Speaking at the briefing, Ms. Nguyễn Thảo Hiền, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Market Development, emphasized that Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 is a key activity under the Government-approved Scheme on “Promoting Vietnamese Enterprises’ Direct Participation in Overseas Distribution Networks toward 2030” (Decision No. 1415/QĐ-TTg, dated 14 November 2022). The integrated organization model involving MOIT, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Ho Chi Minh City authorities significantly broadens outreach and offers Vietnamese enterprises enhanced opportunities to connect with international economic and service ecosystems.

According to the Organizing Committee, Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 is expected to welcome more than 300 buyer delegations from 60 countries and territories, thanks to the coordinated engagement of over 60 Viet Nam Trade Offices and branches worldwide. International buyers will have direct access to more than 12,000 products showcased across 500 booths by over 400 Vietnamese enterprises. Exhibits cover key sectors such as agricultural products, food and beverages, apparel, footwear, furniture, household goods, packaging, consumer electronics, and supporting industries.

In addition to product showcases, participating companies will be supported through structured business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions with global retailers and procurement groups via an online registration system. Approximately 3,000 direct B2B meetings are expected, enabling Vietnamese suppliers to establish concrete links with major distributors and sourcing entities worldwide.

The event will also feature a series of specialized conferences and seminars, providing updates on market trends, consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and import standards across various markets. Conversely, foreign buyers and distributors will have opportunities to gain deeper insights into Viet Nam’s manufacturing capabilities, sectoral development orientations, and long-term supply potential.

Ms. Hiền noted that, beyond traditional markets such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, this year’s event is drawing significant attention from emerging regions including the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia. This geographic diversification supports Vietnamese enterprises in reducing market concentration risks while maximizing the benefits of Viet Nam’s extensive network of free trade agreements, particularly in tariff-free or tariff-reduced markets.

Highlighting the role of Viet Nam’s overseas Trade Offices, Ms. Hiền underscored that they serve as the key link connecting Vietnamese businesses with international distribution systems. Trade Offices maintain frequent contact with local buyers and distributors, mobilize international delegations to visit Viet Nam, supply timely and reliable market intelligence, and assist exporters in troubleshooting commercial challenges.

According to Ms. Hiền, entering the supply chains of major global corporations offers Vietnamese enterprises access to stable, far-reaching distribution channels. Large retail groups often operate across multiple countries, meaning that once a product penetrates their systems, its global exposure increases significantly. Numerous support measures under Decision 1415 have enhanced the competitiveness of Vietnamese export firms and expanded the presence of Vietnamese goods worldwide.

Nevertheless, Ms. Hiền also acknowledged that integration into international supply chains presents challenges, particularly in meeting production scale, consistent quality, and stringent technical and safety standards required by foreign markets. These demands call for continuous improvement, investment, and structured planning from Vietnamese producers.

Expressing confidence in Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025, Ms. Hiền affirmed that the strong coordination between central agencies, local authorities, and the business community will ensure that the event remains a flagship platform for strengthening exports, expanding markets, and fostering knowledge exchange. The event is expected to enable Vietnamese enterprises to learn international best practices, build long-term commercial partnerships, and further integrate into global distribution networks.

Viet Huy