Import and export activities: A proactive strategy is needed.

Expanding export opportunities

In recent years, the signing and implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) have significantly expanded market space for Vietnamese goods. Recently, the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed after negotiations lasting only 16 months, sets a new record in Vietnam's integration process.

“CEPA opens a huge door to the Middle East and African markets – regions with rich potential but not yet fully exploited. If properly utilized, this will be a new boost for Vietnam's exports of agricultural products, textiles, and consumer goods,” said Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade .

Furthermore, the official ratification by the Vietnamese National Assembly of the UK's accession to the CPTPP will help Vietnamese businesses penetrate deeper into the G7 market, with its high level of trade liberalization and stringent standards. This will serve as a test for businesses to improve the quality and added value of their export goods. Alongside this, the implementation of new FTAs such as the VIFTA with Israel and the upgrading of existing FTAs within ASEAN will help strengthen and diversify the export market structure.

In the context of rising costs of traditional trade promotion and a strong shift in global consumer behavior towards the digital environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has promoted digital trade promotion platforms such as Vietrade Map, Vietrade CRM, iTrace247, and Vietnamese booths on international e-commerce platforms.

Hoạt động xuất nhập khẩu: Cần chiến lược chủ động

Import and export activities have become one of the important pillars for Vietnam's economic growth.

“Digital transformation is an inevitable trend and the right direction, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, to take advantage of it, businesses must proactively equip themselves with knowledge and improve their capabilities in international marketing, logistics, and product standards,” said Ms. Nguyen Thao Hien, Deputy Director of the European and American Market Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade).

Although exports have recovered after the pandemic, sustainability remains a concern. Currently, over 70% of Vietnam's export turnover comes from foreign-invested enterprises (FDI), while domestic businesses, especially small enterprises, still face difficulties in accessing international markets.

"Most domestic businesses are unable to participate deeply in global value chains due to limitations in scale, technology, and the ability to comply with international standards," assessed Mr. Le Quoc Phuong, former Deputy Director of the Center for Industrial and Trade Information (Ministry of Industry and Trade).

Furthermore, the export market structure remains heavily dependent on a few countries such as the US, China, Japan, and South Korea, while market share in other potential markets is very small. The export of agricultural products in raw or semi-processed form is still common, resulting in low added value and increased risk regarding technical standards.

Proactive - Collaborative - Sustainable

According to experts, to effectively boost import and export activities, Vietnam needs to continue restructuring its market strategy and developing products in a more specialized direction.

Firstly, it is necessary to gradually reduce dependence on traditional markets and proactively penetrate new regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and South America, where Vietnam already has political advantages and is pursuing numerous trade agreements.

Secondly, there needs to be a shift in the mindset regarding trade promotion from "finding markets for products" to "developing products according to market demands." This means not only increasing production volume, but also improving quality, traceability, meeting green standards, and promoting sustainable development.

Thirdly, focus on investing in logistics and export support infrastructure. Experts suggest establishing regional logistics centers, especially for agricultural products, to reduce costs and risks for businesses. Promoting official exports, particularly across the northern border, also needs to be strengthened.

Fourth, continue to support businesses in improving their capacity to comply with international regulations. This is a key factor for Vietnamese goods to reach further markets, especially in the context of increasingly prevalent non-tariff barriers such as ESG (environmental, social, governance) standards.

Finally, building a synchronized, up-to-date market information system capable of providing early warnings of geopolitical fluctuations, consumer trends, technical barriers, etc., is extremely necessary. This will be a tool to help regulatory agencies formulate policies flexibly and businesses adjust their export strategies in a timely manner.

Import and export are not only drivers of growth, but also a crucial part of Vietnam's strategy for integration and economic development. To go further, we cannot rely solely on low prices or tariff preferences, but must invest deeply in quality, branding, and comprehensive adaptation to new global trends.