Deepening industrial cooperation

During a working visit to the Thanh Cong Viet Hung automobile plant in Quang Ninh, Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam Nguyen Hong Dien and Minister of Industry and Trade of Laos Malaythong Kommasith discussed ways to deepen bilateral industrial ties.

Minister Malaythong Kommasith thanked Nguyen Hong Dien and the leadership of Thanh Cong Group for sharing detailed explanations of policies and support mechanisms for businesses, and for practical experience in promoting industrial development. “The Government of Vietnam, and in particular the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has put in place many practical, effective policies that create a favorable environment for firms, especially major domestic and regional groups to grow and achieve strong results. These are valuable lessons and real-world experience that we are keen to learn from,” he said.

He added that the visit offered an opportunity to understand how policies are implemented from the central government and the ministry down to enterprises. “Although conditions in Laos differ from those in Vietnam, the lessons and insights from this trip will provide an important reference as we adapt them to our national context,” Minister Malaythong Kommasith said.

The Lao minister also noted that Laos is shifting from a free-trade approach toward a more managed trade model, a trend seen in many countries amid rising protectionism and a slowdown in multilateral agreements.

Turning to the automobile sector, he highlighted intense regional competition, especially in electric vehicles, where long-established and emerging manufacturers alike are competing fiercely and asked Thanh Cong Group what strategies it plans to adopt to preserve its advantages and bolster competitiveness.

Innovation as the engine of growth

In response, Le Do, Deputy General Director of Thanh Cong Group and General Director of Thanh Cong Viet Hung Industrial Park and Technology Complex, said the Group has always clearly identified its core competitive advantages and strategic direction. “Once we enter the market, competition is inevitable. Only by understanding our strengths and pursuing a clear strategy can we ensure sustainable growth,” he added.

He noted that the automotive industry is a large-scale sector with significant spillover effects across the economy and is deeply influenced by both national policies and global trends. “Therefore, all our planning and development strategies are closely aligned with the orientations and policies of the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade,” Le Do added.

“In the ongoing transition toward electric vehicles an effort tied to environmental protection and emission reduction commitments pursued by the Vietnamese Government our company always coordinates closely with the authorities, complies with the set roadmap, and regularly reports our progress so that the Government and ministries can fine-tune relevant policies,” he explained.

According to him, Thanh Cong Group strictly follows the Government’s and the Ministry’s guidance in formulating its development strategy, preparing product lines, investment resources, and market plans. “As a Vietnamese enterprise, we understand our market best, what it needs, what it wants, and how it changes and we develop our own strategies accordingly”, Le Do emphasized.

“As one of Vietnam’s leading automotive enterprises, Thanh Cong Group has built a solid foundation and a clear, stable growth path. We have always received close attention and guidance from the Government, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and particularly from Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, who regularly listens to our challenges and promptly addresses policy issues to support businesses. This has been a great source of encouragement, enabling us to maintain momentum and contribute actively to the national economy,” he said.

After hearing remarks from Minister Malaythong Kommasith and Deputy General Director Le Do, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien underscored that competition is both the path and the means for any enterprise to survive and grow.

“To compete effectively, innovation must always be the top priority. Society evolves every day; if we do not change our mindset and methods, we will never reach our goals,” the minister stressed.

He further noted that businesses must understand market demands “to make what the market needs, not just what the factory can produce.” Recognizing the needs of domestic, regional, and global markets allows businesses to carve out their own path without direct conflict.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien also highlighted the importance of product quality, fair competition in pricing and after-sales service, and the need for open, transparent policies to attract investors. “As our ancestors used to say, Where the land is good, birds will come to nest,” he concluded.