Trade counselors urged to help domestic business with international market entrance

The conference was told that thanks to the efforts made by Vietnamese commercial counselors abroad, in 2006, the country’s export and import value totaled US$ 84 billion and that market expansion partly contributed to the rise of US$ 4.222 billion in export turnover.

According to the Ministry of Trade (MoT), in 2007, Vietnam’s export is expected to reach a minimum of US$ 47.7 billion, increasing by 20% against 2006, and more than US$ 80 billion by 2010.

To reach this target, MoT said it is necessary for Vietnam’s trade missions overseas to work against market barriers imposed on Vietnamese goods and improve their research on the host countries' market, political realities, commodities, policies and controls over import and export. At the same time, they should stimulate commercial promotion of domestic goods and assist domestic enterprises in finding business partners and joining exhibitions and fairs, as well as participating in distribution channels in the countries.

Addressing the conference, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Sinh Hùng urged the counselors to not only act as a bridge for trade between Vietnam and the world, but also double as diplomats doing foreign trade and suggest the Government and administrative bodies to make policies on market expansion and business partnerships. To do so, they should, first and foremost, be reliable friends and advisers of domestic and international businesses, he said.

By Thanh Thúy