Trademarks / Certification Marks

Letter From Viet Nam to Canada

4 February 2016

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Minister of International Trade
Canada

Dear Minister,

In connection with the signing on this date of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (the “TPP Agreement”), I have the honour to confirm the following understanding reached by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (“Viet Nam”) and the Government of Canada (“Canada”):

• 1. Canada intends to facilitate educational and training activities that can assist producers in Viet Nam seeking trademark, including certification mark, protection in Canada for products that are recognized as geographical indications or protected as certification marks in Viet Nam, such as Buon Ma Thuot (or Buôn Ma Thuột) coffee, and Phu Quoc (or Phú Quốc) fish sauce (or nước mắm).
• 2. Canada and Viet Nam shall consult to determine the appropriate activities under paragraph 1.

I have the honour to propose that this letter and your letter in reply, equally valid in English and French, confirming that your Government shares this understanding will constitute an understanding between our two Governments, which shall enter into force on the date of entry into force of the TPP Agreement as between Canada and Viet Nam.

Yours sincerely,

Vu Huy Hoang
Minister of Industry and Trade
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam