Sharing at the conference on sustainable development of export markets amid global economic fluctuations, Nguyen Viet San, Deputy Director of the Foreign Market Development Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted that 2025 saw profound and unpredictable changes in the global economy. Slow global growth, persistently high inflation in major economies, prolonged geopolitical conflicts, rising protectionism, and stricter standards on sustainability, environmental protection, labour rights, and product traceability are reshaping trade dynamics.

These developments are having a direct and significant impact on trade and export activities worldwide, including those of Vietnam, said San, adding in this context, developing export markets in a sustainable manner is not only an urgent requirement to maintain growth, but also a long-term strategic mission for the country.

According to the official, exports have long been a key driver of Vietnam’s economic growth. However, recent experience shows that the current export growth model still faces several limitations, including heavy reliance on a small number of major markets and an export structure that lacks sustainability.

In addition, the capacity to adapt to new international standards and market requirements remains uneven, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Recent global economic volatility has clearly exposed the risks associated with overdependence on traditional markets or a limited range of products. Therefore, to achieve sustainable export market development, San said, Vietnam must prioritise market and product diversification, enhance value addition, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of domestic enterprises, in line with international standards and the global shift toward green and inclusive growth.

Looking ahead to 2026, Vietrade plans to maintain targeted and in-depth support programmes for enterprises, tailored to each market and industry. It will develop long-term trade promotion programmes focusing on specific products or markets until tangible results are achieved. Trade promotion delegations will explore new and niche markets, while regional-scale international trade fairs will be expanded to attract foreign partners and sourcing opportunities.

Innovative promotion methods will be deployed, combining in-person activities with digital promotion and cross-border e-commerce. The agency will also work closely with Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad to identify potential partners and buyers, helping enterprises expand their markets and improve trade performance.

Trade promotion measures intensified to reach 12% export growth in 2025

VOV.VN - To achieve 8.3-8.5% economic growth in 2025 and lay the groundwork for double-digit expansion from 2026, the trade sector and Vietnam’s overseas trade offices are pushing measures to secure 12% export growth this year.