Statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) show that trade between Vietnam and the Middle East has been on a recovery momentum with total trade volume reaching US$12.8 billion in 2017, up 17.4% from US$10.9 billion in 2016. It is noteworthy that Vietnam’s enjoyed a quite high trade surplus against the market in 2017, at US$6.4 billion.
In particular, the export turnover to the main markets in the region was estimated at US$8.6 billion, up 11.98% over 2016. For the whole year 2017, the total export turnover to the entire Middle East reached US$9.6 billion.
The main export items to this market are primarily mobile phones, computers and electronic components; aquatic products, footwear, textiles, fiber yarn, rice, pepper; wood and wood products; cashews, rubber, vegetables and fruits, and coffee. In addition, exports of tea and steel products continued to grow strongly with considerable turnover.
Regarding imports, the import turnover has been well controlled with imports from key markets totaling US$2.85 billion, up 3.16% from 2016. For the whole 2017, total imports from the entire Middle East region reached US$3.2 billion.
Nguyen Minh Phuong, an official from the MOIT’s Asian and African Market Department, said that for a long time, Vietnamese exporters have focused too much on traditional markets, such as the US, the EU and Japan, while almost abandoning the Middle East market, despite its large purchasing power, less selective demand and quite suitability with Vietnamese enterprises’ ability.
The Middle East is a potential export market for Vietnam, but it often suffers instability in politics and security. In addition, the region is also characterised by typical Islamic culture, along with the use of the Arabic dialect instead of English, making it difficult for Vietnamese businesses to adapt.
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Vietnam’s enjoys a US$6.4 billion in trade surplus against the Middle Eastern market in 2017. (Credit: tuoitre.vn)
Moreover, Vietnamese businesses still hesitate in trading with and exploring partners in the Middle East. At the same time, there is a lack of long-term strategies both in terms of commodities and market penetration. They are the main constraints for Vietnamese enterprises when exporting to the Middle Eastern market.
As advised by trade experts, Vietnamese businesses should pay great attention to the payment when trading with Middle Eastern partners. It is necessary to set a fixed deposit rate to ensure security for orders (preferably at 30% or more). They should also request partners to use an irrevocable letter of credit (L/C) payment commitment at reputable banks, while limiting late payment. Vietnamese companies should also limit payment in the form of Documents against Acceptance (D/A) or via Western Union transfer.
Le Thai Hoa, Deputy Head of the MOIT’s Department of Africa, West Asia and South Asia Markets, said that his ministry has urged businesses to develop long-term and stable market entry plans through the development of qualified import-export staffs with understandings about the Arab-Muslim business culture and practices.
Hoa also revealed that the Government has approved a project to facilitate the relationship between Vietnam and the Middle East by 2025 in order to create more favourable conditions for export enterprises. In addition, the MOIT is also finalising procedures to promulgate a specific action plan to implement the above-mentioned scheme.
The ministry also regularly carries out trade promotion programmes, research activities and business orientations, while supporting businesses in accessing the Middle East market. It also directs Vietnamese business agencies in the region to closely monitor the market to provide specific information on import requirements, as well as organising promotional events to introduce Vietnamese goods to numerous local supermarket chains.
