A resounding success: Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2023 and the EU-VN Trade Forum

From 13-15 September, EuroCham attended the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2023, which was successfully organized by the European – American Market Department under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City (ITPC) in collaboration with the HCM City People’s Committee. With a vision to bolster the nation’s integration into global production and supply chains, the event was a hub of trade dialogues, business engagements, and showcases of export prowess.

The day commenced with H.E Mr. Do Thang Hai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) and H.E Mr. Vo Tan Hoan, Vice-Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City delineating the interplay of opportunities and challenges within the Vietnam-EU trade spectrum.

Attendees benefited from a diverse program including hands-on workshops, insightful seminars, and numerous business matching sessions. The expo aimed to forge direct linkages between Vietnamese manufacturing and exporting enterprises and international retail distribution networks and importers.

Notably, the get-together celebrated the participation of elite logistics firms and supply chain service providers. These industry frontrunners presented solutions to empower exporters and sourcing businesses, honing their operational efficiency and cutting costs.

Over 300 stalls exhibited an array of more than 5,000 export-ready products. Categories ranged from processed foods, textiles, fashion accessories, footwear, sports equipment, household items, to intricate home decor.

A cornerstone of the exposition was the Vietnam-EU Trade Forum held on 14 September, under the theme “Opportunities to expand supply chains with EU partners.”

At the Opening Session, Ms. Nguyen Thao Hien, Deputy Director General of European – Vietnam Market Department, Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) shared about supply chain diversification and thanked EuroCham for providing timely information and updating about European best practices.

Mr. Andries Gryffoy, Chairman of Belgian-Vietnamese Alliance, focused on positioning Vietnam strategically within the supply chain alongside Belgian and EU partners.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Deputy Head of EDF/VCCI emphasized the SFV Export Project in improving the capacity of Vietnamese enterprises to export to the EU.

EuroCham was well-represented, with illuminating speeches by our Vice-Chairman Jean-Jacques Bouflet and esteemed members.

• Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, Chief Representative of Airbus Vietnam, a EuroCham Corporate Partner, emphasized the paradigm shift towards green and sustainable criteria in production and supplier selection.

• Ms. Lanh Huyen Nhu, Project Coordinator, AHK Viet Nam, German Chambers of Commerce Abroad underscored the role of sustainable development in nurturing the Vietnam-EU supply chain.
• Mr. Valentin Tran, CEO of Andros Asia analyzed the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products and charted directions to enhance the production-consumption cooperation chain.
• Bureau Veritas addressed the challenges of exporting to the EU and offered actionable recommendations to meet emerging EU regulations and standards.
• Mr. Dang Quoc Thang, Process Manager of Woven, Decathlon Viet Nam discussed the intricacies of market demand and the benchmarks for selecting suppliers within the fashion and sports equipment sector.
• Mr. Otto Zvagins, Wood Supply & Forestry Manager, IKEA Supply South East Asia enlightened the audience on Vietnam’s Wood Sourcing Journey, underscoring the symbiosis of sustainability and automation in spearheading growth.
• In the closing remarks at the Vietnam-EU Trade Forum, Jean-Jacques Bouflet, Vice – Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, highlighted the significant role of Vietnam in global supply chains and the growing investments from EU businesses. He emphasized the challenges of aligning with sustainable supply chain aspirations and the need for stricter environmental regulations and infrastructure development.

Other pivotal discussions revolved around the EU market’s export development plans, strategies for a green transition in the garment and footwear sector, and positioning Vietnam within the intricate web of global supply chains.

In retrospect, the event promises to have lasting implications for the trajectory of Vietnam’s trade dynamics, further cementing the nation’s position as an emerging powerhouse in global trade and commerce.

Read Vice-Chairman in charge of Advocacy of EuroCham Vietnam, Jean-Jacques Bouflet’s speech: EN, VN