Enterprises advised to focus on deep processing to enter Asian, African markets

Deep processing could also help domestic firms improve their export turnovers and keep up with market trends, the department said.

The department has also suggested localities continue to build brand names for their products, while developing a list of enterprises producing and trading agricultural products and fruits that are capable of exporting to Asian and African markets.

It said that these lists should be sent to the MoIT so that the ministry could facilitate the connection between local firms and foreign importers.

For the traditional Chinese market, localities should consider coordinating with relevant ministries, departments, associations and reputable firms to organise annual trade promotions with a special focus on potential provinces and cities in China such as Beijing, Hebei, Hunan, Shandong and Sichuan.

The department also advised local enterprises to cooperate with foreign businesses such as those in China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and ASEAN in product packaging, as product design is among the top concerns of consumers in these markets, in addition to product quality.

Over the past years, Vietnam's trade activities with Asian and African countries have shown a significant diversification. Besides traditional markets such as ASEAN, the Republic of Korea, Japan and China, Vietnamese exporters have concentrated on seeking new and niche outlets.

The department said Asian and African markets have high demands for products that Vietnam is strong in, such as farming produce, fruits and vegetables and seafood like shrimp, tra fish and crab.

In the past four months, Vietnam's rice exports to Asian and African nations hit US$1.8 billion, marking a sharp increase of 34% year-on-year. Notably, the Philippines was Vietnam's largest rice importer in the period, accounting for 46.4% of the total volume and 45.5% of the country's total rice export turnover.

Over the four months, the Asian and African outlets imported US$1.5 billion worth of seafood from Vietnam, with China and Japan being the two largest import markets.

Many countries in Asia and Africa are the major importers of key products such as computer components, phones and parts, textiles and garments and wood and wood products, according to the department.

Last year, Vietnam’s merchandise trade with Asian and African nations reached US$458 billion, down 6.7% year-on-year. Of this figure Vietnamese exports topped US$183 billion, accounting for over 51% of the country's total export value.

Among items that posted a positive turnover were transport vehicles and spare parts with US$6.5 billion, up 23%, electronic products and components (US$28.3 billion, up 6.4%), footwear (US$5.1 billion, up 3%), rice (US$3.8 billion, up 38%), fruits and vegetables (US$4.4 billion, up 86%), cashew nuts (US$1.7 billion, up 26%) and coffee (US$1.2 billion, up 19%).