On June 7th, the Investment & Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City collaborated with the Department of European - American Markets (Ministry of Industry and Trade) to organize the seminar, which attracted a great deal of attention from businesses and experts in the agricultural and food sectors.

The seminar was part of the "Connecting the International Goods Supply Chain 2024" (Viet Nam International Sourcing 2024) series of events, taking place from June 6th to 8th at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).

At the seminar, experts provided in-depth analysis of changes in demand, consumer tastes, and development trends in the international agricultural and food markets. In addition, practical recommendations were given to help Vietnamese businesses enhance their competitiveness and participate more deeply in the global value chain.

Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang emphasized that despite facing many difficulties, Vietnam's agricultural exports in 2023 still achieved impressive results, with the export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products reaching over 53 billion USD. The Deputy Minister also pointed out that Vietnam needs to shift from exporting raw agricultural products to deep processing to increase added value and competitiveness. At the same time, businesses need to proactively adapt to quality standards, regulations on origin of goods, and sustainable development trends in the international market.

The seminar created opportunities for exchange and sharing of experiences between Vietnamese businesses and foreign importers and buyers, opening up opportunities for cooperation and bringing Vietnamese agricultural products and food deeper into the international distribution system.

With the participation of representatives from the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the Department of Asian - American Trade, Vietnamese trade counselors, and representatives from large distribution groups such as Central Retail and Lulu..., the seminar provided a multi-faceted view of the market, opportunities, challenges, and solutions for Vietnamese agricultural businesses.

Thuy Linh