Focus on exploiting export markets.

From 2020 to the present, Thanh Hoa's exports have continuously grown in terms of scale, value, and market structure. Currently, the province has 303 enterprises participating in exports to 53 countries and territories, an 18% increase compared to the same period last year and 34 enterprises compared to 2020. However, Thanh Hoa still has significant potential for export growth if it maximizes its traditional potential markets and develops new ones.

Tu Thanh Co., Ltd. (Thanh Hoa City) has successfully exported processed pineapple products to many markets in Europe and the Middle East.

In recent years, the United States, the EU, Japan, and other major export markets for businesses in Thanh Hoa province have been established. For example, in the US market, Thanh Hoa businesses are expected to export $745 million in 2024, with many key products such as computers, electronic equipment, machinery, tools, spare parts, and garments. Although this export value is relatively large, accounting for nearly 12% of the province's total export value this year, the industry and trade sector believes this market still has significant potential for Thanh Hoa businesses to further explore, given the demand for agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products, as well as regional specialties in which Thanh Hoa province has a competitive advantage.

Along with traditional markets, in 2024, the volatile global political climate created difficulties for export businesses as freight costs to countries in Europe, the US, and the Middle East increased, and delivery times were disrupted. Many businesses have flexibly diversified their markets, targeting nearby markets such as China and ASEAN to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, a direction considered promising.

According to businesses in the bird's nest supply sector, since the protocol on the official export of Vietnamese bird's nests to China was signed in 2022, businesses have actively sought and secured export orders. At Nam Khanh Nest Vietnam Joint Stock Company (Nong Cong), export orders to China have increased tenfold since the beginning of 2024. A company representative stated that they are continuing to invest in infrastructure, train workers, and increase production shifts to meet signed orders and will continue to seek opportunities to increase production in the coming years.

Le Van Tu, Director of Thanh Hoa Bird's Nest Production and Trading Company (Hau Loc), shared: "Since the beginning of 2024, the company has successfully exported its first order of bird's nests and steamed bird's nests to China - a market considered extremely large for bird's nest products. We believe there is still great potential for exporting this product to China, given its large population, strong purchasing power, and the fact that Chinese consumers are quite familiar with Vietnamese goods."

Assessing the development of Thanh Hoa's export sector, a representative from the Import-Export Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade affirmed: In recent years, Thanh Hoa businesses have been flexible and responsive in effectively utilizing the advantages offered by free trade agreements. Monitoring shows that the province's export turnover has continuously grown from 2020 to the present, increasing faster than other localities. However, the export market structure still relies heavily on traditional markets, with 75% of exports going to traditional markets. If businesses can promptly grasp the needs and consumption signals in other potential markets, it will be an opportunity for Thanh Hoa to develop its export revenue more strongly in the future.

More specifically, according to Mr. Do Quoc Hung, Director of the Asia-Africa Market Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), "The Asia-Africa region has always been an important market for Vietnam. Therefore, businesses in Thanh Hoa need to actively explore and strengthen their ties in international economic integration. Large businesses can also boldly participate in meetings with foreign trade attachés and trade missions organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to update on new markets and trends in imported products from various countries, thereby clearly defining product strategies, partners, and distribution channels. In addition to cooperating with major importers and distribution channels, businesses also need to apply a strategy of diversifying their customer base and actively seeking niche markets to minimize risks."

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long at a working session with Thanh Hoa province on the development and resolution of difficulties and obstacles in the industrial and trade sectors, in order to achieve a breakthrough in the value of exported goods and increase the scale of export turnover, in addition to thoroughly understanding and being ready to meet regulations and trade barriers in the export sector, Thanh Hoa businesses need to focus on improving indicators of green, clean, and circular production... Therefore, right from the planning and development stage of industrial parks and clusters, Thanh Hoa province needs to have orientations towards these standards from the infrastructure development stage and in attracting projects.

Currently, many businesses in Thanh Hoa, especially those holding a leading position in the province's exports such as textiles and footwear, have begun to adapt to the trend of greening production. Along with restructuring production lines, technology, and models to shift towards highly specialized production models, many factories have invested in installing renewable energy systems and converting technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, closely following the greening trends of various markets to successfully export to demanding markets.

Text and photos: Tung Lam

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/chu-trong-khai-thac-thi-truong-xuat-khau-233088.htm