In support of businesses, within the framework of the Spring Fair 2026, the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade organised a forum titled “Solutions to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese export products in the global trade chain” at the Viet Nam Exposition Centre (VEC) in Dong Anh District, Ha Noi, on February 3, attracting the attention of numerous industry associations, international trade promotion organisations and a large number of exporting enterprises.
Speaking at the forum, Hoang Minh Chien, Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that as the global economy continues to undergo profound volatility, with rising trade protectionism alongside increasingly demanding requirements in sustainable development, environmental and social standards, traceability, and digital transformation, Viet Nam’s export activities are facing unprecedented challenges.
However, according to Minh Chien, this period also presents new opportunities if Viet Nam can capitalise on trends in the restructuring of global supply chains, shifts in investment and trade, while simultaneously strengthening the internal capabilities of its enterprises.
Sharing the same view, Tran Quoc Toan, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stated that Viet Nam’s import-export activities continued to post positive results in 2025, with total export turnover estimated at over 475 billion USD, up more than 17%; imports reaching approximately 455 billion USD, an increase of over 19%, thereby maintaining a trade surplus of around 20 billion USD.
The structure of export goods has shifted in a positive direction, with a rising share of high-value products such as electronics, computers, mobile phones, textiles and garments, and footwear. Key agricultural exports, including coffee and seafood, have increasingly affirmed their brand presence and quality in international markets.
Following the opening remarks, the thematic panel discussion within the forum focused on clarifying key issues related to import-export policies, market development orientations, and the enhancement of value chains for major export sectors such as textiles and garments, leather and footwear, wood and forest products, and handicrafts, as well as trade promotion, international business matching, and successful models in leveraging B2B e-commerce.
Specifically, representatives of industry associations and enterprises noted that while exports in key sectors have continued to grow, they are facing significant risks due to heavy dependence on a limited number of core markets, especially the US market.
Alongside market expansion, transforming the production–export model is regarded as a matter of survival. Presentations at the forum stressed that enterprises can no longer rely on Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) and must gradually shift towards Original Design Manufacturing (ODM), building design capabilities, proactively managing supply chains, and increasing product value.
The forum is expected to contribute to promoting exports in a direction that is sustainable, value-enhancing, and digitally driven, while also strengthening the position and brand of Vietnamese products in international markets.
The organisation of the forum within the framework of the Spring Fair 2026 further reaffirms the fair’s role as a comprehensive, modern, and sustainable trade promotion platform, while contributing to export growth, economic development, and the enhanced standing of Vietnamese goods in the global value chain.
