Driving force of economic integration
2025 is considered a pivotal year, of special importance in context of Vietnam completing socio-economic development plan goals for 2021-2025 period and preparing to enter a new development cycle with higher demands on the quality of growth.
2025 is also considered a turning point in a cycle of economic integration and foreign market development with total import and export turnover reaching US$930 billion for the first time, bringing Vietnam back into the group of the world's top 15 trading economies. This is result of a long-term strategy, of well-designed integration "highways" operated by a comprehensive policy system.
Looking back at 2021-2025 period, economic integration and foreign market development have been promoted in a proactive, flexible and focused manner. According to report of Foreign Market Development Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2025, in addition to consolidating traditional markets such as the United States, China, South Korea and EU, Ministry of Industry and Trade will also expand access to emerging markets such as South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Hundreds of trade promotion programs have been implemented, focusing on Vietnam's strong sectors such as: agricultural products, food, textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics and telecommunications, science and technology...
Through these trade promotion and business networking programs, many Vietnamese products and goods have entered major global distribution systems for the first time, such as Amazon, Walmart, Carrefour, Leclerc, Monoprix...
According to Department of Foreign Market Development, increasing presence of Vietnamese goods in global retail chain not only expands output but also forces Vietnamese businesses to raise standards in quality, packaging, traceability, and brand storytelling. This represents a shift from "exporting goods" to "exporting value".
Alongside trade promotion, negotiation and signing of cooperation agreements continue to be promoted. Memorandums of understanding establishing a working group to promote trade between Vietnam and Brazil, a letter of intent for digital economic cooperation with Indonesia, and trade and industrial cooperation with Chongqing (China)... have opened up more market space, reduced access costs and increased connectivity for businesses.
Another important highlight in economic integration and development of foreign markets is utilization of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs) such as EVFTA, CPTPP, UKVFTA, and RCEP. Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with other ministries, sectors and functional agencies, has supported businesses on rules of origin, green standards and customs procedures, helping many product groups, from processed agricultural products and green textiles to wood products and electronics, maintain double-digit growth in the EU market. In context of increasingly stringent market standards, this demonstrates improved compliance and adaptability of Vietnamese businesses.
Analyzing dynamics of international economic integration and development of foreign markets in the past period, Mr. Trinh Minh Anh - former Chief of Office of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on International Economic Integration - shared three main pillars: orientation, action and implementation by businesses.
To clarify further, Mr. Trinh Minh Anh emphasized guiding role of the Party, State and Government. Since 1986, the Party and State have oriented integration towards development, emphasizing market opening and negotiations with partner countries. In this context, role of former Ministry of Trade (now Ministry of Industry and Trade) and role of National Committee on International Economic Cooperation (now the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on International Economic Integration), along with other ministries and agencies, have led to numerous negotiations and market opening initiatives.
Thus, combination of the Party and State's policies and practical actions of ministries and agencies, as well as implementation by businesses, has created a comprehensive and holistic picture of integration, strengthening Vietnam's position on the international stage.
Regarding this issue, at seminar "Improving Effectiveness of Economic Integration," Mr. Nguyen Anh Duong, Head of the Department of Comprehensive Research and International Integration, Institute for Policy and Strategy Research, also highly appreciated the effectiveness and positive impact of international economic integration in achieving sustainable growth goals and enhancing Vietnam's position in the international arena.
According to him, Vietnam's efforts in developing foreign markets and international economic integration have positively impacted attracting foreign investment. In 2025, total FDI into Vietnam is expected to reach approximately US$38 billion, the highest level in the past five years. FDI not only supplements resources but also brings technology, management standards, and market networks, creating a ripple effect for domestic businesses.
Promoting a leading role and opening new spaces for exports
Entering 2026, global economic and trade landscape still harbors many unpredictable factors. In this context, the leaders of the Department of Foreign Market Development stated... That, the development of foreign markets and economic integration must play a "leading" role, opening up new growth opportunities and consolidating a solid foundation for Vietnam's exports.
Immediate focus is on maintaining growth momentum in markets accounting for over 70% of export turnover, such as the United States, China, the EU, ASEAN, and Japan... while expanding into the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America – regions with significant potential.
A consistent priority is promoting green exports. Major markets are adopting carbon border adjustment mechanisms, tightening labor standards, and implementing supply chain traceability. Without transitioning to a circular production model, saving energy and reducing emissions, businesses risk being excluded from the "game." The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been strengthening its advisory, training, and support efforts to help businesses adapt to these new requirements.
From a policy perspective, Mr. Trinh Minh Anh believes that building a transparent and predictable institutional framework is a fundamental solution. When the market... With the global situation changing rapidly, the ability to predict and respond to policy changes in a timely manner will determine the safety of businesses.
Simultaneously, a fundamental reform of trade promotion is needed. Trade promotion and business support should no longer be scattered but focused on specific industries and markets; from trade promotion to digital transformation and green transformation... the highest goal is to support businesses in accessing and absorbing the maximum benefits from government policies.
Final and perhaps most important factor is human resources. Integration is not just about signing documents or organizing trade fairs. It is about the capacity of officials, the trade office system, and local businesses in grasping information, managing risks, negotiating, and adapting. Sending officials to local areas to provide hands-on guidance to businesses in the face of market fluctuations is crucial.
In 2026 – the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party – integration efforts need to shift the situation and transform the state. We must shift strongly from "expanding relations" to "improving quality and deepening," from "participation" to "leading and shaping" with a proactive and positive spirit; at the same time, we must constantly adapt proactively, flexibly, and effectively to the rapid and complex developments of the international situation.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn