The conference took place in both direct and online formats, to facilitate the participation of a large number of delegates from Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad, relevant agencies and businesses from 63 provinces and cities across the country.

Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai emphasized that the processing and manufacturing industry has always been considered one of the key economic sectors, playing the role of a driving force for economic growth, expanding production, business and promoting trade and export, especially some key processing and manufacturing industries such as textiles, footwear, wooden furniture, etc. have always maintained high and stable growth rates.

However, Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai stated that in the recent period, the world and regional situation continued to have very complicated and unpredictable developments, which had a significant impact on domestic production in general and industrial production in particular, especially key industries such as garment, footwear, wood products, etc.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai chaired the conference.

According to the report of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the export turnover of goods in July 2023 is estimated at 29.68 billion USD, up 0.8% over the previous month, down 3.5% over the same period last year. In the first 7 months of 2023, the export turnover of goods is estimated at 194.73 billion USD, down 10.6% over the same period last year.

Currently, many industries are facing difficulties in export markets due to the decrease in global demand. In particular, industries such as textiles, footwear, wood, machinery, phones and components... with the main export markets being the US, the European Union... have seen the biggest decline. Specifically, in the first 7 months of the year, the total export turnover of wood and wood products reached 7.2 billion USD, down 26.2% over the same period; the total export turnover of textiles and garments reached 18.9 billion USD, down 15.1% over the same period; the total export turnover of shoes and sandals reached 11.7 billion USD, down 17.1% over the same period.

"In the context of the domestic and international situation, there are still many challenges for the industry and trade sector. Trade promotion continues to be identified as one of the important and effective solutions, contributing to improving the three growth drivers: investment, export and consumption through supporting businesses to develop production, develop markets and boost exports" - Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai said.

Conference scene.

At the conference, localities and associations proposed to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnamese trade offices abroad solutions related to trade promotion to support businesses in overcoming market difficulties in the textile, footwear, and wooden furniture industries.

Trade agencies have provided updated information on import-export markets and recommendations for businesses in market promotion activities. Trade agencies have also received opinions from associations and localities to have a more practical market support plan, closer to the needs of the business community, associations and localities to effectively carry out the tasks of the industry and trade sector.

News and photos: VU DUNG

* Please visit the Economics section to see related news and articles.