HCM City: Trade Promotion Intensified

3:26:34 PM | 7/8/2005

In 2004, HCMC recorded an export value of US$9,816 million, or 33,6 per cent more than 2003. Mr Pham Hoang Ha, Head of HCMC Trade Department, predicted that in 2005 the export growth rate will be higher with new opportunities.

In 2005, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements will open more opportunities for Vietnamese businesses. The higher prices of agricultural produce in the world market will also help Vietnamese exporters. The quota barrier on aquaproducts will be reduced, that of garments to the EU lifted and GSP preferential treatment for footwear will continue. The bigger number of tourists to Vietnam will also increase the in-place export.

To help businesses under the new conditions, HCMC has intensified trade promotion activities with intensive market surveys in the United States, Eastern Europe and China focusing on national laws, commercial practice, consumption, payment methods, and distribution channels. The city will also assist businesses to participate in international fairs to introduce their main export items such as garments, footwear, wooden furniture, fine art articles, and food, among others. The city will award the most favoured trademarks meeting the demand of customers.

In co-ordination with the Urban Development Fund and business associations, the city will promote export programmes, transaction centres of materials for garment and footwear industries, Moscow trade centre, etc. Business networking and representative offices abroad will be established to expand business activities and the distribution of Vietnamese products.