BASIC AGREEMENT ON ECONOMIC, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Desiring to promote economic, scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the principles of equality, respect for each other’s independence and notional sovereignty, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and mutual benefit;

Recognizing the benefits to be derived by the two countries from closer economic, scientific and technical cooperation;

Have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE 1
Both Governments agree to promote and expand to the maximum possible economic, scientific and technical cooperation between their two countries in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in their respective countries. Economic, scientific and technical cooperation under the terms of this Agreement should be pursued to encourage and expand:

a)	the sound development of trade,
b)	cooperation in the fields of transport and communications,
c)	cooperation in the development of agriculture and natural resource-based industries,
d)	cooperation in production and marketing,
e)	technical and scientific cooperation and training, and
f)	any other form of cooperation suitable to their economic, scientific and technical needs and capabilities.

ARTICLE 2
To implement this Agreement, both Governments agree to negotiate specific agreements in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

For the purpose of facilitating the implementation of this Agreement, both Governments agree to negotiate directly or through duly empowered entities, Agreements and Protocols on specific fields which may include forms of cooperation subject to the laws, rules and regulations of the respective Governments.

ARTICLE 3
This Agreement shall not affect the implementation of bilateral and multilateral commitments of either Governments.

ARTICLE 4
Both Governments shall consult each other at the request of either of them on all matters concerning the implementation and review of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 5
The provisions of this Agreement shall not limit the rights of either Government to adopt or execute measures for reasons of public health, morals, order or security and for the protection of plants and animals against pests and diseases.

ARTICLE 6
Exchange of technicians and experts between both Governments shall be effected in conformity with the objectives and principles of this Agreement subject to the laws, rules and regulations of the respective Governments.

ARTICLE 7
This Agreement shall come into force on the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification by both Governments. It shall remain in force for a period of one year and shall continue in force thereafter unless terminated by either Government through a three-month prior written notice.

At anytime the Agreement is in force, either Government may propose in writing amendments thereto and to which the other will reply within 120 days upon receipt of such notice.

Done at Manila, this 9th day of January 1978 in two original copies each in the Pilipino, Vietnamese and English languages, all texts being authentic. In the event of there being any difference of meaning between the Pilipino and Vietnamese texts, the English text shall prevail.