Hanoi(VNA) – The distribution systems of foreign retailers have become an effectiveand sustainable export channel, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) willcontinue to support domestic firms to make the most of this channel, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai.

Speaking at aconference in Hanoi on February 22 to seek ways to speed up the implementationof a project to promote Vietnamese businesses’ direct participation in foreigndistribution channels until 2030, Hai said that since the first phase of theproject was conducted in 2015, Vietnamese products have reached millions ofconsumers across the world through the networks.

In order toeffectively implement the project, the MoIT will continue to work to expand thenetwork of strategic partners of the project, especially foreignretailers who are now present in Vietnam or show interest in the transition ofthe supply chain to the Vietnamese market, he said.

Hai added that theministry will also coordinate with localities and trade associations to selectkey businesses to receive support from the project, while designing suitable policiesto encourage exporters to directly export their products, helping them optimisecross-border e-commerce, and calling on banks to assist them in financialsolutions.

The official said he hoped that foreign distributors and importers will continue to promotetheir roles as strategic partners of the project and help Vietnamese firmsexpand their export markets and join more deeply in the global supply chains.

Ta Hoang Linh, Director of the MoIT’s Europe-America Market Department, saidthat so far, 50 ministries, sectors and localities have submitted their actionplans and coordination units to the ministry, showing their high awareness ofthe importance of this distribution channel.

Linh said that in 2023, the ministry plans to call for more distributors andimporters, while organising training courses for local firms and conferences toconnecting them and foreign distributors.

Vietnamese goods’ weeks will also be held abroad to introduce Vietnamese productsto consumers across the world, he said, adding that a database on Vietnamesereputable exporters and foreign distributors will also be built and publishedat the project’s website.

Linh revealed that Vietnam International Sourcing 2023 will be organisedwithin the project’s framework.

A representative from Thai-investedCentral Retail Vietnam advised local enterprises to ensure their supply capacity and continuity in trade activities.

Nguyen Thanh Huan, Vice Director of An Giang province’s Department ofIndustry and Trade, proposed the Europe-America Market Department and the Vietnam Trade Office in France help the province to organise a conference toreceive a French delegation to explore the partnership opportunities with theirlocal peers.

An Giang businessesalso hoped for assistance, guidance and consultancy from market, export,marketing and branding experts, Huan said./.