A platform for connection and cooperation

On 12 November, the Ministry of Industry and Trade held the international conference “Vietnam Food Brand 2025,” where its Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang delivered a keynote address.

Held in Ho Chi Minh City by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in partnership with Alibaba.com and relevant organizations, the conference took place under the theme “Vietnam Food Brand - Breakthroughs from digital trade promotion.”

As part of the Vietnam National Brand Program 2025, the event aimed to connect policymakers, experts, industry associations, e-commerce platforms, and businesses in the food sector, one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing industries with strong export potential.

The conference brought together leaders from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and its affiliates, representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology, experts in digital trade promotion and innovation, and enterprises whose products have been recognized under the Vietnam National Brand. The event also attracted international trade promotion organizations, media outlets, and domestic businesses.

Promoting cooperation and expanding trade opportunities

In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang underlined the vital role of the food and beverage industry in Vietnam’s economy, serving as a bridge between agriculture and processing, adding value to products, boosting agricultural consumption, and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

She noted that amid deeper global integration, enhancing competitiveness, ensuring sustainability, and building strong brands are essential to affirm the position of Vietnamese products in international markets.

The conference served as a platform for experts, enterprises, and trade promotion organizations to exchange information, share experiences, discuss market trends and export regulations, and explore new cooperation and investment opportunities for Vietnam’s food and beverage industry.

This year’s event gathered more than 250 delegates from Vietnam and abroad, including enterprises, associations, and trade promotion agencies, reflecting joint efforts to enhance the value, quality, and competitiveness of Vietnamese food products and to strengthen Vietnam’s position in global value chains.

Building a global brand for Vietnamese food

The theme “Vietnam Food Brand - Breakthroughs from digital trade promotion” underscored the industry’s shift toward digital transformation as a key driver of economic and trade growth.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted the transition from traditional trade promotion to digital platforms, enabling Vietnamese businesses to connect directly with global partners, expand markets efficiently, cut costs, shorten transaction times, and track promotion results with greater transparency.

Strengthening digital trade promotion, particularly through B2B e-commerce platforms is opening unprecedented opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to showcase quality, enhance reputation, and increase the added value of Vietnamese food products. This approach aligns with global trends in digitalization and supports the implementation of Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on advancing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang emphasized that this year’s theme reflects the long-term vision of the Vietnam National Brand Program to build Vietnam’s image as a source of high-quality, safe, innovative, and high-value food products, thereby elevating the global standing of Vietnamese brands.

She reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment, the close coordination among ministries and localities, and the dynamic spirit of the business community. The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the 2025 conference would yield tangible outcomes, further enhancing competitiveness, expanding export markets, and strengthening the international presence of Vietnamese food products.

At the conference, experts and speakers focused on the role of digital trade promotion in enhancing the competitiveness, value, and reputation of Vietnam’s food industry. They also discussed emerging trends, tools, and advanced technologies, including big data, artificial intelligence (AI), customer behavior analytics, and digital marketing designed to help businesses optimize the use of B2B e-commerce platforms in expanding food exports.

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion with the participation of government representatives, industry experts, enterprises, and business associations, which explored policy measures to support Vietnamese companies in developing food brands on e-commerce platforms and building a sustainable digital trade ecosystem for the industry.