The basic and thorough objective of the thesis is to propose solutions to complete the policy on trade development of Vietnam’s mountainous regions by 2025 and orientation towards 2030.
INTRODUCTION 1. Rationale of the thesis The mountainous regions play an important role in socio economic terms as well as safety and defense terms. The Party and Government have deeply care for these regions, with guidelines, policies to develop the economy of these regions efficiently. On the base of trade development of mountainous regions program approved by the Prime Minister, the guideline is “Developing trade of mountainous regions in order to reduce the gap between regions; contribute proactively to socio economic development, increase the people’s income, ensure the safety and defense in the mountainous regions” has contributed to trade development of mountainous regions in recent years. Although the Central and authorities of localities had preferential policies for trade development of mountainous regions, there have been difficulties and inefficiency in trade activities. Trade policies of mountainous regions have had downsides in all stages like formulation, organization, implementation and examination, supervision of trade policies, such as: Firstly, although there have been theoretical and practical issues about trade devlopment polices in area, region, most those policies are for urban areas, key economic regions Mountainous areas with geography, culture, custom, purchasing level, which are all different from other regions and areas, so trade development policies of these areas are not appropriate with characteristics in the process of formualtion and implementaion policies. Secondly, there have been downsides in the process of formualtion and implementaion policies on trade development of mountainous regions, especially in stages of implementation and examination, supervision This can be seen through the process of information supply, management tools, ability and skills, interaction level with companies as well as business store has been low. Trade development of mountainous regions policies have not make use of comparative advantages of mountainous areas. Thirdly, Trade development of mountainous regions policies have not met the demand of business subjects and residents in mountainous areas. Because mountainous areas have weak, inadequate trade infrastructure, craggy mountains, limited investment source, it is not convenient for transportation as well as connecting to politic, economic, trade center of the country; a lack and weakness of communication system, electricty, water Most residents are from ethnic minorities, with a low density level of population, uneven distribution. Living conditions of ethnic minorities have difficulties, with lower living standards comapring to other areas, income per capita is really low, areas with the highest level of poor households in the country. Fourthly, activities of trade development of mountainous regions in general and mountainous provinces in particular have not gained the goal of the State and Trade development Plant in terms of the quantity of business stores, product quality, trade infrastructure. Fifthly, Trade development of mountainous regions policies have not led to the sustainable development. Companies do not really focus on protecting the environment, especially national forest resources generally and regional forest resources, which have been diminishing with low level of cover. The amount of forest losing have been increasing, not decreasing as people burn the forest for cultivation. With reasons above, PhD. Student decides to choose the subject of the doctoral thesis as “Policy on trade development in mountainous regions – Research in some provinces of Northern Vietnam”. The thesis is essential both in theoretical and practical terms. 2. Literature overview The author has generalized domestic and foreign research relating to the thesis based on two contents: (1) works of research on trade policy, regional economic development policy, trade infrastructure development policy, (2) works of research on trade development of mountainous regions policy. On the base of general research, the author has presented theoretical research framework of the content of the policy on trade development of mountainous regions reflecting 6 main policies on trade developement and there is a space in science, which are: Firstly, the definition of trade policy or trade development policy have developed recently, but there has been no complete definition of policy on trade development of mountainous regions Therefore, it is necessary to have a complete definition of policy on trade development of mountainous regions. Secondly, there is no specific identification for the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, research model of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions in terms of the quality of content, management, effects on the efficiency of policy goals and the development of quality factors, the efficiency and value of mountainous regions. Thirdly, research on trade development of mountainous regions policy in terms of quality, efficiency have not been mentioned with specific criteria Fourthly, with policy on trade development of mountainous regions, there have not research and head on evaluation of the process of developing the policy. Factors affecting the policy on trade development of mountainous regions need to be clarified. 3. Mission, objective of the thesis 1. Objective of the thesis The basic and thorough objective of the thesis is to propose solutions to complete the policy on trade development of Vietnam’s mountainous regions by 2025 and orientation towards 2030. 3.2. Mission of the thesis To systemize and clarify the theoretical basis of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions To evaluate and clarify practical basis of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions To study the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam in the connection with the condition of trade development in mountainous regions To propose solutions for completing the policy on trade development in mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam by 2025 and orientation towards 2030. 4. Object and scope of the thesis 4.1. Object of the thesis The object of the thesis is theoretical and practical issues about the policy on trade development in mountainous regions in the State management agencies and local agencies 4.2. Scope of the thesis As for spatial dimension: The thesis focuses on the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam in general and the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of 05 mountainous provinces in particular, which are: Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Son La, Quang Ninh to use the research results for total mountainous of the country. As for time dimension: A research on the policy on trade development in mountainous regions from 2007 till now. As for content: The research is definitions the definition, content, evaluation criteria and factors affecting to the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. To evaluate the real situation, PhD. Student have focused on analyzing 06 basic policies on trade development in mountainous regions, research in mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam, which are: Policy on goods and service development, policy on business development, policy on market development, policy on trade infrastructure development, policy on trade development in boundary areas, policy on development of trade human resource to evaluate the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions from 1986 till now. 5. Research question To achieve the research objectives, the thesis has brought out these research questions: Question 1: What is the definition of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam? Question 2: What is the content of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions? Question 3: What is the real situation of developing trade in mountainous regions and the policy on trade development in mountainous regions in recent years? Question 4: How recent promulgated policies have facilitated and made difficulties for the trade development in mountainous regions and the causes of those advantages and limitations? Question 5: What are necessary viewpoints, orientations and solutions to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientation towards 2030? 6. Research method Qualitative research method and investigation, examination and interview method have been used in the thesis. Qualitative research was used to systemize theoretical basis and the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam. Investigation, examination and interview method was used to evaluate the policy on trade development in mountainous regions based on evaluation criteria. 7. Scientific achievements of thesis Theoretical achievements: The thesis has systemized and developed issues about the policy on trade development in mountainous regions The thesis has clarified the intension of definitions of policies on trade development in mountainous regions, the rule, goal, role and necessity of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, has developed research model, evaluation criteria, evaluated factors affecting to the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. The thesis has analyzed and clarified foreign experiences of China and Thailand on the formulation and implementation policy Experiences of countries are lessons for Vietnam to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions in the coming time. Practical achievements: On the basis of an the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, qualitative research method, investigation, examination and interview method have been used in the thesis to analyze the real situation of 06 basic policies on trade development in mountainous regions, the real situation of policy of the Central The thesis has been implemented in 05 typical mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam to evaluate the policy on trade development in mountainous regions on the base of evaluation criteria built in the theoretical issues of the thesis. The thesis has used primary and secondary data to analyzing and evaluating comprehensively and intensively the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. The thesis has included conclusions and achievements by researching the real situation, breakthrough issues to complete policies on trade development in mountainous regions in the coming time; the effect level of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions on trade development in mountainous regions; the satisfaction of the current policy on trade development in mountainous regions These are important practical issues to propose solutions for completing the policy. On the base of theoretical and practical issues, foreign experiences and forecasts of development, development trend of trade development in mountainous regions, the thesis has proposed systematically orientations, opinions, objectives to complete the policy on trade development of mountainous regions by 2025, orientations towards 2030 Therefore, the thesis has presented groups of specific solutions based on 06 basic policies on trade development of mountainous regions to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam. 8. Structure of the thesis Except for the Introduction, Conclusion, the thesis has 3 chapters, which are: Chapter 1: Theoretical basis for the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. Chapter 2: The real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions – Research on the real situation in mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam. Chapter 3: Solutions for the completion of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions by 2025, orientations towards 2030. Chapter 1 THEORETICAL BASIS FOR THE POLICY ON TRADE DEVELOPMENT IN MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS 1.1. The basis of trade development of mountainous regions 1.1.1. Mountainous regions and characteristics of mountainous The thesis has presented typical characteristics of mountainous regions and differences of mountainous regions in terms of geography, resources, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, literacy, science and technology. 1.1.2. Trade of mountainous regions The thesis has presented definitions of trade in academic terms, in narrow meaning, according to Trade Law in 2005. On the base of the definition of trade, PhD Student has presented the definition of trade in mountainous regions: “Trade in mountainous regions is a part of trade activities and aims at making profits in mountainous regions, including of goods purchasing activities, service supply, investment, trade promotion, trade manufacture, auction, bid for goods and service Besides, in mountainous regions with boundaries, trade in mountainous regions includes other activities such as: Official trade, border trade and purchasing activities of the people of the two countries along with the border in order to make profits”. 1.1.3. Trade development of mountainous regions The thesis has presented opinions about development on the base of the definition of trade of mountainous regions, the thesis has presented the definition of trade development of mountainous regions: “Trade development of mountainous regions is a continuous expansion in terms of scale, synchronization and structural improvement, increasing pace and the quality of growth, the total circulation of retail sales and consumption service revenue of mountainous regions It has a reasonable and effective trade structure that ensures stable, continuous and sustainable development, exploits the comparative advantages of trade resources to promote sustainable socio economic development of mountainous regions Regarding to mountainous regions with borders, the trade development does not only aim at developing the exchange and trading of products and goods within the province, between provinces in the country and with foreign countries but it also increases trading activities, exchange of goods of border residents, crossborder import and export activities and trading activities in border markets. " 1.2. The policy on trade development in mountainous regions 1.2.1. The definition of policy on trade development in mountainous regions 1.2.1.1. Policy The thesis has presented definitions of the policy and the approaching methods of definitions of policy in terms of juridical science, classification of the system of economic policies based on different criteria. 1.2.1.2. The trade policy of mountainous regions The thesis has presented the definition of the trade policy by different approaching methods in terms of theory, practice, broad meaning, narrow meaning Therefore, the definition of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions:“ The policy on trade development in mountainous regions is the system of guidelines, principles, regulations, appropriate tools and measures that the State (central and local) selects to regulate trade activities in mountainous regions in a certain period to encourage, affect to trade activities in mountainous regions to achieve the goals and narrow the gap between regions; to contribute positively to socioeconomic development, to raise people's incomes and ensure safety and defense in mountainous areas.” 1.2.1.3. The policy on trade development of mountainous regions The thesis has been based on the definition of trade policy and trade policy in mountainous regions to look out and analyze the policy on trade development. Yet the definition needs to have basic contents: Who is the subject of the policy? Who is the object of the policy? What is the objective of the policy? How does the policy affect to its object to achieve its objectives? From connotations of the policy on trade development of mountainous regions, the thesis has presented the definition “the policy on trade development in mountainous regions is the trade policy including the whole of guidelines, principles, regulations, appropriate tools and measures that the State chooses to support, encourage and promote trade development in mountainous regions to achieve objectives in national socio economic development strategy”. 1.2.2 The necessity and roles of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions 1.2.2.1. The necessity of policy on trade development in mountainous regions The mountainous regions of the country is a huge area, complex geography, difficult transport, sparse population; various potentials, advantages to develop economy However, current socio economic conditions of mountainous regions, comparing to those of the whole country have limitations. Therefore, the thesis has presented four reasons for the need of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam. 1.2.2.2. Roles of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions The policy has presented roles of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, which are: the policy on trade development in mountainous regions is the part of socio economic policy; is one of factors composing regional socio economic strategy affects the circulation of goods in mountainous regions, other regions and for export; contributes to national industrialization and modernization; boosts the shift of economic structure; exploitation potentials and comparative advantage of each area. 1.2.3. Principles and objectives of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions 1.2.3.1. Principles of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions Principles of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions are reviewing the policy on trade development in mountainous regions from different aspects, identifying strengths and weaknesses of that policy for trade development of mountainous regions 1.2.3.2. Objectives of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions Objectives of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions depend on subjects enacting the policy who is the State in the Central or local authority. The State promulgates general policy, the local authority specifies policies to suitable for its locality, area. 1.2.4. Main policies on trade development in mountainous regions The thesis has presented 06 policies on trade development of mountainous regions including: The policy on goods and service development; the policy on trader development; the policy on market development; the policy on trade infrastructure development; the policy on border trade development; the policy on trade human resource The thesis has presented definitions, objectives, content of each policy. 1.2.5. Criteria for evaluating the policy on trade development in mountainous regions Criteria are the norms, signs that serve as the basis for identifying, classifying a phenomenon. Criteria for evaluating the completeness of policies on trade development in mountainous regions are indicators and norms in order to identify and assess the level of improvement of these policies as good or bad, pass or fail. Determining criteria for evaluating the level of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions is very important both in theory and practice to improve the policy system of the State for trade development of mountainous regions in the current time. In the content of the thesis, PhD. Student has presented criteria, including: criteria for appropriateness of policy; Criteria on the validity of the policy; Criteria on the appropracy of the policy; criteria of fairness of the policy; Criteria for transparency and stability 1.3. Factors affecting to the policy on trade development of mountainous regions 1.3.1. External factors The thesis has presented internal factors affecting to the policy on trade development in mountainous regions including: International context; Socio economic condition of mountainous areas; trade mechanism; science and technology development. 1.3.2. Internal factors The thesis has presented internal factors affecting to the policy on trade development in mountainous regions including: The awareness, viewpoints and capacity of policy makers and the implementation; the expenditure of formulating and implementing the policy; factors relating to companies and customers; the cooperation between mountainous provinces 1.4. Facts of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of some countries and learned lessons for Vietnam 1.4.1. Facts of policy on trade development in mountainous regions of countries a) Facts of China While researching on China’s experiences of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, the thesis has presented experiences of the policy on trade infrastructure; sustainable development; goods and service development in the direction of “ Special Economy”; development of human resource; border trade development of China. b) Facts of Thailand The thesis has presented experiences of the policy on trade infrastructure; goods and service development; Thailand market development. 1.4.2. Learned lessons for Vietnam of border gates are located in northern mountainous provinces, with 7 out of 8 are international border gates and 7/19 border gates are applied preferential policies. The real situation of import and export turnover is shown in Table 2.3 Table 2.3: Export and import turnover of trade goods and service (Unit: million USD) 2013 2014 2015 2016 The country 58.453,8 69.208,2 84.717,3 99.056 Mountain regions 3.098,1 3.737,2 3.896,9 4.457,5 Proportion (%) 5,3 5,4 4,6 4,5 Mountainous regions 2.805,8 3.252,8 3.642,8 4.358,5 Proportion (%) 4,8 4,7 4,3 4,4 Areas including 5.436,2 6.021,1 7.116,3 8.518,8 mountainous regions Proportion (%) 9,3 8,7 8,4 8,6 Source: The author analyzes from annual abstracts of statistics in 20132016 2.1.3.3. Real situation of trade infrastructure Besides types of trade infrastructure, market is considered to be an important parts of trade network in every areas, localities, especially mountainous provinces Although more than 60% of commune groups had markets, yet in general in mountainous regions, market network is sparse with small scale, poor facilities. 2.2. Analysis of the real situation of the policy on trade development of mountainous regions in provinces of Northern Vietnam 2.2.1. Real situation of the policy on goods and service development 2.2.1.1. Policy of the Central The thesis has presented the real situation of policies on goods and service development in provinces of Northern Vietnam. Relating the circulation of goods and service supply, Northern provinces have advantages Relating regulations of production and business; relating science and technology support to develop the circulation of goods and service supply for mountainous areas. 2.2.1.2. Policy of localities The thesis has presented the real situation of policies on goods and service development in provinces, namely: Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau in terms of the total retail sales of goods and service, import and export turnover, the circulation of commodities and service that have andvantages. 2.2.1.3. Results of implementing the policy on goods and service development in Northern mountainous provinces Based on the policy on goods and service development of the Central and localities, the thesis has presented the results obtained from the implementation of the policy on major commodities development of Northern mountainous provinces In fact, many products of northern mountainous provinces have been expanded and penetrated more deeply in the domestic and international markets. Northern mountainous provinces with products which are mainly products from cultivation and products from animal husbandry. Products from cultivation are mainly rice, cassava, fruit trees, tea, vegetables; Products from animal husbandry are mainly cattle, poultry, seafood and products processed from cattle and poultry. Product from cultivation has the most important task for the food security of the whole region In 2011 2017 period, total retail sales of goods and services in Northern mountainous provinces increased by VND 68 trillion, from VND 46,866.3 billion in 2011 to VND115,635 , 8 billion in 2017, with an average annual increase of 11,500 billion Total retail sales of goods and services of mountainous provinces in the North have had a relatively stable increase, the 20132014 period has the highest level of increase of nearly VND 14 trillion. The 20152016 period has the lowest, with just over 10 trillion dong In 2011 2017 period, export and service turnover of Northern mountainous provinces increased by 22 million USD. In 2011 2017 period, from 7806, 9 million USD in 2011 to 10002, 68 million USD in 2017, with the unstable increase through years The total export and service turnover of Northern mountainous provinces in general was unstable, with a sharp increase in 2016 and 2017. In 2011 2017 period, the total export and service turnover of Northern mountainous provinces increased by 1300 million USD, from 4450,1 million USD in 2011 to 5761,71 million USD in 2017, with uneven increase in every years, the highest level increase was in 2013 with the total import turnover reached 8889,25 million USD. 2.2.2. Real situation of the policy on trader development 2.2.2.1. Policy of the Central The thesis has presented the real situation of the policy on trader development of the Central such as: Developing retail trade companies, developing wholesale trade companies; developing stores; developing the State trade; The People of Committee of trade; private trade and policies support traders in terms of land, science and technology, finance. 2.2.2.2. Policy of localities The thesis has presented the real situation of the policy on trader development in Northern mountainous regions such as: Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh and pointed out clearly objectives of trader development in each policy of each locality. 2.2.2.3. Results of implementing the policy on traders development in Northern mountainous provinces From the implementation of the policy on traders development of the Central and localities, the thesis has presented the results of trader development in northern mountainous provinces. The secondary data and the research results of primary data show that the number of traders has doubled in northern mountainous provinces in 20112017 period and has steadily increased over the years The current policy has shown the idea of encouraging traders from all economic sectors to participate in trade activities, contributing to the process of developing the economy of mountainous regions. Besides advances such as the number of traders, the scale of operations has developed. However, the overview of traders in mountainous regions as they are not yet strong and has not had a positive and clear impact on the expansion of domestic and international goods exchange, thus contributing to the economic restructure, development of production, improvement of living standards of the people in mountainous regions. 2.2.3. Real situation of the policy on market development 2.2.3.1. Policy of the Central The policy has presented the real situation of the policy on market development of the Central , with specific objectives such as: to complete mechanism appropriate with market economy mechanism in line with republic society; to develop mountainous market more and more broad, to proactively join in fast development of domestic and foreign markets; to develop the diversity of market support activities; to build information supply system, to forecast the market for companies; to develop trade promotion activities in line with aimed market development, key market and market for important sectors of goods of mountainous market. 2.2.3.2. Policy of localities The thesis has presented the real situation of the policy on market development in Northern provinces such as: Son La, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh and objectives of each province to develop its market. 2.2.3.3. Results of implementing the policy on market development in Northern mountainous provinces The thesis has presented the results of the policy on market development of the Central and localities, as this policy has increased the volume of goods, the supply for the market, some types of goods have strengths that increase rapidly, prices of industrial crops accounts for 36.99% and fruit trees accounts for 26.26%. The market of mountainous regions has changed fundamentally, moving from the close, separated state to the state of free for circulation in accordance with the law; transferring the purchase and sale of goods from the mechanism of subsidy, heavy calculation "allocation, delivery" to buy and sell under the market mechanism. Trade promotion activities have been effective, the number of seminars together with trade fairs has been increasing. Trade promotion activities has attracted companies and organizations of all domestic and foreign economic sectors to participate 2.2.4. The real situation of the policy on trade infrastructure development 2.2.4.1. Policy of the Central The thesis has presented the real situation of policies on trade infrastrucutre development of the Central with objectives to encourage investment and the policy on supporting capital from the State Budget. Besides, the State has had the policy on calling for investment capital from social sources to develop trade infrastructure in mountainous regions. 2.2.4.2. Policy of localities The thesis has presented the real situation of policies in Northern provinces such as: Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh on trade infrastructure development with objectives to develop retail and wholesale infrastructure, types of stores, goods warehouses that are appropriate with conditions of every localities. 2.2.4.3. Results of implementing the policy on trade infrastructure development in Northern mountainous provinces Based on the policy on trade infrastructure development of the Central and localities in Northern mountainous provinces, the thesis has presented the results obtained from the policy on trade infrastructure development in mountainous regions From the secondary data and the research results of primary data shows that the number of upgraded markets and new markets have increased, trade centers and supermarkets have developed but not much, the scale is small, professionalism, efficiency is not high, are not attracted the social resources to invest in developing trade infrastructure. Therefore, it can be seen that the Central and localities have policies to encourage and attract investment in trade infrastructure but there is still limitations 2.2.5. The real situation of the policy on the border trade development 2.2.5.1. Policy of the Central The thesis has presented the real situation of the policy on the border trade development with main objectives in terms of: opening and managing border checkpoint, border trade goods; business objects; main preferential policies; the quality of export and import goods; foreign currency management and payment in border trade 2.2.5.2. Policy of localities The thesis has presented the real situation of the policy on the border trade development in Northern provinces such as: Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Quang Ninh with specific objectives, which are: to promote to build border economic areas; to focus on build border markets, markets in border economic areas; to allocate warehouses, service for goods import and export, entertainment and to apply tax suspension mechanism. 2.2.5.3. Results of implementing the policy on the development of border trade in Northern mountainous provinces From the the policy on the development of border trade of the Central and localities, the thesis has presented achieved results of border trade between Vietnam China accounts for averagely about 38% in the total trade turnover of Vietnam China. The border of Vietnam and Lao has the total trade turnover at border checkpoints in 20112016 period reached over 17,8 billion USD with the pace of 12,6% per year. Therefore, the thesis has analyzed, evaluated border trade in recent years, as it basically has maintained the average growth rate. This is such a “leverage” to promote socio economic development, safety and defense, plays an important role in attracting investment in mountainous, border areas. However, the management of border trade activities has had limitations that has not been equivalent to the potentials. 2.2.6. The real situation of the policy on the development of trade human resource 2.2.6.1. Policy of the Central The thesis has presented the real situation of the policy on the development of trade human resource of the Central with main objectives such as: Focusing on developing and improving the quality, the efficiency of education and training to improve the quality of trade human resource of localities. Annually, the budget will be allocated to ensure the upgrading of technical facilities and training capacity for universities such as Tay Bac University, Thai Nguyen University, Hung Vuong University (Phu Tho) and colleges and vocational training localities in mountainous regions, renovating the training structure according to market demand; prioritizing the training of onthespot cadres, ethnic minority cadres of localities, to implement a policy of attracting talents and highlevel technical workers in the trade industry to work in mountainous provinces in the long run and at the same time speeding up the training of onthespot trade human resources in line with the pace of trade development of the mountainous regions 2.2.6.2. Loal policy The thesis has performed the real situation of the policy on the development of trade human resource in Northern provinces such as: Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Quang Ninh with specific objectives which are: attracting and facilitating trade companies and trained workers in the regional areas; encouraging the development and the diversity of vocational trainings, expanding vocational training by: recruitment, training and use effectively trade management officers of the State, supporting proactively trade companies in terms of training for the development of trade human resource. 2.2.6.3 Results of implementing the policy on border trade development in Northern mountainous provinces From the real situation of policies of the central and local levels on trade human resource development, the thesis has presented results obtained from the development of trade human resources including trade human resources for Northern mountainous provinces, which have developed, the education, vocational training, network of training localities have increased rapidly. In the school year 2016 2017, the number of high school graduated students in all provinces was high, with the rate of over 95%; the number of students enrolled fulltime program of nationwide universities and colleges has increased by an average of 25% per year. Vocational training for workers has been concerned and has developed. The rate of trained labor in 2017 of the whole region was 32.49% (reaching 25 30% of the target in the Resolution 37NQ/TW), of which 25% was workers learned at vocational training, increasing by 12% compared to 2015. The number and income of labor in trade companies have increased over the years. Therefore, the policy on the development of trade human resources of the central and local has initially been effective 2.3. Evaluation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions based on policy criteria 2.3.1. Appropriacy of the policy Based on the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions and secondary data and the research results of primary data, the thesis has evaluated the majority of current policies on trade development in mountainous regions are relatively appropriate. However, some policies have not fully exploited the advantages of the mountainous areas 2.3.2. Validity of the policy The thesis has evaluated the effectiveness of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. In fact, most of the policies have high effectiveness and many policies on trade development in mountainous regions have been implemented, many policies have been developed and contributed to initial trade promotion in mountainous regions though the pace was slow, with little impact on implementation 2.3.3. Efficiency of the policy On the base of practical policies of the Central and provinces, results of secondary data research, the efficiency level of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions has been evaluated as not high, and policy objectives have not been completed. 2.3.4. Fairness of the policy On the base of secondary data and results of secondary data research about the fairness of the policy, the thesis has evaluated the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, then there have been different priorities for different subjects, especially trade companies of the State, big trade companies Small companies and households have had difficulties while approaching and applying the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. 2.3.5. Transparency and stability of the policy The thesis has presented foundation, analysis and evaluation of the policy and the declaration of objectives of policies in documents that are wrong and intransparent, unstable in terms of applying policies. The State authorities have had limitations in declaring the process of promulgation and implementation policies among the State, companies and consumers or individuals, organizations in mountainous areas, as it was intransparent and unstable. 2.4. Advantages, limitations and causes of limitations 2.4.1. Main advantages The policy on trade development in mountainous regions has promoted diverse trade activities in Northern mountainous regions, modern trade patterns have developed together with traditional trade, which have attracted more economic elements to join in, the living standard of the people of ethnic minorities has been improved, the demand for consumption and service have increased as a foundation for promoting turnover of goods and services in mountainous areas. 2.4.2. Limitations and causes of limitations 2.4.2.1. Limitations The scale of trade in mountainous regions is still small, the growth rate of trade and the competitiveness level of mountainous provinces is still low; trade in mountainous regions have not created a breakthrough for economic development; trend forecasts, forecasts of worldwide and domestic conditions have not been true. Thinking of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions has not been attached to the strategic vision of socio economic development of the area, a lack of regional planning; the policy on trade development in mountainous regions has not been designed in combination with other policies so it has been dispersed and not effective; the policy on trade development in mountainous regions has not exploited well the opportunities and welltackled challenges from integration, heavy border exploitation; no regional products and services, no clear regional trade infrastructure; there are no economic management mechanisms and the pattern of regional trade management of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions has not been in line with the vision of socio economic development strategy. 2.4.2.2. Causes of limitations Based on achieved results, the policy on trade development in mountainous regions need a focus of the State; there is a lack of legal regulations; mountainous regions are poor regions with the small scale of economy, GDP per capita is still low; the efficiency level of economic activities is not high; the inability to selfbalance state budget revenues and expenditures); The economic potential is still limited, the level of economic development, labor productivity, quality and efficiency of production and business, material facilities are backward; The capacity for planning and organizing trade policy implementation in mountainous regions has not changed significantly Chapter 3 SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE POLICY ON TRADE DEVELOPMENT IN MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS BY 2025, ORIENTATION TOWARDS 2030 3.1 International and domestic context affecting the completion of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam 3.1.1 Advantages The thesis has presented advantages of international and domestic context affecting the completion of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam such as: the growth rate of economy has been higher than previous ones; the stability of politics; progresses in the socio economic development of mountainous region 3.1.2 Difficulties The thesis has presented advantages of international and domestic context affecting the policy on trade development in mountainous regions such as: difficulties, challenges while joining in FTA; the low starting point of mountainous regions; the weakness and deficiency of trade infrastructure in mountainous regions; the average quality of human resources; the qualification skills of managers have not met the demand of new context 3.2 Opinions, objective and orientation to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientation towards 2030 3.2.1. Forecasts of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientation towards 2030 The thesis has presented forecasts of the speed of growth of goods and service in mountainous areas; the development in terms of quality and quantity of traders; The higher level of competitions in mountainous trade market, supply and demand activities, market regulation will be better and more modern; the structure of trade infrastructure will be more modern and civilized, quality business patterns such as trade centers, supermarkets and self help stores, fairs exhibitions, goods transaction centers have developed. 3.2.2 Opinion on completing the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientation towards 2030 The policy on trade development in mountainous regions must attach closely to opinions, guidelines, policies of the Party on socio economic development in mountainous regions; to the Master plan of socio economic development of the Northern midland and mountainous areas; to potential conditions of mountainous areas and the trend, agreements of integration which are united to the national trade policy and shows the typical characteristics of mountainous regions. 3.2.3 Objectives of completing the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientation towards 2030 3.2.3.1. General objective The policy on trade development in mountainous regions aims at developing trade in mountainous regions more modern, decreasing the gap between regions; contributing to socio economic development, increasing the income of the people, ensuring safety and defense in mountainous regions. 3.2.3.2. Specific objective To reach the annual growth rate of value of total retail goods and service in mountainous regions by 2025 as 1012 %. To develop products, goods with brands as specialty, potential and strength of the mountainous regions to be sold in markets, supermarkets, trade centers in the country and for export. To develop human resources of trade management in the area then to ensure 100% trade managers are trained for skills, profession to develop trade in mountainous regions The number of quality traders, companies from all elements of economy joining in trade activities in mountainous regions increases from 810% by 2025. 3.2.4 Orientation to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientations toward 2030 The thesis has presented the orientation to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions with the focus on some policies, which are: orientation to complete the policy on goods and service of industries like: agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, goods for consumption; orientation to develop traders and retailers, wholesale companies; orientation to urban market, rural market, orientation to complete the policy on border trade development. 3.3. Basic solutions for complete the main policies on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam by 2025, orientations toward 2030 3.3.1. General solutions As for the Central: On the basis of the master plan for socioeconomic development of each region (the northern midland and mountainous areas, the Central Highlands, the North Central and the South West), the land use planning, development planning needs to have a plan to develop a master plan of trade development in mountainous regions in 2020 2025 period, orientation towards 2030. It is also needed to check and eliminate overlapping policies that are inconsistent with international commitments. At the same time, propaganda and dissemination to companies in order to have a comprehensive awareness on the opportunities and challenges of international integration As for the locality: On the basis of the planning of wholesale and retail network; the planning of developing exhibitions; trade promotion centers; warehouses; bonded warehouses of mountainous regions approved by the State and urgently examine, evaluate, amend and supplement for the suitability for current conditions. 3.3.2. Specific solutions 3.3.2.1. Solutions for completing the policy on goods and service development The thesis has included solutions, which are: to develop the support policy on the market information and trade promotion, geographical direction of agricultural products having strengths, to increase the efficiency of forecasts for the supply and demand, the price of goods and service, to improve management capacity of goods flow as well as the demand of companies and producers, especially farmers in terms of orienting production; to promote the application of science and technology, especially biotechnology to the process of goods flow; the strong shift of goods structure in association with bringing into full play the advantages and strengths of each locality and the consumption market; to adopt policies to support companies in developing circulation of new products at levels equivalent to the annual State budget allocations for scientific research; to strengthen the cooperation between mountainous provinces and domestic and foreign scientific research institutions 3.3.2.2. Solutions for completing the policy on trader development It is necessary to review, amend and supply policies to encourage, attract and facilitate traders to join in business activities in mountainous areas; to develop mechanism, policy on encouraging, attracting traders in plains to join in trade activities in mountainous regions such as business space, business location to create favorable conditions for traders to build up trade centers, warehouses, preservation and preliminary processing and processing products; to focus on boosting the production development so as to shift the economic structure of the mountainous regions towards commodity production; to develop industries, trade and services for production activities in mountainous areas, to create conditions for expanding the market capacity with increasingly diversified demands; To shift the structure of labor from upland agriculture to nonagricultural ones, to create on spot jobs, to increase incomes and purchase level of the people That is the premise and the material basis for the development of traders. 3.3.2.3. Solutions for completing the policy on market development It is necessary to formulate and re structure industries, producing fields to have areas specialized in forest, agricultural goods production in large scale for market supply and meeting the demand for on spot production and consumption as well as supplying for domestic market and producing activities; to reorganize the system of the State trade companies in provinces in the direction that the State trade companies play the key role in controlling the market for a number of important commodities and materials such as petrol, fertilizer, cement, steel, chemicals; to make good links between producers and traders in the consumption of agricultural products and supplies of production; to adjust, rearrange and upgrade traditional trade networks suitable for the population's consumption; to strengthen the economic and trade cooperation between the provinces of mountainous areas. 3.3.2.4. Solutions for completing the policy on trade infrastructure development Referring to trade infrastructure, it is needed to improve the formulation of trade infrastructure development in mountainous regions; to manage source of investment land for trade infrastructure to meet the current demand for the suitability for the increase of investment plans and the expansion of types of future trade infrastructure in terms of scale; to promote the socialization of trade infrastructure development, to contribute to call for and use efficiently sources that are not in the Budget like social source; to encourage credit organizations to join with companies or ensure the credit investment in the system of trade infrastructure in the mountainous regions; to make an item list including trade infrastructure in mountainous regions applied investment preferential policy 3.3.2.5. Solutions for completing the policy on border trade development The thesis has presented solutions for export of goods with advantages of mountainous regions; it is necessary to classify types of border checkpoint for the human, transportation or goods, import export goods to rank the management level among the Government, ministries, industries, and the People Committees of border provinces; it is needed to improve the efficiency of warehouses, yards, processing, packing, forwarding and transportation of border areas; support services to carry out administrative procedures, support the export of goods have strengths; To train and foster the development of the State officers personnel and companies engaged in border trading activities in a professional, quality and effective way. 3.3.2.6 Solutions for completing the policy on trade human resource development The thesis has presented solutions for encouraging, attracting businessmen, managers and trade labor in terms of training and trade activities in mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam The thesis has developed mechanism, encouraged for the development of vocational training and expanded training in appropriate patterns It is necessary to rank and have training plan suitable for the qualification and age of employees in terms of retrain management personnel and employees in markets, supermarkets and trade centers It is needed to focus on profession training so that officer personnel, technical workers, skilled employees that are able to use competently means of technology and technique, especially those in modern trade center. 3.3.2.7. Other solutions The thesis has presented other solutions including: Communication promotion, policy propaganda of the State for businessmen, support for training for improvement of the professional to enhance the awareness and the policy obedience of businessmen in business activities to improve the efficiency of the State management in trade, complete the organizing structure of the authority responsible for trade management at all levels; Increase education and training programs for trade managers of the State; Improving skills, capacity of employees, officers while formulating and implementing the policy on trade development. 3.4. Conditions for the implementation of solutions 3.4.1. As the State and related Ministries The State and related Ministries should continue to complete, develop and regulate the system of synchronous, sustainable, long lasted policies on trade development in mountainous regions which are appropriate with the typical characteristics of mountainous regions The system of policies on trade development in mountainous regions needs to be brought out quickly, timely adequately, which relates to aspects such as the total goods retail and the service revenue, export and import turnover, trade infrastructure in mountainous regions, border trade, and trade in mountainous regions. 3.4.2. As trade companies Trade companies should pay more focus on policies of the State; on training, specialized skills improvement to meet the demand for company development and international economic integration, including: company management training, supply chain management, logistics center management and the training of skilled, professional employees in trade business. CONCLUSION The policy on trade development in general and the policy on trade development in mountainous regions in particular play an important role in socio – economic development in the direction of industrialization, modernization. In the context of the increasing integration, trade has had more and more important position in the national economy. Joining in international trade agreement not only brings significant chances for the trade of Vietnam to develop, integrate into international economy but also requires solutions for emergent problems which are limitations of the national economy. The policy on trade development in mountainous regions is the important factor in the promotion of agricultural and mountainous rural areas structure transfer; the encouragement of developing goods production with the joint of economic elements; the solution for employment, income and the material, spiritual life of the people; ensuring safety and defense, enhancing foreign affairs with neighboring countries in general and mountainous, boundary regions in particular. The thesis has generalized research relating to the policy on trade development in mountainous regions, then identified the research direction of the thesis. Besides, the thesis has systemized theoretical issues about the policy on trade development in mountainous regions and presented six partial policies to develop trade in mountainous regions The thesis has also developed evaluation criteria and factors affecting to the policy on trade development in mountainous regions. Moreover, the thesis has analyzed the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions through typical research in Northern provinces of Vietnam and evaluated the real situation of the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam. To gain the research goal, the thesis has included forecasts for environmental and trade change in mountainous regions in the coming time, proposed systematically orientations, opinions, objectives to complete the policy on trade development in mountainous regions by 2025 and orientation towards 2030 Therefore, specific groups of solutions have been presented based on policies mainly for completing the policy on trade development in mountainous regions of Vietnam. With the above content, the thesis basically has answered research questions and gained the research goal The author hopes to receive contribution opinions of scientists, managers, experts for the better thesis. ... the definition? ?of? ? trade? ? in? ?mountainous? ? regions: ? ?Trade? ?in? ?mountainous? ?regions? ?is a part? ?of? ?trade? ?activities and aims at making profits in mountainous regions, including of goods... different aspects, identifying strengths and weaknesses? ?of? ?that? ?policy? ?for? ?trade? ? development? ?of? ?mountainous? ?regions 1.2.3.2. Objectives? ?of? ?the? ?policy? ?on? ?trade? ?development? ?in? ?mountainous? ?regions? ? Objectives? ?of? ?the? ?policy? ?on? ?trade? ?development? ?in? ?mountainous? ?regions? ?... situation of the policy on trade development in? ? mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam in the connection with the condition? ?of? ?trade? ?development? ?in? ?mountainous? ?regions