FTAs are accelerating production and exports in Dong Nai.

Clothing production for export at Dong Tien Joint Stock Company (located in Amata Industrial Park, Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province). Photo: Huong Giang

According to a report by the Department of Industry and Trade, over the past nearly five years, the province's export turnover has consistently increased by 8.5-18% annually, exceeding both the province's plan and the national average. This achievement is due to the efforts of the local government and businesses, who have flexibly overcome difficulties and promptly adapted to the needs of global consumers to supply suitable products.

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) open up international markets.

To date, Vietnam has signed 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with nearly 60 economies worldwide, accounting for almost 90% of global GDP. Many of these FTAs have seen 65-85% of import and export tariffs reduced to zero immediately after signing. This is a significant advantage for Vietnamese businesses expanding trade with member countries. Specifically, with tariffs reduced immediately and gradually to zero within 3-7 years, Vietnamese goods entering these markets will become more competitive.

For example, the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), signed between Vietnam and 27 EU member states to liberalize trade and investment, came into effect on August 1, 2020. The EU eliminated 85.6% of tariff lines, while Vietnam eliminated 65%, and after a few years, the elimination rate reached 99%. Similarly, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has 12 members, accounting for 15% of the world's GDP. The CPTPP officially came into effect for Vietnam on January 14, 2019. CPTPP member countries committed to eliminating 97-100% of import tariff lines on goods originating from Vietnam, depending on each country's commitment.

Associate Professor Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, stated: Vietnam is among the world's leading countries in terms of economic openness, with 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) already signed and in effect, opening up large markets for Vietnamese export goods.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, FTAs have helped Vietnam's trade achieve high growth in recent years. In 2024, two-way trade between Vietnam and CPTPP member countries exceeded US$102 billion, and it is expected to reach a new record this year.

"The trend of diversifying supply chains and shifting investments by multinational corporations is creating opportunities for Vietnam to strengthen trade, attract foreign direct investment, expand production, and increase export turnover."
Mr. TA HOANG LINH, Director of the Department of Foreign Market Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade)

Dong Nai is effectively seizing opportunities from the FTA.

Dong Nai province has effectively exploited opportunities from FTAs to expand export markets and increase industrial production index. For example, in 2021, despite being severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic (with 3 months of social distancing), Dong Nai's export turnover still reached nearly 21.8 billion USD, an increase of nearly 16%, almost double the annual plan. Furthermore, by 2024, the province's export turnover is expected to reach nearly 24 billion USD, a growth of nearly 11% compared to the previous year. In 2025, the province's exports could reach nearly 35 billion USD, and Dong Nai will remain among the top provinces nationwide in terms of trade surplus.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang, General Director of Dong Tien Joint Stock Company (Amata Industrial Park, Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province) said: “More than 75% of the company's garment products are exported to the European market. This is a market with very high demands on product quality. Goods to be exported to Europe must meet ESG (environmental, social, governance) standards. Therefore, the company has invested in green, smart factories to meet customer needs. At the same time, the company is also expanding exports to the Japanese market.” The markets that Dong Tien Joint Stock Company is currently operating in are all members of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed and which are in effect.

Over the years, Dong Nai has consistently ranked among the top exporters nationwide. This is due to the proactive approach of businesses in the province in exploiting the potential and advantages from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that have expanded exports. Furthermore, businesses have actively sought domestic sources of raw materials to meet the localization requirements of their products, making it easier to benefit from preferential tariffs when exporting. Therefore, for nearly 10 years, Dong Nai's annual trade surplus has consistently increased, contributing to balancing the national trade balance.

According to Mr. Ta Hoang Linh, Director of the Foreign Market Development Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), typical new-generation FTAs such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) have opened up vast and diverse market spaces, creating significant competitive advantages for countries, including Vietnam, to expand exports. The current context presents both challenges and opportunities for Vietnam. If Vietnam knows how to leverage the advantages of FTAs, proactively adapt to tariff and non-tariff barriers, and promote green transformation, digital transformation, and innovation, it can completely enhance its position and become an important link in the global supply chain.

In 2025 and projected for 2026, geopolitical conflicts in some parts of the world, strategic competition between major powers, and protectionist trends are increasing instability and unpredictability. Countries will intensify the application of tariff and non-tariff barriers to protect domestic production, creating new obstacles to international trade. In Dong Nai, businesses are proactively and flexibly connecting with and expanding markets, especially those with which Vietnam has signed FTAs, to increase their competitive advantage against similar goods from many other countries.

Khanh Minh

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202512/cac-fta-dua-san-xuat-xuat-khau-dong-nai-tang-toc-e5123a3/