The Vietnam-US Trade Promotion Conference, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on May 8, reinforced that Vietnamese export goods do not directly compete with US-made products and that Vietnam’s key export items comply with US technical standards.

The event was held to implement the Prime Minister’s directive on enhancing Vietnam-US trade relations, ensuring fairness, sustainability, and long-term development, while also supporting upcoming trade negotiations between the two nations.

Participants recognized the US as a comprehensive strategic partner and a major export market for Vietnam. Given its large scale, high annual growth rate, and economic significance, the US remains a priority for Vietnamese industry associations and businesses seeking to maintain, develop, and expand trade ties.

However, experts at the conference noted that the US is not the only potential market for Vietnamese goods, as Vietnam has 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering nearly 70 major economies, offering numerous opportunities for cooperation and global business expansion.

To facilitate trade negotiations, the MoIT urged businesses, business associations, and industry groups with key exports to the US to provide specific data, figures, and compliance documentation demonstrating adherence to US standards. Additionally, businesses were encouraged to voice concerns through official letters and complaints submitted to US departments and other regulatory bodies, opposing unreasonable reciprocal tariff policies.

Further recommendations included enhancing cooperation with US investment and business partners to conduct lobbying and persuasion efforts, aimed at shaping perceptions and securing support from US consumers and policymakers for Vietnamese exports.

The conference also saw calls for the US to open its market to Vietnamese imports of US high-tech goods and to develop a roadmap toward recognizing Vietnam as a market economy.

Looking ahead, the MoIT emphasized the need for business restructuring, particularly in green transformation, digital transformation, and development based on innovation, science, and technology. This would involve diversifying industries, markets, supply chains, and export products, ensuring sustainable long-term growth for Vietnam’s economy.