- Sir, according to the announcement of the Ministry of Industry and Trade , Ca Mau is the leading locality in the FTA Index rankings in 2024. Can you share more specifically about the outstanding factors that helped the province achieve this result?

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thien: It can be said that this result is the convergence of many factors. First of all, it is the determination in direction and management from the Government, ministries and central branches, to the strong and methodical participation of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial People's Committee. Provincial leaders always identify Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as not only an opportunity to expand the market, but also a driving force to restructure the economy , improve production and export capacity.

As the standing agency of the Provincial Steering Committee for International Integration, the Department of Industry and Trade has advised on the development of specific action plans, clearly assigning responsibilities to each department, sector and locality. All activities closely follow the integration roadmap and sustainable economic development goals.

Along with that is the initiative and flexibility from the business community. Enterprises in the province have actively learned and grasped FTA commitments, thereby investing in technological innovation, improving product quality, meeting strict standards from major markets such as the EU, the US, Japan, etc.

Propaganda, training and coaching on integration is also a notable highlight. We regularly organize conferences and seminars, promptly update information on FTAs, helping businesses, cooperatives and production households understand clearly, thereby being more proactive in business strategies.

It is impossible not to mention the comprehensive business support programs that the province has implemented, from legal and technological consulting to trade promotion, helping businesses access international markets effectively and sustainably.

- FTA Index is built on 4 pillars. In your opinion, which is the key pillar in the province's integration strategy? What is the factor that makes Ca Mau different?

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thien: In the province's international economic integration strategy, the policy of supporting the improvement of competitiveness for enterprises is a key factor. Because enterprises are the central subjects in the integration process. If enterprises do not have the capacity to adapt, the opportunities from FTAs ​​cannot be effectively promoted.

The province has synchronously implemented many programs, such as integration training, support for technological innovation, trade promotion... At the same time, the government always accompanies businesses, listens, promptly resolves difficulties, ensuring that businesses are not "left behind" in the integration process.

The difference of Ca Mau is the close connection between government - enterprises - associations. Propaganda and support activities are designed to suit each industry group and each market stage, thereby creating a real and effective integration environment.

- In recent years, seafood exports, especially shrimp and crab, have played an important role in the local economy. What support has the province provided to help businesses in this industry effectively utilize the FTA?

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thien: Aquaculture, especially shrimp, is a key industry of Ca Mau. In order for this industry to effectively utilize FTAs, the province has many specific solutions.

Shrimp is a key industry of Ca Mau. In trade promotion, the province constantly innovates support methods, all with the aim of helping businesses expand their markets and affirm their position on the world export map.

Shrimp is a key industry of Ca Mau. In trade promotion, the province constantly innovates support methods, all with the aim of helping businesses expand their markets and affirm their position on the world export map.

We focus on information and communication work, organizing many conferences and seminars since major FTAs ​​such as CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA or RCEP came into effect. The content always closely follows the needs of businesses, helping them understand the rules of origin, technical standards, and policy changes from major markets.

Regarding production, the province has attracted investment in concentrated shrimp farming areas, aiming at a sustainable farming model. Many policies to support businesses investing in agriculture, especially organic aquaculture, and developing high-quality breeds, have also been issued and implemented synchronously.

In trade promotion, the province constantly innovates support methods. In addition to traditional activities, we also organize events such as Ca Mau Shrimp Festival, conferences connecting with international businesses... All aim to help businesses expand their markets and affirm their position on the world export map.

- Along with seafood, the "Ca Mau Nitrogen" brand has reached out to the international market. What strategy does the province have to increase added value and affirm the Vietnamese brand in the international market?

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thien: It can be said that, besides aquatic products, fertilizers have affirmed their brand in the international market. For key industries, the provincial leaders have directed departments and branches to synchronously implement many key, in-depth solutions, focusing on stages from production, processing to trade promotion and product consumption.

Specifically, focus on building stable raw material areas, developing production according to the value chain, connecting enterprises - cooperatives - farmers, helping to improve production organization capacity and ensure sustainable output. Develop brands for key products, register trademarks and geographical indications domestically and internationally. Strengthen trade promotion activities, expand export markets, and make good use of opportunities from signed FTAs. The province also promotes digital transformation in trade, develops e-commerce, and gradually brings local products to global consumers. Improve the investment and business environment, develop logistics infrastructure, and create favorable conditions for businesses to improve production and business efficiency and competitiveness.

These solutions clearly demonstrate the provincial government's commitment to enhancing the value of key industries, contributing to affirming the Vietnamese brand and the Ca Mau brand on the regional and world economic map.

- The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee once emphasized the province's economic growth target of reaching double digits, so what role will the industry and trade sector play in realizing this goal through the implementation of FTAs?

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thien: The industry and trade sector will continue to play a key role in implementing FTAs. In the immediate future, we will increase support for businesses to exploit FTA commitments, especially in markets with much room.

In addition, the industry will support businesses to develop key industries associated with digital transformation, green transformation, and brand building. We will also coordinate with the agricultural sector to promote OCOP products, typical products of the province to reach the international market.

Trade promotion activities will be strongly innovated, combining both traditional and digital forms. All are aimed at creating the best conditions for businesses to access the market, contributing to promoting the economic growth of the province to achieve and exceed the set goals.

Thank you!

Performed by Hong Phuong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/gan-ket-chat-che-giua-chinh-quyen-doanh-nghiep-hiep-hoi-a38540.html