The field trip was to examine the readiness of the local authorities and business for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is expected to take effect in 2015. The trip is within the survey in five major cities in the research scope, including  Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, (examined in May 2014), Hai Phong (17 to 19 June 2014), Da Nang (23 to 26 June 2014) and Ha Noi.
While working in Da Nang, the delegation had meetings with representatives of the departments of Planning and Investment, Trade and Industry, Customs, Department and management boards of industrial and manufacturing areas in Da Nang City. The UEB team paid a visit to Da Nang University of Economics and carried out the survey in other local enterprises of export and import activities.
Through the working with Da Nang City Customs Department, the delegation appreciated the efforts of the local authorities in preparing policies for the ASEAN Economic Community integration. However, there are several difficulties in launching these policies in practice. In particular, the e-customs system of Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (VNACCS/VCIS) enables quick customs procedures and single window service customs. Besides, the electronic system in the modernization of administrative procedures is also tested in other sectors such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Agriculture. These administrative procedures are towards single window service and then ASEAN single window mechanism, in accordance with the orientation of the ASEAN Economic Community (ASEAN Single Window).
However, the synchronization of administrative procedures and the new software system is yet not smooth between the inter-agency bodies, causing inconsistency in the work processing, not only between agencies and businesses, but also between two agencies together.

According to Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Da Nang branch, one of the most notable issues in this integration process is the involvement of stakeholders, including the authorities, research institutions, associations and businesses. However, these organizations have not reached the common ground; while the authorities have not yet approached and published new information to local businesses.
Through the field trip and in-depth interviews with leaders of private business and FDI enterprises in Da Nang, the team have an overview of their preparation for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
In general, potential markets of ASEAN are being exploited besides traditional markets like Japan, South Korea, China, and the U.S. Some businesses are actively seeking new partners in the South East Asia to take advantage of the integration such as tariff reduction, free circulation of goods and labor. In addition, they are aware of the competitive challenges while other regional countries invest in Vietnam. Conversely, many businesses pay less concerned about the issue and do not have much information about AEC.

With the materials and information acquired, the survey is significant in the implementation of the project “ASEAN Economic Community in the new international context and the participation of Vietnam”. Moreover, the trip helped the UEB staff improve their practical knowledge through exchanging experiences with local agencies and businesses, that contributes to strengthen the relationship between the university and partners in Da Nang.
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