According to Mr. Ta Hoang Linh, Director of the Department of Foreign Market Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), along with activities connecting buyers with businesses to directly sign orders, in recent times, Ministry of Industry and Trade has been implementing a series of specific orientations and activities to support Vietnamese businesses to improve their competitiveness, promote exports and maximize potential from the FTAs that Vietnam has signed.
Overall orientation of Ministry of Industry and Trade will be to create conditions for businesses to participate more deeply in global supply chain, diversify markets and products and meet strict standards of international markets.
To realize this goal, Mr. Ta Hoang Linh emphasized that Ministry of Industry and Trade will focus on implementing 8 key solutions to improve competitiveness and expand opportunities for Vietnamese businesses.
Firstly, continue to organize large-scale programs, such as Vietnam International Sourcing, Vietnamese Goods Week in key markets such as EU, Japan, the US and potential markets such as the Middle East, Northern Europe and Latin America. These events not only help businesses connect directly with large distributors but also support promotion of Vietnamese brands and products. In addition, promote online trading and cross-border e-commerce activities, through platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba and Shopee Global, to reduce costs and increase market access. Secondly, support to improve competitiveness and green transformation: To meet the strict standards of FTA markets, especially new-generation FTAs such as CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP, we will focus on supporting businesses in upgrading technology, digital transformation and green transformation. Training programs and seminars on standards of origin, technical regulations and sustainable development requirements will be held regularly.
Third, promote information and consultation on FTAs: One of the major limitations of Vietnamese enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises, is the lack of information and understanding of FTA commitments. We will continue to disseminate and provide detailed guidance on regulations on goods origin, tariff preferences and technical standards through the FTAP Portal and both in-person and online seminars. At the same time, coordinate with Vietnamese trade offices abroad to regularly update new policies and regulations from markets, helping enterprises adjust their production and business plans accordingly. In particular, support enterprises in self-certifying origin and using electronic certificates of origin to reduce time and costs. Fourth, diversify markets and products: To reduce dependence on some traditional markets such as the US, EU..., we will focus on expanding to potential markets such as India, Russia, the Middle East and Latin America...Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad will play a bridging role, providing market information, connecting partners, supporting businesses to participate in international fairs. In addition, we encourage businesses to develop high value-added products such as deeply processed foods, green products, high-tech products, to meet diverse needs of markets. Fifth, strengthen trade defense and protect business interests: In context of increasing trade protection and trade defense measures, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will support businesses in responding to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy lawsuits from major markets. We will provide early warning information, legal advice and coordinate with associations and industries to protect legitimate interests of businesses.
Sixth, Ministry of Industry and Trade will promote development of supporting industries to reduce dependence on imported raw materials, thereby increasing added value and competitiveness of exported goods.
Seventh, implementing FTA Index: Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced the FTA Index 2024, a quantitative tool to assess effectiveness of FTA implementation in provinces and cities. In coming time, we will continue to improve and implement the FTA Index annually to identify bottlenecks, thereby proposing specific support solutions for each locality and enterprise. This tool not only helps measure level of FTA utilization but also promotes healthy competition between localities, encourages administrative reform and supports enterprises more effectively.
Eighth, coordination between Ministry of Industry and Trade, localities and industry associations is a key factor to ensure effectiveness of support program. We have established communication channels between Vietnam Trade Offices abroad and associations such as Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, Vietnam Fisheries Association and Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association to understand needs and difficulties of businesses. Localities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, An Giang, Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, etc. also play an important role in coordinating implementation of promotional programs, connecting local businesses, supporting businesses in accessing market information and organizing training seminars.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn