On the afternoon of September 4, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, co-hosted the Export Forum 2025 themed “Connecting Global Supply Chains.”

Speaking at the forum, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade stated that 2024 and the early months of 2025 have been a period of considerable difficulty and challenge for the Vietnamese economy, particularly in the context of rising global trade protectionism—both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Despite this, Vietnam’s import–export activities have maintained strong growth and continue to serve as a crucial driver for the overall economy.

In 2024, Vietnam’s total import–export turnover exceeded USD 786 billion, with exports reaching USD 405 billion (up 14.3%), including 37 items surpassing USD 1 billion and eight items exceeding USD 10 billion.

Statistics show that in the first seven months of the year, Vietnam’s total import–export turnover reached nearly USD 515 billion, up 16.3% year-on-year. Notably, exports to markets with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) recorded strong recovery.

New-generation FTAs such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and UKVFTA—along with numerous bilateral and multilateral FTAs that Vietnam has signed and implemented—have created a vast market network, enabling Vietnamese enterprises and industries to boldly expand into the global market.

“These figures reflect a significant shift in the business model of Vietnamese enterprises—from pure subcontract manufacturing toward becoming product development partners and co-creators with global brands,” the Deputy Minister added.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently implementing the Scheme “Promoting Vietnamese Enterprises’ Direct Participation in Overseas Distribution Networks by 2030.” According to Deputy Minister Phan Thị Thắng, this series of events—including the Export Forum, seminars, dialogues, trade-matching sessions, and the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025—is part of the scheme, aiming to strengthen connections between Vietnamese enterprises and international distributors and importers, thereby supporting deeper participation in global supply chains and adaptation to market fluctuations.

This year’s event saw unprecedented interest, with the participation of more than 450 reputable distribution channels and importers from over 60 countries and territories, together with 400 Vietnamese enterprises. In addition to traditional buyer delegations from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, the event also welcomed a large number of purchasing delegations from emerging potential regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Also at the forum, Mr. Trần Phú Lữ—Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center (ITPC)—emphasized that the forum serves as a platform for direct dialogue between government agencies and stakeholders in export activities, including promotion organizations, associations, the business community, and domestic and international experts. It helps Vietnamese enterprises grasp regulations on product standards and new consumption trends in import markets.

At the same time, the Forum provides a venue to share ideas, best practices, and effective approaches in import–export activities; identify difficulties, challenges, and opportunities for export market development; and propose recommendations and policy solutions to promote sustainable export growth in the evolving global trade landscape.

Mr. Lữ added that after the administrative merger, Ho Chi Minh City now has a natural area more than three times larger—around 6,772 km²—and a population of approximately 14 million. The newly expanded city contributes about 25% of Vietnam’s GDP, over 32% of national budget revenue, 21% of total export value, and 23.5% of total import value.

“Ho Chi Minh City is actively issuing a range of mechanisms and policies to support local enterprises in digital transformation and the application of advanced production technologies aligned with green and circular production models, contributing to enhanced competitiveness and positioning of Vietnamese export goods in international markets,” he stressed.

This year’s Export Forum features two key discussion sessions addressing pressing issues of concern to the business community.

The first session, themed “Diversifying Markets through Exporting Vietnamese Goods into Global Distribution Chains – A Strategic Path in the Green–Digital Era,” focuses on the strategic importance of expanding market access through international retail networks.

The second session, themed “Enhancing Competitiveness in Green and Digital Transformation,” tackles the inevitable requirements facing exporting enterprises. As global standards on ESG compliance, carbon transparency, and digital technologies become increasingly stringent, this session provides a space for discussing solutions and sharing experiences to help Vietnamese companies proactively adapt and avoid being left behind in global competition.

—
Hữu Hưng