The Russian market has opened its doors for Vietnamese goods, Robert Kurilo, chief representative of the Russian Export Centre (REC) in Vietnam, has said.

Coffee is often purchased by Russian tourists as souvenirs
(Photo: congthuong.vn)

In an interview with the Cong Thuong (Industry and Trade) newspaper, he said that numerous Vietnamese products have the chance and the potential to enter Russia, including black garlic, coffee, and green tea, which are often purchased by Russian tourists as souvenirs.

Other goods of potential are paper straws, organic products, and those based on sustainable consumption, he noted.

With better quality, varieties, and packaging, Vietnamese products have significantly improved and now attract more customers.

Products are currently being promoted in Russia via various channels, such as trade promotions arranged by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, relevant agencies and businesses, along with tourism activities.

Russian tourist arrivals to Vietnam are on the rise annually, so the country should capitalise on this to introduce different goods.

A host of Vietnamese products are popular among Russian consumers, such as shrimp, coffee, and dried fruit. There are, however, no official outlets for such goods in Russia, he emphasised, and showrooms should be established.

A showroom was set up by the REC in Ho Chi Minh City three years ago to exhibit food and beverages from Russia and link with Vietnamese consumers, which posted good results, Kurilo said.

Given that 90 percent of tariffs will be cut over the next decade under the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, trade between Vietnam and Europe and Russia in particular is expected to expand at a steady pace.

He warned, however, that Vietnamese products will nonetheless face numerous challenges in competing with those from elsewhere.

Vietnam needs to pay attention to, invest in, and build more major brands to gain a foothold in international markets.

The REC is forging partnerships with business councils to help Vietnamese businesses seek partners and bolster exports to the Russian market, Kurilo said.