Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 18 issued Directive No. 18/CT-TTg on the implementation of tasks and solutions to promote domestic and international trade in 2025.

The Directive, as quoted by the Government News, requested ministries, agencies, and local authorities to strengthen trade promotion activities to support exports, increase the market share of Vietnamese goods in traditional markets and in markets that have free trade agreements and comprehensive economic partnership agreements with Vietnam, while also expanding and diversifying export markets to reduce dependence on certain high-risk traditional markets.

In the Directive, the Prime Minister emphasizes the need to enhance domestic trade promotion activities and supply-demand connectivity, intensify the campaign "Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese goods", boost trade promotion and goods distribution via digital platforms, and support businesses with market information and legal consultancy to unlock the potential of the domestic market.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade was asked to accelerate trade promotion for high-tech products, especially in key areas such as semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, automation, machinery, equipment and components, and renewable energy.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall boost national cultural and tourism promotion activities in combination with trade promotion via international cultural, culinary, and tourism events.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, shall study the feasibility of establishing new trade promotion offices in key markets to expand the network of trade promotion agencies and support Vietnamese enterprises in foreign markets.

The State Bank of Vietnam shall direct credit institutions to simplify credit procedures in order to facilitate easier access to bank credit for individuals and businesses.

Localities were required to proactively participate and speed up digital transformation in trade promotion activities across sectors, including the application of e-commerce platforms, digital marketing logistics, and data analytics tools to support businesses in effectively reaching customers.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, by the end of May, Viet Nam's total import-export value approximated $356 billion, showing a 15.7 per cent jump year-on-year.

Specifically, exports exceeded $180 billion, up 14 per cent equal to more than $22 billion, while imports amounted to $175.5 billion, up 17.5 per cent equal to just over $26 billion.