Short-term Technical Assistance

USAID Trade Facilitation Program

SCOPE OF WORK

Workshop on Rules of origin under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

(Supporting HCMC Customs Dept)

Proposed Personnel:           Local Short-term Technical Assistance, RCEP
Period of Performance:       May 2021
Origin/Destination:             HCMC
Travel Dates:                       03rd – 05th May 2021
Activity No.                          3.6.6 Seminar on Border Management Coordination
MEL indicator(s):                 IR3.1-2.

Project Background:

According to the situational assessment conducted by the Program during FY2020 the technical assistance needs of the six targeted localities (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Tri, Da Nang, HCMC and Dong Nai) relates mainly to areas of TFA/FTAs, SI, RM, CBM and the utilization of the NSW. Specific technical assistance requests focused on the mentioned topics presented by the six local authorities and later endorsed by the PMU have been included in the Y3WP (from October 2020 to September 2021).

Activity Description:

In Year 3, the Trade Facilitation Program will support and cooperate with the local customs departments in the 6 selected provinces to implement activities as planned.

In HCMC particularly, local customs would like to organize a training workshop on Rules of origin under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which is scheduled in beginning of May 2021. The training will focus on main features of the Rules of origin, certification and verification of origin under RCEP. In details, trainers/ speakers at the training will facilitate an exchange of opinions by expert(s) directly involved in the negotiation process, and by member(s) of the RCEP Circular drafting team, about matters that Customs/businesses should pay attention to.

The training will take place in HCMC, expected for 70 participants from technical divisions of HCMC Customs Department, leaders from Sub departments and senior technical custom officers in charge of CO, who will be a key trainer to continue another training course for their staff and private sector after the training workshop.

Tentative Training Agenda:

Objectives:

• Updating and improving knowledge on Rules of origin under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership so that Custom officers and Private enterprise can follow and apply the rules of origin to benefit the tariff preference according to the commitments from the Government.
• Updating and improving knowledge on RCEP, the free trade commitments for goods under RCEP, its impact to the import -export of Vietnam at the current time
• Facilitating lesson learn and experience sharing for Customs officers on the issues that Customs/businesses should pay attention to relating to RCEP as well as recommendations for Vietnam.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• To produce materials in the forms of PowerPoint (a must for the presentation), Words/ Excel and others on the following topics
• Recommendations for Custom officers to follow and apply the tariff preference according to the commitments from the Government
• To prepare a mini test at the end of the Seminar to check the knowledge of participants after the training

Qualifications:

Ideally, the Consultant should have:

• Practical experience involving in the negotiation process of RCEP, drafting of the RCEP Circular and legislation documents
• Master's degree or higher in trade policy, international trade, Customs law or administration, economics, business administration, or similar field
• 15 years of experience in policy making and practical working in customs training, particularly TFA, FTA
• Deep understanding and experience of the RCEP and international regulations and application on customs procedures in general
• Good written, oral, and presentation skills in Vietnamese and English (preferable); and
• Ability to travel within Vietnam.

Reporting:

The National Consultant(s) will be required to report to the Program (COP) and Trade Facilitation Coordinators

Applications should be submitted to [email protected]

Deadline for application: COB 16 Apr, 2021

Applications should include:

• Cover letter (no longer than 1 page)
• CVs (see attached template);
• Updated USAID 1420 form (see attached template)
• Cost proposal (See attached template)