Promote exports, penetrate the global supply chain

In 2023, Vietnam's total import-export turnover reached over $681 billion, with exports amounting to $ 354.7 billion. There were 35 items with export turnover exceeding $ 1 billion, and 7 items exceeding $ 10 billion.

In the first five months of 2024, exports were estimated at $ 156.5 billion, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. Notably, Vietnam's total export turnover to markets with signed FTAs reached $ 230.5 billion, accounting for nearly 65% of Vietnam's total export turnover.

This information was provided by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang at the Export Forum 2024 with the theme "Connecting International Supply Chains" within the framework of the Viet Nam International Sourcing Expo 2024. The event, co-organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, takes place from June 6-8 in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang, the event aims to effectively support businesses in their efforts to engage more deeply in the global production and supply chain, adapt to the increasingly deepening trend of international economic integration, and promote connections between foreign distribution channels, importers, and domestic production and export enterprises.

"Throughout the event, there are also B2B trade connection activities and programs for visiting and experiencing localities for buyers. This not only helps to promote exports and develop important markets but also serves as a meeting place for businesses to exchange and learn from each other", Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang said.

According to Walmart Vietnam's General Director Aly Ansari, Vietnam is one of Walmart's most important supply markets in Asia. The top export items from Vietnam to Walmart include food, garments, electronics, hard goods, and various other products. "At last year's event, Walmart had the opportunity to connect with many Vietnamese businesses. We see the potential of Vietnam and look forward to broader cooperation, exploring opportunities to source more products from Vietnam to support our brand-building and market development goals globally", Aly Ansari said.

Mr. Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail in Vietnam, stated that within the framework of the Vietnam International Sourcing event, Central Retail has mobilized purchasing representatives from Thailand to directly participate in connecting with Vietnamese businesses. The aim is to find and effectively support opportunities to export to the global market through Central Retail's distribution channels in other countries. This participation helps integrate deeper into the global production and supply chain, adapting to the increasingly deep integration trend of international economic integration.

Also, within the event, Central Retail Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, inaugurated a pavilion promoting Vietnamese coffee to a wide range of exhibition visitors, including major international buyers. This initiative aims to strengthen local businesses' confidence in sustainable development processes and vision, thereby creating added value for Vietnam's coffee business activities.

Vietnam International Sourcing 2024 features the participation of businesses from various sectors, including food and beverages, textiles and garments, footwear, fashion accessories, household goods, gifts, and interior and exterior decorations.