Vietnam Trade Office Extends National "Soft Border" - Final Article: Strengthening the Building of an International Connection Network

08/28/2024 07:00

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan.

(PLVN) - The role of the Trade Office system in expanding the market for Vietnamese goods cannot be denied. However, in order to take advantage of more opportunities from markets and free trade agreements of which Vietnam is a member, the Trade Office system needs to be more active in promoting its role. Regarding this issue, PLVN had an interview with Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan.

How do you evaluate the role of the Vietnamese Trade Office system abroad?

- The role of Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad in the process of international economic integration in recent times is very noteworthy. The activities of the Trade Offices have contributed to promoting Vietnamese goods to continue to access, maintain and expand the market for Vietnam's competitive export products, bringing high added value.

In addition, the Trade Counselors and the Trade Office system have grasped, analyzed, and evaluated the policies of the host country, delved into, researched, and grasped the needs, tastes, and requirements of the market, thereby promptly advising the Ministry on strategic issues and proposing appropriate policy responses. Along with that, the Trade Office has also strengthened investment cooperation connections, attracted foreign enterprises to invest in Vietnam, and at the same time created conditions and supported Vietnamese enterprises to invest abroad.

In order for the Vietnamese Trade Office system abroad to better promote its role in response to the requirements and demands of the international economic integration process, what additional factors do you think are needed, Deputy Minister?

- To improve operational efficiency and further promote their role in the new context and actual needs, Trade Offices need to focus on improving a number of issues. Such as improving knowledge and professional skills as a connecting point in the markets of partner countries. Accordingly, Trade Office officers need to constantly learn and improve their knowledge and skills on commitments and international trade laws of Vietnam and the host country, skills to analyze and evaluate the potential of the market in charge according to the export industries in which Vietnam has strengths in order to be able to advise and support Vietnamese enterprises more effectively when approaching the markets of partner countries, especially FTA partners.

Next, it is necessary to enhance the ability to cooperate and coordinate with relevant ministries, branches, associations and enterprises to grasp and promptly reflect the difficulties and obstacles of enterprises when exporting goods and services abroad. From there, support domestic enterprises to carry out necessary procedures and measures to request competent authorities of Vietnam and foreign countries to issue timely and effective support policies, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of Vietnamese enterprises abroad.

Dear Deputy Minister, in the Trade Office meetings, many business associations have requested that the Trade Office have specific information about the market situation of the host country, from which to advise businesses on advantageous industries. How has the Ministry of Industry and Trade requested the Trade Office to resolve this issue?

- Collecting, analyzing and providing accurate and timely market information is a key factor for businesses to make the right business decisions. Therefore, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed and requested the Trade Office system to build a modern, continuously updated and highly interactive information system, especially information on import markets, regulations and policies of the host country for each of Vietnam's key export industries.

In addition, the Trade Office must also promote the building of an international connection network. Specifically, the Trade Offices need to actively build and maintain relationships with international economic and trade organizations, business associations and strategic partners in the host country. This connection network helps Vietnamese enterprises to have easier access to new business opportunities and support resources, thereby expanding opportunities for Vietnamese goods to penetrate the local market as well as helping Vietnamese enterprises find better investment opportunities.

Thank you very much, Deputy Minister!

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/thuong-vu-viet-nam-noi-dai-bien-gioi-mem-quoc-gia-bai-cuoi-tang-cuong-xay-dung-mang-luoi-ket-noi-quoc-te-post523280.html