Over 300 businesses in Southern Vietnam in search of export opportunities

According to Mr. Do Thang Hai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, the global economy during the first six months of 2023 has faced many difficulties and challenges, including the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, high levels of global inflation despite recovery, and strict monetary policies. These factors have negatively affected global economic growth, investment and consumption.

Several major economies, including Vietnam's important trading partners, have fallen into an economic recession. Consequently, Vietnam's import and export activities have also been negatively impacted.

In response to these global challenges, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed the Trade Promotion Department to closely coordinate with relevant agencies, organizations and businesses to expand traditional and modern distribution channels; actively consolidate and develop the domestic market; organize epxort promotion activities, and diversify export markets. Most notably, stakeholders will form various connections between Vietnamese businesses and foreign importers in key and potential export markets through the means of trade promotion. Subsequently, these activities will greatly contribute to solving production difficulties in businesses, promoting export growth, maintaining economic stability in the context of the pandemic.

According to Ms. Le Viet Nga, Deputy Director of the Domestic Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, despite constant hardships and challenges in the global economy, local efforts in trade promotion activities across Vietnam have allowed the consumption growth rate of essential goods in Vietnam to reach approximately 13% in the first six months of 2023.

“The Ministry of Industry and Trade expects that the trade promotion and connection activities will boost domestic demand and assist manufacturing businesses in finding output for their products, with a strong focus on modern retail systems such as Aeon, Winmart, Saigon Co.op, Mega Market, Central Retail and so on," Ms. Nga emphasized.

According to Mr. Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the trade connection program is a practical solution that will help local businesses increase their production capacity, and promote product consumption. Furthermore, the event is an opportunity to introduce and advertise key and potential local products to trade promotion agencies, importers, purchasers, processing exporters domestically and internationally.

On the other hand, participants may discuss and suggest initiatives to increase connectivity, and promote trade. Additionally, they may find practical solutions to promote the effectiveness of regional linkages towards green production, green export in accordance with the governmental orientation on sustainable development as well as meeting the strict technical requirements on circular economy imposed by various countries around the world. Ultimately, these activities will contribute to improving the competitiveness and position of Vietnamese products in the international market.

The program "Connecting trade between suppliers in the southern provinces and exporting businesses, and trade promotion" is co-organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Department of Industry and Trade, and local Trade Promotion Centers from the Southern provinces and cities of Vietnam. The event was held between July 12 and July 16 at September 23 Park located on Pham Ngu Lao street, Pham Ngu Lao ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.

Over 300 suppliers, businesses, and manufacturers participated in the exhibition and introduction of key and potential export products from 18 southern provinces and cities including Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Long An, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, An Giang, Bac Lieu, Kien Giang, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, and Ca Mau. The event aims to create a conducive enviroment for businesses to directly promote their products to domestic consumers as well as international visitors. Additionally, they have the opportunity to approach and appeal to consumer tastes, thereby establishing appropriate business plans that is highly adaptable to market trends.

According to Mr. Huynh Dang Khoa, Deputy Director of Tay Ninh province's Department of Industry and Trade, Tay Ninh province has 10 businesses participating in the exhibition and introduction of key and potential export OCOP products such as sugarcane, noodles, rubber, cashew nuts, custard apple, confectionery, Tay Ninh rice paper, shrimp salt, Tay Ninh bird's nest among many others. In addition, Tay Ninh businesses look to promote food and tourism to the people of Ho Chi Minh City, international visitors as well as potential buyers.