Improving manufacturing: The 'key' to participating in the supply chain

Improving the management system is an opportunity for supporting industry enterprises to gain deeper access to high value-added manufacturing sectors in the supply chain.

Prospects for Vietnam - Japan supporting industry cooperation

The cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in developing supporting industries is considered a typical model. In particular, Japan is currently one of the leading investment partners in Vietnam in the field of manufacturing and high technology.

There is much room for cooperation in developing the supporting industry between Vietnam and Japan. Illustrative photo

Sharing with the press about the cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in the field of supporting industry, Mr. Vu Ba Phu - Director of the Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Trade said: Japan is currently one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam, with the presence of many corporations and industrial companies with famous names in the world such as Toyota, Canon, Panasonic... These enterprises have a great demand in finding partners to supply components, spare parts, input materials for the electronics, automobile, motorbike industries...

Therefore, Mr. Vu Ba Phu emphasized that with the cooperation mechanism between the two Governments, along with the efforts of enterprises, as well as the need to not only serve Japanese enterprises, consume in the Vietnamese market but also export to countries around the world ... there is potential and positive prospect for enterprises of the two countries to cooperate in the field of supporting industry.

In recent times, through the cooperation between the Trade Promotion Agency and organizations such as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), many programs have been implemented to support Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in high value-added production chains.

The Director of the Trade Promotion Agency said that one of the effective methods is to organize specialized exhibitions, connecting trade between Vietnamese enterprises and international manufacturers and buyers. This is one of the activities that helps Vietnamese enterprises receive and transfer technology. Thereby, enterprises can improve production capacity, as well as grasp new trends, better meet market demands.

In addition, the Trade Promotion Agency has also proactively organized training courses on trade promotion capacity, helping businesses improve their ability to access markets, understand technical requirements and quality standards of large corporations, especially in the field of supporting industries. From there, businesses can approach buyers more closely and directly, as well as manufacturers around the world.

Mr. Vu Ba Phu - Director of the Trade Promotion Agency, Ministry of Industry and Trade. Photo: Hoa Quynh

Increased opportunities for deeper engagement in the supply chain

One of the pillars for sustainable development of the supporting industry is the small and medium-sized enterprises. Assessing Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises, Mr. Vu Ba Phu said that Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises are a strong group of enterprises. Currently, enterprises are effectively using domestic labor resources, as well as making important contributions to the country's GDP growth.

However, in the context of unpredictable fluctuations in the world market, from supply chain shifts, changes in investment flows to geopolitical tensions, according to Mr. Vu Ba Phu, small and medium enterprises need to closely monitor the situation to flexibly adjust their business strategies.

"It is important to proactively adapt and orient production in accordance with market demand and international standards. This can help businesses better and more effectively approach large manufacturers and manufacturers in the world, " Mr. Phu emphasized.

In addition, Mr. Vu Ba Phu, in his recommendation to the small and medium-sized enterprise community, said that our enterprises are currently aiming to supply raw materials to international enterprises, so one of the important and key requirements is that Vietnamese enterprises must establish an internal management system from the beginning. At the same time, improve the production management system... according to international standards. Only then can we approach the world's leading international manufacturers and suppliers.

Next, according to Mr. Vu Ba Phu, e-commerce, digital transformation, green transformation... are inevitable trends... Therefore, Vietnamese small and medium enterprises also need to seize this opportunity to fully exploit it. Along with that, other related issues such as: Social responsibility, environmental protection... are factors that contribute to Vietnamese small and medium enterprises being able to meet standards, accessing deeper into the high value-added manufacturing sector in the global supply chain.

In August 2025, the 17th Vietnam Manufacturing Expo (VME) and the 11th Vietnam-Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition (SIE) will take place in Hanoi. The exhibition is expected to gather more than 200 enterprises from more than 10 countries, and is expected to attract more than 10,000 professional visitors.

Commenting on this dual exhibition, Mr. Vu Ba Phu shared his hope that it will help businesses get closer and more directly to the actual requirements of Japanese manufacturers, as well as manufacturers from other countries. At the same time, Vietnamese businesses have the opportunity to receive technology transfer and keep up with new trends. "This is also a forum for businesses to trade, connect, sign contracts; promote the development of Vietnam's supporting industry" - Mr. Phu said.

In 2025, the National Trade Promotion Program approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade includes 118 activities to support businesses in understanding the market, connecting with partners, and taking advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs). At the same time, promoting and introducing products to foreign importers and finding stable sources of raw materials for production. Thereby, helping businesses participate deeply in the global value chain.

Bao Thoa

Source: https://congthuong.vn/cai-thien-san-xuat-chia-khoa-tham-gia-vao-chuoi-cung-ung-391006.html