documentation and teaching materials.

1. (1)Preparation and provision of adequate and appropriate training kits, guidebooks, manuals, case studies, and testing & evaluation materials for training in management areas; and

1. (2)Preparation and provision of adequate and appropriate training kits, guidebooks, manuals, case studies, and testing & evaluation materials for training in Technical areas.

PRG

2002-2003

2.10

On-Line Technical Support for CLMV Trainers Pool

1. a.Ensure continuous and virtual technical support for pool of trainers in CLMV for sustaining in-country HRD initiatives.

1. (1)Technical support network for all CLMV trainers in management and specific technical areas; and

1. (2)Web-based electronic repository of relevant training materials for CLMV trainers.

PRG

2002-2003

2.11

Institutional Linkages for HRD Support

1. a.Enhance training in management and technical areas through a select network of training institutions within ASEAN.
   1. (1)ASEAN network of public sector training institutions;

1. (2)ASEAN network of practitioners in select technical areas;

1. (3)Program for echoing and transferring information for the next-in-rank officials in each CLMV to ensure that knowledge learned and experiences gained could be availed of by as many persons as possible in the concerned groups or agencies [37].

PRG

2002-2003

2.12

Research & Development Program

1. a.Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement in select CLMV training institutions for priority focus areas.

1. (1)Special grants for R&D work in/by select CLMV training institutions for priority areas;

1. (2)Intensive research work in select ASEAN priority areas by joint teams of researchers from CLMV and older member countries; and

1. (3)Attachment programs for select CLMV (ASEAN) researchers with ASEAN member country institutions and/or international agencies

PRG

2002 – 2007

2002 – 2007

2002 – 2007

2.13

Sustainable Training Program for Trainers Pool

1. a.Upgrade and enhance the technical knowledge and skills of in-house trainers from CLMV training institutions;
2. b.Improve the training materials and teaching resources at the CLMV training institutions; and
3. c.Upgrade the qualifications of select CLMV Trainers in critical fields.

1. (1)Annual skills upgrading workshops for trainers from CLMV training institutions in management and specific technical areas;

1. (2)Updated training materials (annually or once in three years);

1. (3)Annual fellowship programs for selected trainers from CLMV in priority areas;

1. (4)Annual scholarships for select CLMV trainers in priority areas;

1. (5)Annual research grants for research & Development in HRD and select technical areas;

1. (6)Attachment programs with the ASEAN Secretariat and/or other international bodies; and

1. (7)Exchange programs for CLMV trainers with ASEAN training network member training institutions.

PRG

2002-2007

2.14

Participation of private sector [38]

1. a.Facilitate the participation of private sector in capacity building activities for the public sector.

1. (1)Incentive schemes to promote private sector participation in capacity building activities for the public sector.

PRG/PLC

2002-2003

2.15

ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Technical Assistance Program on Human Resources Development (HRD) for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV)

1. a.To assist the CLMV countries to adjust to the changes brought about by the process of regional economic integration, particularly in the areas of labor market integration and in creating a conducive environment for investment; and
2. b.To address the challenges and priorities spelled out in the ASEAN Labor Ministers’ Vision Statement adopted by the 14^th ALMM in May 2000.

1. (1)Completed feasibility study on:

1. a.identifying the HRD needs of CLMV countries and capacities of other Member Countries to address these needs;

1. b.reviewing on-going regional activities and identification of opportunities for cooperation on labor market information, skills standards, technical and vocational education and employment promotion; and

1. c.identifying specific needs to be addressed and preparations needed for CLMV countries to participate effectively in the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Program.

1. (2)Development of proposals and resource mobilization strategy to address the identified needs, in consultation with the focal points of the ASEAN Labor Ministers and Senior Officials.

PRG

PRG

2002-2003

2.16

Training of Workers in New Skills, particularly in Information and Communication Technology (incorporating relevant aspects of lifelong learning)

1. a.To build capacity in ASEAN, especially in CLMV countries, to design training programs (including continuing education) for new skills in the labor market, particularly those related to information technology.

1. (1)Case studies on policies for planning and implementation of information technology training programs and continuing education;
2. (2)Planners/trainers knowledgeable on information technology who could plan and conduct training courses on information technology and continuing education for skills upgrading;
3. (3) Regional collaboration plan on promoting the development of information technology education; and
4. (4)Identified special needs of CLMV countries to be addressed by the project.

PRG

2002-2003

2002-2003

2002-2003

2002-2003

2.17

Establishment of A Network of Skills Training Institution/

Program on Vocational Training Methodologies

1. a.To share experiences and best practices among ASEAN skills training institutions; and
2. b.To facilitate harmonization of vocational training methodologies toward the objective of mutual recognition of skills and standards.
   1. (1)Webpage and discussion board to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders on Skills Training and Mutual Recognition of Skills;

1. (2)Cases and Best Practices Handbook on Skills Training Toward Mutual Recognition of Skills in ASEAN;

1. (3)Program Design and Training Manual on Vocational Training Methodologies in ASEAN;

1. (4)Identified special needs of CLMV countries to be addressed by the project; and

1. (5)Policy measures to create an enabling environment for private sector to invest in developing vocational training centres for particular sectors of the industry[39].

PRG

PLC

2002

2003

2003

2002-2003

2003

2.18

Enhancing Labor Mobility

Promoting Mutual Recognition of Skills as a Means to Enhance Employability and Regional Mobility

1. a.To enhance employability and labor mobility by assisting ASEAN members to enhance their skills recognition systems; and
2. b.To provide ASEAN members with a body of research and analysis which will enable them to keep their skills recognition systems under review so as to respond to emerging industry needs.
3. (1)Publication on skills recognition systems of ASEAN countries and selected countries;

1. (2)Publication of compilation and analysis of information on major ‘private’ skills recognition system operating within ASEAN countries;

1. (3)Publication of case studies of skills recognition issues in 4 to 6 priority industry sectors;

1. (4)Publication on overview study of labor mobility issues and policy options; and

1. (5)Meeting of Senior Labor Department Officials to redraft paper on policy options and follow-up actions for ASEAN Labor Ministers.

PRG

PLC

2002-2003

2002-2003

2002-2003

2004

2004

2.19

Human Resource Development Planning and Labor Market Monitoring

1. a.To enhance capacity for formulating and implementing a comprehensive and integrated human resources development strategy on a continuous basis in order to adjust to global competition.

1. (1)Completed feasibility study on an ASEAN HRD Planning and Training Institute;

1. (2)Feasibility study on setting up and maintaining databases for an ASEAN Labor Market Information system and social impact assessment taking into account the needs of CLMV;

1. (3)Seminar for developing common ASEAN labor market and human resources indicators to monitor HRD in ASEAN, including core human development indicators for social impact assessment;

1. (4)Publication of regular reports on labor market trends, human development indicators and social assessments, including labour and employment data; and

1. (5)Identified needs of CLMV countries.

PRG

2002-2003

2002-2003

2004

2004

2002-2003

2.20

Strengthening Social Security/Social Protection

Including the Excluded: Towards an Integrated Social Protection/

Social Risks Management System in ASEAN

1. a.To build capacity for establishing national systems of social protection or social risk management that build upon local strengths and existing formal and informal mechanisms; and
2. b.To share lessons learned on establishing mechanisms that relieve the impact of economic shocks and crisis on labor/employment.
3. (1)Handbook of social protection/social risk management systems in the ASEAN countries;

1. (2)Directory of services in social protection/social risk management and institutions in ASEAN handling such services;

1. (3)Identified needs of CLMV countries; and

1. (4)Paper on policy options and follow-up actions for adoption by ASEAN Labor Ministers.

PRG

PLC

2002-2003

2002-2003

2002-2003

2004

2.21

Tripartite Seminar on   the Implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and Its Impacts on ASEAN Labor/Human Resources

1. a.To raise awareness and inform unions, employers and labor ministers on the status of AFTA and its possible impact on industries and labor; and
2. b.To translate into laymen’s terms, the concepts and modalities of a free trading system under AFTA.
3. (1)Availability of seminar curricula/materials for the social partners on the AFTA and its implementation;
4. (2)Recommendations for responses to sector-specific problems and questions on AFTA; and
5. (3)Identified issues specific to the CLMV countries.

PRG

2002-2003

2.22

ASEAN Program on Industrial Relations/

Symposium on Conciliation, Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution in ASEAN

1. a.To assist ASEAN countries in effectively promoting sound industrial relations, industrial harmony, higher productivity and social practice as essential elements of development; and
2. b.To encourage the use of conciliation mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

1. (1)Regional tripartite workshop on Globalization, Trade Unionism, and Labor Management Relations: Problems and Creative Solutions;
2. (2)Forum on Alternative Dispute Resolution in ASEAN;
3. (3)Best Cases handbook on Alternative Dispute Resolution;
4. (4)Resolutions and Recommendations for “next steps” on the dissemination and use of alternative dispute mechanisms in ASEAN; and
5. (5)Identified issues specific to the CLMV countries.

PRG

PLC

PRG

2002-2003

2.23

Overseas Employment Administration for CLMV countries

1. a.To guide countries embarking on an overseas employment program, provide clear directions on the steps to proceed with the program, and how to locate themselves in the present international division of labor.

1. (1)Action plans on strengthening overseas employment administration with specific reference to the needs of CLMV countries;

1. (2)Case studies of policies and programs to prepare overseas contract workers in ASEAN for employment abroad; and

1. (3)Network of Overseas Employment Administration agencies in ASEAN.

PLC

PRG

PRG

2004

2002-2003

2002-2003

2.24

Higher Education Management

Explore the way to develop and enhance the higher education system of CLMV countries.

1. (1)Needs assessment in higher education management in CLMV to be conducted by the ASEAN University Network (AUN);

1. (2)Prioritized work plan for regional cooperation to strengthen higher education management in CLMV countries; and

1. (3)Training programs to enhance administrative skills to manage the development of tertiary education institutions in the CLMV.

PRG

2003 and beyond

3.1

Networking Infrastructure

The term networking is used in preference to telecommunication because it captures both the linkages of individuals, community, organizations, locations and systems and the flow of information, transactions and communications over these links. Networking covers all forms of communication (voice, data and video) for all purposes (business, personal, educational, governmental, entertainments, etc).

1. a.Minimize internet access prices and encourage innovation in pricing schemes by developing a telecommunication regulatory framework that increases regional and international connectivity and supports full and open competition in telecommunication and internet services;

1. b.Development of networking infrastructure and services. There should be a bias towards liberal licensing of network operators and, particularly, service operators; and

1. c.Regulatory support to increase coverage of marginal areas.
2. (1)Telecommunication policy frameworks including licensing, tariff, interconnection, standardization, frequency spectrum management, quality of services and consumer protection[41][High priority];

1. (2)WTO Basic Telecom Agreement / ITA Agreement signed [ High priority];

1. (3)Establishment of an independent regulatory body at the national level. The independent regulator should have powers that cover at least pricing, interconnection, international accounting rates and USO, and a customer focused mandate that clearly separates the regulatory and operational functions [ High priority];

PLC

PLC

PLC

2004

2004

2003-2006

1. (4)Study on existing regulatory frameworks to identify policy impediments that require re-examination [High priority];

1. (5)Policies to increase accessibility of rural areas with concrete implementation measures, including the establishment of the Universal Service Fund and schemes for ISP/ASP business;

1. (6)Coordinated program for increased sub regional, regional and international connectivity to enable interoperability of systems and applications across ASEAN and globally; and

1. (7)National strategic plans for affordable pricing mechanism of internet access services for underserved and other priority groups such as educational institutions and underserved areas. For example with flat local call charge and tiered pricing ISP charges.

PRG / PLC

PLC

PRG

PLC

2003

2004

2006

2004

3.2

Policy and legal Framework

1. a.Create an enabling environment and legal framework for development of ICT in CLMV;

1. (1)National ICT Development Master Plans consistent with the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement [ High priority] [42];

1. (2)Policy measures to update and reinforce Intellectual property definition, protection and compliance, to encourage international and local businesses to develop locally relevant application and content. Key international intellectual property instruments: Protocol to the Berne Convention; the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS); the WIPO Copyright Treaty; and the WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty [High priority];

1. (3)Legislations which include regulations on web contract, digital signatures, encryption security and legal validity of digital information measures conforming to e-ASEAN measures such as Common Reference Framework for Legal Infrastructure, Certification of Interoperability framework, Electronic Payments and Clearance framework etc [ High priority];

PLC

PLC

PLC

2002

2003

2003

1. (4)Legislations to cover regulations and enforcement against cyber crimes, hacking, denial of service and other cyber crimes, without imposing unreasonable burdens on the industry, and unnecessary infringements on users’ privacy rights [ High priority];

1. (5)Policies on e-commerce taxation and legislation issues ensuring neutrality between online and offline transactions, consistency with international standards and across tax jurisdictions to avoid double taxation, minimum compliance cost, transparency, predictability, and simplicity; and compatibility with developing international work by groups such as the OECD [ High priority];

PLC

PLC

2003

2003

1. (6)Comprehensive awareness campaign program on ICT for government officials, legislators, educators and key stakeholders;

1. (7)Policies to establish intra-information sharing and disclosure measures to the public;

1. (8)Measures to develop and support SME participation in ICT development, applications and e-commerce.

PRG

PLC

PLC

2004

2004

2004

1. b.Strengthen institutional capacity for ICT development in CLMV; and

1. (1)Establishment of national ICT body with a cabinet level representation, responsible for the development and implementation of a National ICT Master Plan; and

1. (2)Establishment of IT centres of excellence in CLMV.

PLC

PRG

2003

2004

1. c.Improve connectivity and increase access to facilitate timely, broad, affordable and sustainable development of ICT.

1. (1)Policies and measures to allow multiple technologies to compete for communication networks, services and access terminals, such as VoIP [ High priority] ;

1. (2)Measures to promote awareness on the cost-effectiveness of various technologies for use in diverse situations in developing countries [ High priority];

1. (3)Establishment of public and community ICT access points as key means such as post offices, elementary schools, Internet cafés [43] or community multimedia centres [ High priority];

PLC

PLC

PRG

2003

2003

2003

1. (4)National and / or sub-regional Internet backbones, Internet Exchanges and Content Delivery Networks;

1. (5)A common approach for CLMV, in accordance with national e-Strategies and on the basis of existing best practices, to promote universal access for rural and underserved areas;

1. (6)R&D program on development and adaptation of cost-effective technologies suitable for conditions of CLMV; and

1. (7)High speed national academic network to link national universities with regional universities as appropriate.

PRG

PLC

PRG

PRG

2004

2004

2004

2004

3.3

Capacity building and e-Society

1. a.Strengthen capacity of educational institutions, small business enterprises, ICT workers, policy makers and regulators on ICT related issues.

(1) National master plans for ICT human resource development in the CLMV covering all the key stakeholders as part of the national ICT Strategies   [ High priority] [44];

(2) Incorporation and / or upgrading of curricula for national educational institutions [ High priority];

(3) TOT programs for professional educators of CLMV [ High priority];

(4) Awareness program for government employees, senior policy makers, legislators, and top decision makers/leaders in alignment with ASEAN initiatives in areas of e-government and e-commerce [ High priority];

(5) Incentives for private sectors that conduct community-training programs by offering the time of their skilled resources on a voluntary basis [ High priority];

(6) Plan to mobilize external expert resources for educational and vocational training centres in CLMV [ High priority];

(7) Scholarship program on ICT for CLMV [ High priority];

(8) Incentives and measures to encourage the participation of community associations in capacity building programs;

PLC

PRG

PRG

PRG

PLC

PRG

PRG

PLC

2004

2004

2004

2004

2004

2004

2004

2004

1. (9)Policies to stimulate R&D in the private sector in partnership with universities and public institutions;

1. (10) Networks for training and R&D between ICT industry and ICT educational institutions;

1. (11) Distance-learning education program with ICT as an essential part of the curricula and learning tools;

1. (12) Program for addressing specific capability gaps in the administration; and

1. (13) Specific training program to facilitate development of e-commerce enablers.

PLC

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

2004

2004

2004

2004

2004

3.4

E-Government as catalyst for ICT national development.

1. a.Incorporate and utilize e-Government system to increase the efficiency of government processes as well as increasing the delivery of on-line public services and information.

1. (1)E-Government Strategic Plan with a roadmap for each government agency to ensure alignment of ICT development in the Public Sector for each CLMV country [ High priority];

1. (2)Adoption of a government-wide technology architecture and related infrastructure to ensure security and privacy, interaction between all IT applications, and flexibility and modularity, for CLMV wide [ High priority];

1. (3)Incentives provision for online submission of government documents [ High priority];

1. (4)Intranet development for all government institutions [ High priority];

PLC

PLC

PLC

PRG

2003

2004

2004

2004

1. (5)E-government promotion initiatives by selecting one or two high profile applications such as school registration [ High priority];

1. (6)Establishment of national focal points for sharing of resources, expertise, R&D and best practices to support and participate in the development of an ASEAN Institute for e-Government; and

1. (7)Adoption of e-procurement for efficiency and national development thereby encouraging the private sector to adopt e-commerce in order to deal with the government.

PRG

PRG

PLC

2004

2006

2006

3.5

Local content and Application creation

1. a.Develop strategic plan for targeted skills training and development program in the national educational transformation plan.
2. (1)Policies to encourage the growth of e-government as a means of achieving a critical mass of on-line content and encourage governments to provide widely available Free of Charge (FOC) access to state-owned information and local content through community access points in post-offices, district offices, schools) [ High priority];

1. (2)Measures to accelerate standardization of national character codes for international adoption [ High priority];

1. (3)Program to actively participate in existing content fora in the region [ High priority];

1. (4)Program to encourage development of local web translators in CLMV [ High priority];

1. (5)National content fora to identify needs and create new content development;

1. (6)Policies to encourage networking of bodies, which acquire, adapt and distribute content on a non-commercial basis;

1. (7)Customs procedures enhancement through the use of ICT across the CLMV;

1. (8)Strategic action plan for the support and adoption of Open Source Computing Technologies for skills development across CLMV; and

1. (9)Incentives to encourage development of local content applications.

PLC

PLC

PRG

PRG

PRG

PLC

PRG

PLC

PLC

2004

2004

2004

2003

2004

2004

2004

2004

2004

3.6

Participation in   e-ASEAN pilot projects

1. a.Facilitate the participation of CLMV individually or collectively in selected e-ASEAN pilot projects that can stimulate the development of ICT in CLMV, especially projects that are developed in partnership with private-sector investors.

1. (1)Establishment of Internet Point of Presence in CLMV through implementation of Project “ASEAN Regional Internet Exchange” (ARIX);

1. (2)Establishment of interoperable frameworks for digital signatures and secure messaging in CLMV through implementation of Project “ Certification Authority Forum”;

1. (3)Adopt and facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN e-Farmers project to allow farmers/producers to have access to market information and to the market itself through the e-Farmers e-Hub marketplace; and

1. (4)Measures to encourage CLMV to participate in e-ASEAN school net project

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

2004

2004

2004

2004

4.1

ASEAN Integration System of Preferences for CLMV

1. a.Increase market access for products of CLMV into market of ASEAN-6. This could serve as an engine of growth for manufacturing activities and concurrently the supporting industry development in the CLMV countries [High priority].

1. (1)Launching of the AISP scheme by ASEAN-6 [High priority].

PLC

2002

1. b.Build awareness of the AISP among the private sector.

1. (1)Publications and seminars on the AISP targeted to foreign investors and traders from ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries.

PRG

2004

1. c.Expedite the implementation of the AISP for CLMV [High priority].

1. (1)Training programs on AISP, including the issuance of AISP form [High priority].

PRG

2003

4.2

Trade liberalization

1. a.Expedite the implementation of AFTA for CLMV [High priority].

1. (1)A technical assistance program for CLMV in the issuance of Form D and calculation of ASEAN content [High priority].

PRG

2003

1. b.Build awareness of the benefits of AFTA in CLMV [High priority].

1. (1)Conduct a promotion campaign to illustrate the benefits of AFTA to the private sector of CLMV [High priority].

.

PRG

2003

1. c.Assist CLMV to conduct tariff liberalization.

1. (1)Training on tariff negotiating skills for CLMV; and

1. (2)Conduct study and exchange of experience on how to make up the loss of custom revenue from tariff liberalization.

PRG

2004

4.3

Trade facilitation

4.3.1

Statistics

1. a.Enhance the capacity of CLMV on trade data collection system.

1. (1)Development of a trade statistics collection mechanism and trade database.; and

1. (2)Training programs on trade data collection methods for concerned personnel in CLMV.

PRG

PRG

2004

2004

4.3.2

Promotion

1. a.Enhance CLMV access to marketing networks and market information on products and supply sources [High priority].

1. (1)Capacity building for CLMV to enable them to conduct trade fairs and exhibitions [High priority]; and

1. (2)Awareness program for CLMV on barter trade, bilateral payment arrangements, account trade and counter trade.

PRG

PRG

2003

2004

1. b.Strengthen the capacity of business community and enterprises.

1. (1)Networking of ASEAN-6 and CLMV business groups; and
2. (2)Training of business community in CLMV countries to enhance their supply capacity.

PRG

PRG

2004

2004

1. c.Promoting export capacity for CLMV.

1. (1)Building exhibition centers in CLMV countries; and
2. (2)Equipment provision.

PRG

PRG

2006

2006

4.3.3

Customs

1. a.Strengthen customs valuation and post-clearance audit systems [High priority].

1. (1)Capacity building program for CLMV’s customson the WTO Valuation Agreement and post clearance audit [High priority].

PRG

2003

1. b.Facilitate the process of Customs Reform and Modernization (CRM) in CLMV [High priority].

1. (1)Perfecting the legal and policy system relating to customs operations [High priority];

1. (2)Simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures [High Priority];

1. (3)Restructuring and improving the organization; and

1. (4)Improving the capacity of customs officers [High priority].

PRG

PLC

PLC

PRG

2004

2004

2004

2004

c. Improve customs clearance and increase the level of efficiency and effectiveness[High priority]

1. (1)Improvement and expansion of Green Lane System for CEPT products [High priority];

1. (2)Establishment of risk management and selectivity in cargo processing [High priority]; and

1. (3)Establishment of Pre-entry Classification system [High priority] .

PLC

PRG

2004

2004

2004

d. Improve transparency, appeal mechanisms as well as accessibility to information on custom procedures requirements for CLMV

1. (1)Development of manuals, systems and procedures.

PRG

2004

e. Strengthen customs capacity in automation [High priority]

1. (1)Development of master plans on automating customs administrations and procedures based on internationally-accepted standards (UNEDIFACT) [High priority]; and

1. (2) Implementation of custom automation.

PLC

PRG

2004

2006

4.3.4

Standards

1. a.Strengthen institutional infrastructure on standards andin CLMV to assist their participation in the harmonization program.

1. (1)Developmentnational master plans on standards and conformity assessment and use of accreditation system [High priority];

1. (2)Capacity building program for CLMV on:

-         documentary standards; [High priority];

-         interpretation of international standards for quality management system;

-         quality and environmental management system auditors and / or assessors; laboratory management;

-         laboratory accreditation and assessment; [High Priority

-         measurement standards; and

-         legal metrology [High Priority].

1. (3)Establishment of National Standard, Quality and Metrology support infrastructure.

PLC

PRG

PRG

2004

2004

2008

4.3.5

Legal Framework [45]

1. a)Facilitate the establishment of a market-oriented and market-consistent legal framework.
2. (1)Capacity building on WTO-consistent legal framework as well measures consistent with ASEAN economic cooperation agreements – AFTA, AIA, AFAS, etc.

PRG

2004 and beyond

4.4

Liberalization and promotion of Investment

4.4.1

Liberalization

1. a.Identify and eliminate investment impediments. Further liberalize investment rules and policies in the sectors covered by the AIA Agreement for ASEAN investors [High priority].

1. (1)Studies on investment impediments in CLMV [High priority]; and

1. (2)National policies / measures to eliminate investment impediments [High priority].

PRG

PLC

2003

2003

1. b.Improve transparency in investment policies, procedures and administrative processes.

1. (1)Regular reports and policy dialogues on investment policies, procedures and administrative processes in CLMV.

PRG

Ongoing

4.4.2

Promotion

1. a.Promote investment in CLMV [High priority]

1. (1)Establishment of national investment and business websites including credible content for CLMV as participating countries in the ASEAN Investment Portal [High priority];

1. (2)National strategic action plans on investment promotion [High priority];

1. (3)Joint CLMV investment roadshow in ASEAN;

1. (4)Study on specific measures to attract ASEAN investments, including investment preferences or incentives; and

1. (5)Training program for concerned officials of CLMV in investment promotion.[46]

PLC

PLC

PRG

PRG

2003

2003

2004

2004

2002-2004

4.5

Trade in Services

1. a.Enhance CLMV’s understanding on the provisions of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and their obligations under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) [High priority].

1. (1)Training for senior officials on provisions of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and their obligations under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) [High priority]; and

1. (2)Training for officials overseeing services negotiation process under AFAS (i.e. better understanding of provisions and obligations under AFAS, how to draw up horizontal commitments, schedule specific commitments as well as MFN exemptions) [High priority].

PRG

PRG

Ongoing

Ongoing

1. b.Enhance understanding of the benefits of services liberalization.

1. (1)Studies on the benefits of services liberalization for some of the key sectors in CLMV.

PRG

2002

1. c.Strengthen CLMV’s capacity to implement obligations under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services [High priority].

1. (1)Training to assist CLMV officials to prepare the requisite legal framework to facilitate services liberalization in the key sectors [High priority].

PRG

2002-2007