Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed that the achievements recorded in 2025 have created a solid foundation for trade promotion to continue making breakthroughs in the coming period, contributing to growth and the strengthening of Vietnam’s national brand.

Breakthrough activities amid global uncertainties

On December 29 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) convened a conference to review trade promotion activities in 2025 and outline key tasks for 2026.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan acknowledged and highly appreciated the comprehensive results achieved by the trade promotion system from the Central to local levels, against a backdrop of continued volatility in the global and regional economy, where challenges and opportunities remain intertwined.

According to the Deputy Minister, trade promotion activities in 2025 made a significant contribution to boosting international trade, supporting enterprises in expanding markets, and strengthening domestic supply-demand linkages. Agencies across the system demonstrated proactiveness and creativity, rolling out new approaches and flexibly adapting to changing market conditions.

One notable highlight, he said, was the strong commitment to innovation in institutional development, alongside accelerated digital transformation and the application of science and technology in the management and organization of trade promotion activities. The gradual digitization of processes, data and market access methods has helped lay the groundwork for a more modern and effective trade promotion model.

At the same time, national and international trade fairs and exhibitions were organized in a structured and professional manner. Several large-scale events, implemented within short timeframes yet delivering high efficiency, clearly demonstrated the organizational capacity, coordination ability and sense of responsibility of trade promotion agencies. These efforts have contributed to enhancing the image of Vietnam’s trade promotion system, better meeting the increasingly high expectations of enterprises and markets.

Taking into account feedback from industry associations and provincial Departments of Industry and Trade, the Deputy Minister highlights the increasing cohesion between trade promotion agencies and the business community. Beyond supporting enterprises in accessing foreign markets, trade promotion units have also served as an important bridge, helping localities effectively implement programs tailored to the specific characteristics of each sector and region.

However, he also frankly pointed out that in the time ahead, trade promotion must be deployed in a more comprehensive manner. It should not focus solely on exports, but ensure closer linkages between domestic and international markets. Supply chains need to be organised in an integrated way, serving exports while securing supply for domestic production and consumption, alongside diversifying markets and sources to enhance the economy’s resilience.

Trade promotion and the mission of national brand development

Another key issue underscored by Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan was the role of trade promotion in building and developing the national brand. Over the past year, a wide range of programs and activities promoting Vietnamese products have been implemented, helping enhance added value as well as the position and credibility of Vietnamese goods in international markets.

In parallel, regular briefings with Vietnam’s trade offices overseas have continued to be renewed in both content and format, closely aligned with the practical needs of enterprises and the specific requirements of each market. These exchanges have become increasingly substantive, focusing on key sectors and priority markets, thereby enhancing the market intelligence and advisory role of trade representatives.

Entering a new phase, the Deputy Minister called on the Trade Promotion Agency and relevant units to promptly review and finalize the National Trade Promotion Programme for the 2026 - 2030 period, with a strong focus on innovation and clearly defined objectives, targets and action plans. This period is regarded as a crucial stage in contributing to the growth goals set by the Party and the Government.

He also stressed the need to further strengthen organizational structures, develop human resources, and expand the network of overseas trade promotion offices, in line with the requirements of opening up new markets while maintaining and effectively tapping traditional ones.

In particular, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan emphasized the task of organizing national trade fairs on a regular basis throughout the year. These events should not be seen merely as standalone promotion activities, but as comprehensive platforms connecting production, distribution and consumption in both domestic and international markets, creating spillover momentum for the entire trade ecosystem.

As the country prepares to enter 2026, he urged the entire trade promotion system to continue upholding the spirit of solidarity and innovation, accompanying enterprises in overcoming challenges and striving for fast yet sustainable growth, thereby making tangible contributions to national socio-economic development.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan reiterated that the results achieved in 2025 constitute an important foundation for trade promotion to make further breakthroughs in the years ahead. The MoIT will fully absorb opinions and proposals raised at the conference as a basis for refining reports and shaping future policy directions.