VZCZCXRO1502
RR RUEHHM
DE RUEHHI #0607 1440555
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 230555Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7880
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 4761
RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 6361

UNCLAS HANOI 000607 
 
SIPDIS 
 
BANGKOK FOR EXBS ADVISOR BILL COMLEY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ETTC KSTC PARM PREL VM
SUBJECT:  EXBS EQUIPMENT HANDOVER TO GVN HIGHLIGHTS EXPORT CONTROL 
COOPERATION 
 
 
¶1.  Summary:  At a May 21 ceremony, the Ambassador presented USD 1.2 
million of EXBS-funded, export control-related equipment to the GVN. 
 In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted our successful 
cooperation in this area and encouraged the GVN to continue 
strengthening its export control regime.  GVN officials stressed 
that improving export control is a top priority for GVN Customs and 
that EXBS-provided equipment and training is helping the GVN to 
achieve this objective.  The handover ceremony received prominent 
national press coverage.  End Summary. 
 
Export Control: an Area of Robust Cooperation 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
¶2.  During the equipment handover ceremony, the Ambassador presented 
Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program-funded equipment 
to Vice Minister of Finance Do Hoang Anh Tuan, General Department of 
Customs Director General Le Manh Hung and MOD Border Guard Command 
Deputy Chief of Staff Colonel Bui Song Nham.  Prior to the ceremony, 
the Ambassador met with VM Tuan and DG Hung to underscore the 
importance of our cooperation in the area of export control as a 
means of countering the spread of WMD.  He recognized the Department 
of Customs' ("Customs") excellent cooperation in implementing EXBS 
Program activities since 2005 and encouraged the GVN to set up a 
strong legal-regulatory framework for strategic items to complement 
its increasing enforcement capacity.  The Ambassador also previewed 
the Department of Energy's Megaports proposal for Vietnam and 
offered Embassy support in following-up DG Hung's upcoming 
TDA-sponsored Customs Modernization orientation visit to the U.S. 
 
Improving Export Control a GVN Priority 
--------------------------------------- 
 
¶3.  VM Tuan noted that customs issues are one of his most pressing 
priorities at the Ministry of Finance.  He stated that "Customs' top 
duty is to tighten controls over imports and exports in order to 
safeguard the Vietnamese population against the threat of weapons of 
mass destruction."  In light of this, the GVN "highly appreciates" 
the EXBS-provided equipment that will enable Customs to perform this 
duty. 
 
¶4.  DG Hung noted that Customs needs to improve its capacity to 
fight terrorism.  He praised the contribution of U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection (USCBP) in providing counterterrorism-related 
training through EXBS-funded programs and hoped for further training 
opportunities in the future. 
 
EXBS Equipment Meets Needs; Improves Implementation 
--------------------------------------------- ------ 
 
¶5.  Following the meeting, the Ambassador, VM Tuan and DG Hung 
joined Colonel Nham and an audience of Customs officials for the 
presentation of a package of EXBS-funded equipment valued at USD 1.2 
million.  The equipment included a mobile x-ray van, two x-ray 
scanners, radiation pagers and GPS devices.  Six off-road vehicles 
will also be delivered to the Border Guard in June.  In his remarks, 
the Ambassador highlighted our excellent cooperation through the 
EXBS Program in the fight against the proliferation of WMD.  He 
encouraged the GVN to work with the U.S. to ensure that its 
strategic trade control system is consistent with international 
standards, including strong national laws, national control lists 
harmonized with international lists and improved enforcement and 
pursuit of violators. 
 
¶6.  DG Hung commented on the effectiveness with which the EXBS 
program has been implemented, noting that many GVN officials 
involved in a range of activities have learned skills to implement 
and enhance border control.  He expressed confidence that the new 
EXBS equipment will bring practical benefits for securing trade in 
the fight against terrorism.  He promised to promptly distribute the 
equipment to local offices for use as soon as possible. 
 
¶7.  VM Tuan also expressed GVN appreciation for the equipment, 
noting that it is a perfect fit with the GVN's objectives and tasks 
in the area of customs.  Noting that improved control of imports and 
exports is one of Customs' top strategic tasks, he said the GVN will 
continue to look to the U.S. for assistance in carrying out this 
task. 
 
Significant Press Coverage 
-------------------------- 
 
¶8.  As the result of a press release issued by the Public Affairs 
Sections at the Embassy and Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the 
ceremony received wide coverage in major national newspapers and 
internet news outlets on the following day. 
 
MICHALAK