NEWS 1
Vietnamese Enterprises Expand into the French and EU Markets, Boosting Exports
At the Vietnam – France Agricultural Economic Forum, nearly 40 Vietnamese enterprises representing key export sectors traveled to France to promote trade and survey the market. On October 10, at the headquarters of the French Business Confederation (MEDEF), the forum – jointly organized by Central Retail Vietnam, MEDEF International, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, with the support of the Vietnam Trade Office in France – officially commenced.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Nguyễn Thảo Hiền, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Market Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), emphasized the long-standing ties between Vietnam and France - not only in history and culture but also in economic cooperation. In 2024, bilateral trade reached over USD 5.4 billion, making France Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe and the second-largest EU investor in Vietnam, with total registered capital of nearly USD 4 billion.
Cooperation between the two countries spans a wide range of fields, including trade, culture, education, science and technology, industry, and energy. With the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) now in effect, opportunities for sustainable and green trade cooperation have expanded significantly – becoming a priority in both nations’ socio-economic development strategies.
Despite global economic uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions, growing trade protectionism, climate change, and the push for energy transition and digital transformation, Vietnam and France continue to have many new avenues for collaboration. European consumers are increasingly focused on green, clean, and traceable products – a trend that Vietnamese enterprises are actively embracing. Many Vietnamese firms have earned international certifications such as GlobalGAP, HACCP, ISO, and FSC, while promoting circular economy production models.
Meanwhile, French companies are recognized for their strengths in technology, distribution, and modern logistics. By combining Vietnam’s advantages in abundant and competitively priced supply with France’s expertise in distribution and technology, the two sides can establish new value chains that benefit both parties.
Vietnam views businesses as the core of economic integration. In 2024, Vietnam’s export turnover reached nearly USD 406 billion, up 15.4% year-on-year. The export structure is diverse, with manufacturing and processing industries accounting for over 85% of total exports – including phones, electronic components, textiles, footwear, and top global agricultural and aquatic products such as rice, coffee, and seafood. Vietnam has signed over 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) and opened access to more than 220 markets, enabling enterprises to enjoy tariff preferences and expand international cooperation.
Over 100,000 domestic enterprises now directly participate in exports, alongside major FDI corporations such as Samsung, Intel, LG, and Nike, forming a robust production capacity and global supply chain. Vietnam is also promoting green exports, sustainable production, and compliance with ESG standards and low-carbon requirements, thereby enhancing product quality and added value.
This time in France, nearly 40 Vietnamese enterprises took part, representing many key export sectors. The agricultural and processed food industries – including coffee, cashew nuts, pepper, tropical fruits, and processed seafood – have already established brands in various markets. Meanwhile, textiles, garments, and handicrafts remain major export categories, meeting quality and design standards while increasingly emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendliness, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to suit European consumer preferences.
“The direct participation of Vietnamese enterprises in France to showcase products and seek business partners is clear evidence of Vietnam’s determination to diversify export markets and expand cooperation with France and the EU,” Ms. Nguyễn Thảo Hiền affirmed.
The Vietnam – France Agricultural Economic Forum (Image: Vũ Tân)
Source: Nguyễn Hạnh
(https://congthuong.vn/doanh-nghiep-viet-nam-mo-rong-thi-truong-phap-eu-thuc-day-xuat-khau-424900.html)