Trademarks / Certification Marks

Letter from Canada to Viet Nam

4 February, 2016

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

Excellency,
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of this date, which reads as follows:

• “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 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.”

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

Sincerely,

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Minister of International Trade
Canada