Achieving the goal of a 12-14% increase in total export turnover will demand concerted efforts from management agencies and the adaptability and resilience of the business community, according to an official.

Speaking at the trade promotion meeting with Vietnamese trade offices abroad on March 4, Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department, highlighted that Government Resolution No 25/NQ-CP, issued on February 5, 2025 sets a national economic growth target of 8% or higher for 2025, requiring robust contributions from industries, sectors, and localities. For 2025, the merchandise export growth target has been set at over 12%, with an anticipated merchandise trade surplus of $30 billion. Specifically, export turnover is projected to reach approximately $454 billion, while imports are forecasted at $424 billion. This translates into an average monthly export turnover of around $37.8 billion.

From a State management perspective, Mr. Son underscored the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in providing timely market information to industry associations. This will help businesses adjust their production strategies and seek new orders across diverse markets.

He emphasized the need for proactive measures, urging MoIT units to collaborate on forecasting and policy development. This includes preparing for potential global trade conflicts by creating scenario analyses and proposing timely policy responses.

Mr. Son also highlighted the importance of diversifying export markets. He encouraged the expansion into emerging markets, including the Middle East, particularly with Halal-certified products, alongside strengthening presence in key traditional markets. He advocated for the full utilization of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) while accelerating negotiations for new and upgraded ones.

Additionally, integrating international trade commitments into domestic laws must be expedited. Continued training on these commitments—particularly on rules of origin—was also deemed essential to enable businesses to better understand and leverage trade benefits.

Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, , echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of anticipating market trends, building flexible response strategies, and enhancing competitiveness. These steps are vital for businesses to navigate global economic fluctuations, expand into new markets, and improve operational efficiency.