Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien chairs the conference of trade counselors and heads of trade offices in Asian-African markets in December 2024 in Japan

A year of strenuous efforts by Vietnamese trade offices abroad

In 2024, Vietnam’s trade offices abroad made significant contributions to the overall achievements of the industry and trade sector. Never before have the activities of the trade offices been paid as much attention to and closely directed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s leadership as in 2024.

Besides monthly trade promotion meetings with Vietnam’s trade offices abroad, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien presided over and provided insightful directives at the conferences of trade counselors and heads of trade offices in European, American and Asian-African markets in July 2024 in Italy, in November 2024 in Brazil, and in December 2024 in Japan, respectively.

Following Minister Nguyen Hong Dien’s resolute guidance, the trade offices implemented various measures early in 2024 to boost foreign trade activities, maintain traditional markets, and explore potential niche markets.

Positive outcomes in key markets

Head of Vietnamese Trade Office and Trade Counselor in the US Do Ngoc Hung said the Vietnamese Trade Office in the US has implemented a series of promotional activities, image-building campaigns, and consumer orientation efforts, helping Vietnamese products gradually gain recognition and carve a niche in the US market.

Vietnamese Trade Counselor in the Philippines Phung Van Thanh said his trade office has been proactive in monitoring local policies related to Vietnamese rice exports. By gathering information and promptly reporting policy changes, the trade office has successfully helped maintain the traditional export market for Vietnamese rice. It has also implemented activities to promote Vietnamese goods, particularly rice, in the Philippines.

In France, Vietnamese products have secured a stronger foothold thanks to well-organized trade promotion and market connection efforts. Vietnamese Trade Counselor in France Vu Anh Son shared that his trade office’s efforts have enabled some Vietnamese brands to be available on the shelves of major supermarkets and hypermarkets in France.

The Vietnamese Trade Office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) did a very good job in market connection between Vietnam and the UAE and greatly contributed to the successful signing of the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Trade office operation innovation

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien assessed trade office operations have been revitalized with innovation, demonstrating effectiveness and practicality, contributing to the significant breakthroughs in Vietnam’s import and export activities. The trade offices have also supported domestic businesses in leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) to diversify markets, supply chains, and product categories, thus enhancing Vietnam’s global export reach.

To ensure that Vietnam’s trade offices abroad become dynamic, professional, and effective, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized the need for the offices to prioritize market monitoring and policy research to enable Vietnam to respond to policy changes promptly. This will allow for proactive planning in trade connection, boosting exports, and fostering investment cooperation. This is a top-priority task.

“The goal is not only to connect markets or foster trade, but also to establish investment linkages. Only through material production and investment connections can sustainability be achieved,” said Minister Nguyen Hong Dien. He urged trade offices to work closely with the ministry’s functional departments, intensify research, and regularly provide updated information about foreign markets to support investment promotion and cooperation.

In addition to developing key markets, it is essential to expand other markets with strong growth potential. Priority should be given to leveraging markets with which Vietnam has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) and/or developed mechanisms for economic, trade and investment cooperation.

Vietnam’s trade offices abroad play a crucial role in helping domestic businesses promote trade in and expand export markets./.