The information was highlighted by Ms. Nguyễn Thảo Hiền, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Market Department (MOIT), at a media briefing on the Viet Nam International Sourcing & Export Forum 2025, held in conjunction with the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025) on the morning of April 11 in Hanoi.

Market diversification as Vietnam’s long-term strategy

Ms. Hiền noted that global economic volatility in recent years has posed unprecedented challenges to supply chains, consumption dynamics and international commerce. Against this backdrop, Vietnam has consistently pursued a strategy of diversifying export markets, product categories and distribution channels, enabling the country to maintain and strengthen its position in global trade.

Since 2023, the annual Viet Nam International Sourcing series—jointly organized by MOIT and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee—has become one of the most effective solutions for expanding Vietnam’s export market footprint. Over the past two years, the event has facilitated direct connections for more than 600 Vietnamese enterprises, resulting in over 4,000 business negotiations with global buyers.

Beyond export promotion, the event has supported Vietnamese manufacturers in accessing input suppliers, machinery, equipment, and production technologies, helping reduce costs and improve product quality.

12,000 products, 400 companies, 500 booths across four key sectors

Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 will feature an expanded exhibition area showcasing over 12,000 products from more than 400 Vietnamese enterprises across 500 booths, covering four major industry groups:

• Agricultural products, beverages and processed foods

• Textiles, footwear, furniture and consumer goods

• Packaging and supporting industries

• Electronics, electrical devices and high–value industrial items

A series of specialized seminars will also be held to provide updated insights on market trends, consumer preferences and regulatory changes in key importing economies. This is particularly important as Vietnam’s 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) continue to unlock significant tariff advantages in both traditional and emerging markets.

Focus on new and high-potential markets

A key priority for the 2025 edition is attracting procurement delegations from new and high-growth markets, including the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and South Asia. These regions are experiencing strong demand for agriculture, food, consumer goods and industrial products—areas where Vietnam holds substantial competitive advantages.

Expanding into these markets also opens the door for Vietnamese goods to enter large multinational retail networks. Many global retailers operate extensive distribution systems across continents; securing a place in their supply chains offers immediate access to a much broader consumer base.

Ms. Hiền illustrated this with an example:
“Once Vietnamese shrimp enters the AEON system in Japan, it can be distributed not only in Japan but also in AEON Hong Kong (China), AEON Malaysia and other markets in the same network.”

Integrating trade and tourism to elevate Vietnam’s global presence

A distinctive feature of Viet Nam International Sourcing 2025 is its joint organization with ITE HCMC 2025, Vietnam’s flagship international tourism fair. While Viet Nam International Sourcing connects manufacturers and exporters with global buyers, ITE HCMC promotes Vietnam’s cultural and tourism offerings.

According to MOIT, this integrated approach allows international buyers to participate in factory visits, field trips to raw-material areas and working sessions with local authorities, while also experiencing Vietnam’s cultural heritage and iconic destinations. This synergy enhances Vietnam’s national image and builds stronger confidence among global partners.

Viet Huy