On September 4, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Export Forum 2025 brought together Vietnamese government authorities, business leaders, and representatives of major international corporations to discuss the future of global trade and Vietnam’s increasingly relevant role in supply chains.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Phan Thị Thắng, emphasized that after the challenges posed by the pandemic and amid global economic uncertainties, Vietnam has consolidated itself as a competitive manufacturing hub, offering high-quality products at affordable prices. According to her, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is implementing a project to promote Vietnamese companies’ direct participation in international distribution networks by 2030. This effort complements a series of initiatives such as the forum itself, seminars, business matchmaking, and the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025.
Vietnam’s recent trade performance reinforces this leadership. In 2024, the country recorded US$786 billion in trade, with US$405 billion in exports. In the first seven months of 2025, trade reached US$515 billion, a 16.3% year-on-year increase, putting Vietnam close to achieving its annual 12% growth target.
Among the international participants, the President of the Brazil–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Brazil Vietnam Chamber), Victor Key, presented the opportunities offered by Latin America, especially Brazil. He emphasized the region’s vast consumer potential, with over 650 million people and a growing middle class. Vietnamese products such as rice, fruits, seafood, processed foods, textiles, electronics, and consumer goods are in high demand. Key highlighted that success in Latin America depends on adapting products to local preferences, respecting cultural differences, and building long-term partnerships.
The global retail sector was also in the spotlight. Avaneesh Gupta, Senior Vice President of Walmart, highlighted the strength of the company’s e-commerce platform, which offers Vietnamese suppliers the chance to bring their products directly to millions of consumers worldwide. Representatives from Central Retail Vietnam and AEON TOPVALU also shared initiatives to strengthen the presence of Vietnamese goods in international markets, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and efficient export channels.
The Export Forum 2025 has established itself as a platform for dialogue between government, businesses, and investors. More than just a business event, it was a space to build strategic partnerships that reinforce Vietnam’s role as a reliable and innovative partner in global supply chains.
