Strengthening Vietnam–China trade ties

From June 16 to 17, 2025, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang led a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to Shandong Province, China, for an official visit aimed at deepening economic and trade cooperation. As part of the visit, Deputy Minister Thang held talks with Vice Governor of Shandong Province Song Junji, and worked with the Management Board of the Shandong Pilot Free Trade Zone (Qingdao Subzone) as well as representatives of Liqun Group, a major retail and distribution enterprise in Qingdao.

Overview of the working session.

On the evening of June 16, Deputy Minister Thang held official talks with Vice Governor Song Junji in Qingdao to discuss measures to further enhance bilateral trade relations. The Vietnamese delegation included representatives from MoIT departments such as the Department of Foreign Market Development and the Agency of Foreign Trade, as well as officials from the Vietnamese Embassy in China and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Office in Chongqing. On the Chinese side, participants included senior officials from Trade Promotion Committee of Shandong Province, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Commerce, Provincial People’s Government Office, and the Qingdao Municipal Government.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Thang praised the positive developments in economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Shandong, noting that the close coordination between MoIT and the Shandong provincial authorities had laid a strong foundation for further growth. She emphasized that the successful signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Economic and Trade Cooperation" in 2024, under the witness of top leaders of both countries, has created a framework for more substantive collaboration in the years ahead.

Deputy Minister Thang proposed enhancing cooperation in industrial restructuring, especially as Shandong possesses a strong industrial base in sectors such as chemicals, metallurgy, electronics, and tire manufacturing. She suggested that both sides prioritize the development of high-tech, low-emission industries and promote the integration of science and technology into production processes to improve productivity and product value. She also encouraged Shandong corporations like Sailun, Haier, and Goertek to invest in Vietnam and contribute to industrial workforce training.

Trade promotion was also identified as a key area for collaboration. The Deputy Minister proposed that Shandong create favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions in the province. She welcomed initiatives to organize Shandong product exhibitions in Vietnam and urged the province to facilitate visits by Chinese importers to Vietnamese trade events, helping to connect businesses and identify investment opportunities.

Shandong commits to deepened economic collaboration with Vietnam

In her talks with Chinese officials, Deputy Minister Thang urged Shandong to support Vietnamese companies in brand development and retail market access in China. Highlighting the strength of Shandong’s retail distribution networks and its leadership in cross-border e-commerce, she requested assistance in helping Vietnamese enterprises connect with both traditional and digital retail channels. She called on the province to share information on the Qingdao Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone and support Vietnamese businesses in expanding global market access through Chinese e-commerce platforms.

Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang (left) and Vice Governor of Shandong Province Song Junji (right) at the meeting.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister proposed that Shandong work with Vietnam to organize a trade promotion and business networking event in 2025, and explore the feasibility of establishing a Vietnamese Product Store or a Vietnam Product Promotion Center in the province. She also extended an invitation for Shandong distributors and enterprises to attend the 2025 Vietnam International Sourcing Fair to connect with Vietnamese suppliers.

On the topic of policy and regulatory cooperation, Deputy Minister Thang emphasized the importance of regular information exchange, including updates on trade policies, industry associations, reputable enterprises, key economic-trade events, and investment opportunities. She underscored the need for mutual learning and policy alignment to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

Vice Governor Song Junji responded positively to all the proposals, affirming Shandong’s commitment to further strengthening ties with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade. He offered an overview of Shandong’s economic position within China and put forward several suggestions to advance cooperation. These included fully implementing the provisions of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a regular dialogue mechanism, and identifying priority tasks for collaboration. He proposed leveraging regional and multilateral trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) to boost trade and support Shandong enterprises in establishing branches in Vietnam.

Vice Governor Song also suggested enhancing cooperation in key industrial sectors including machinery manufacturing, household appliances, rubber tire production, textiles, information technology, new energy, and advanced materials. In the agricultural sector, he proposed deeper collaboration based on Shandong’s technological advantages and Vietnam’s natural strengths to jointly develop food processing, agricultural trade, and agricultural engineering, aiming to build a model of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Deputy Minister Thang welcomed Vice Governor Song’s remarks and expressed appreciation for the province’s proactive stance. She reiterated the need for both sides to finalize a list of priority tasks and proposed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Shandong provincial government alternate hosting an annual high-level meeting to review progress and chart the course for future cooperation.