Go Global to help Vietnamese businesses move up global value chains

Vu Ba Phu, director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), highlighted this shift at the Vietnam Export Promotion Forum 2026, themed “Go Global – From National Strength to Global Success”, which opened in Hanoi on November 4.

The event is being organised in cooperation with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and domestic and international business support organisations and trade promotion agencies.

The forum marks a key step in implementing the Go Global Programme, established under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 626 dated April 6, 2026. The programme aims to strengthen Vietnamese businesses’ internationalisation capabilities, enhance their competitiveness and enable them to participate more deeply in global markets.

From exporting products to building global competitiveness

Addressing the forum, Phu noted that international economic integration has enabled domestic goods, services and businesses to access new markets and become increasingly involved in international trade and supply chains. However, rapid changes in the global economy, intensifying competition, supply chain restructuring and increasingly stringent requirements for technology, environmental protection and social responsibility are creating new challenges for Vietnamese enterprises.

In this context, he said, businesses need to move beyond relying primarily on domestic advantages in manufacturing, processing and exports. Instead, they are encouraged to strengthen their competitiveness, develop their own brands, expand distribution networks and move into higher value-added segments of global value chains.

Going global, Phu emphasised, means more than simply taking Vietnamese products overseas. It also requires stronger management and technological capabilities, greater innovation and the ability to establish a lasting presence in international markets.

Go Global sets ambitious targets for 2030

The programme has set a series of targets for 2030 to support businesses throughout their internationalisation journey.

It aims to provide training in global investment and business operations to 10,000 business participants and help 1,000 enterprises develop international expansion plans. Specialised support will also be provided to 100 businesses investing overseas, including 30 pursuing mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

In addition, the programme seeks to support 100 enterprises in joining regional and global value chains, including at least 20 major businesses in key strategic sectors.

Another 100 enterprises are expected to receive support to operate effectively on cross-border e-commerce platforms, with at least 10 aiming to generate annual online export revenue of more than US$10 million each.

Building a support network for businesses expanding overseas

A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the Go Global Partner Network, alongside the signing of memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements between the VIETRADE Go Global Programme Office and its partners.

The network is designed to connect providers of professional expertise, market intelligence, consultancy services and business support resources, helping Vietnamese enterprises navigate the challenges of international expansion.

The forum also underscored the role of local authorities in translating the programme's objectives into practical support for businesses. Localities are expected to develop initiatives that reflect their sectoral strengths, production potential and the needs of enterprises operating in their areas.

Turning international ambitions into practical business strategies

Panel discussions at the forum explored global market opportunities, the position of Vietnamese enterprises in international value chains and the challenges they face when expanding overseas. Participants also exchanged views on business models and practical support solutions.

Businesses shared experiences in overseas investment and commercial expansion, including establishing companies, branches and representative offices abroad, building distribution networks, developing brands and customer bases, and integrating into international supply chains.

Financing, legal requirements, market access and corporate management also featured among the practical challenges discussed.

The programme further facilitated online exchanges with selected Vietnam Trade Offices overseas, highlighting the role of the country's trade promotion network in supporting domestic businesses as they establish and expand their presence in international markets.

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