Need to update import and export strategies in new context
Entering 2026-2030 period, import and export activities face new demands in terms of thinking and approach. Domestic and international economic and trade landscape has undergone many shifts, while growth targets are increasingly high. This requires import and export strategies not only to expand scale or increase turnover but also to be reshaped comprehensively, linked to quality of growth and the self-reliance of economy.
Mr. Phan Duc Hieu, Standing Member of Economic Committee of 15th National Assembly, believes that current requirement is not only to maintain growth momentum of import and export but also to clarify development direction for next term. According to him, these issues are also a focus of the National Assembly's attention when discussing resolutions on socio-economic development and seeking new growth drivers.
A core issue raised is need to review and update import-export strategy. According to Mr. Phan Duc Hieu, fundamental conditions have changed significantly since previous strategies were developed, from international trade environment and supply chain structure to domestic development requirements.
“Context has changed considerably and requirements are different. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly consider developing and issuing an import-export strategy in new context, encompassing both goods and services”, Mr. Phan Duc Hieu emphasized.
According to him, new strategy should not only be an adjustment in terms of time or objectives, but also a change in approach, accurately reflecting the reality and development potential of the economy. Early formulation of an updated strategy will provide a foundation for ministries, sectors, localities and business community to proactively develop plans, while ensuring uniformity in implementation of import and export policies in the coming period.
Besides key export product groups, Mr. Phan Duc Hieu believes that new strategy needs to be built on an open mindset, maximizing all growth potential. Practical experience shows that, in addition to products that have already established their position in international market, there are still many products with export potential if properly organized, supported and connected to the market.
“We shouldn't just focus on a few familiar key products, but should promote all products with export potential, including those not previously clearly defined in the strategy,” Mr. Phan Duc Hieu stated.
According to him, this approach allows for broader mobilization of resources from businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby expanding the scope for export growth.
In context of rapidly developing e-commerce and new business models, product diversification and export channel expansion are becoming increasingly important, helping businesses be more flexible in accessing markets and reducing dependence on a few traditional segments.
Regarding international economic integration, Mr. Phan Duc Hieu stated that Vietnam has signed many free trade agreements (FTAs), but issue lies not only in the number but also in the effectiveness of their exploitation. According to him, crucial question is how far FTAs have actually been utilized, especially by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“Vietnam has 17 free trade agreements but we need to face the reality that not all businesses, especially SMEs, are able to take advantage of these agreements,” Mr. Phan Duc Hieu noted.
If benefits from FTAs are mainly concentrated in a group of large businesses, then policy space remains largely untapped. Therefore, he argued that more flexible models and solutions are needed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate more deeply in the export chain, thereby expanding the beneficiaries of integration and improving the effectiveness of FTA implementation.
Building brands to enhance export value
Another pillar of import-export strategy in new phase is enhancing added value through brand building. According to Mr. Phan Duc Hieu, export growth in quantity is necessary but not sufficient without a foundation of branding and transparent product information.
“Brand building is a key factor in enhancing added value. Consumers need to be provided with complete information about products, from type and quality to origin and production process”, Mr. Phan Duc Hieu emphasized.
According to him, when brands are properly invested in, value retained domestically will be improved, contributing to sustainable enhancement of export efficiency. This is especially important for agricultural products, where Vietnam has an advantage in terms of production volume, but there is still much room for improvement in added value and brand recognition in the international market.
Overall, need to reshape import-export strategy for 2026-2030 period stems not only from external fluctuations but also from the internal development goals of economy. New strategy needs to harmoniously combine goods and services, scale expansion with quality improvement, and deep integration with strengthening domestic capabilities.
Suggestions from a legislative perspective indicate that import-export in coming period is not just about trade volume, but a long-term development strategy that ensures sustainable and inclusive growth in new context.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn