This is not only a key driver for maintaining sustainable import and export growth, but also a crucial political task to put the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW into practice, transforming the Party’s major orientations into breakthrough and concrete results.
The period 2026-2030 requires a shift in management thinking, using data and science and technology as tools to enhance negotiation efficiency, optimize FTA benefits, and provide early warning of market barriers. In this context, the leading role of the Party Committee and the pioneering spirit of cadres and Party members, from within the country to the system of foreign trade offices, are key to removing information bottlenecks and helping Vietnamese businesses expand.
The Nhan Dan newspaper had an interview with Mr. Le Trieu Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Market Development and Multilateral Trade ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), about the strategic solutions and action spirit of officials and Party members on the “front” of foreign economic relations.
Reporter: Mr. Director, Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo sets out a breakthrough requirement for innovative thinking, application of science and technology, and digital transformation to enhance international integration capacity. From the perspective of a state management agency on foreign markets and multilateral trade, what key strategies has the Department concretized the spirit of Resolution 57 into to expand the “development space” for Vietnamese goods in the international market during the 2026-2030 period?
Mr. Le Trieu Dung, Director of the Department of Foreign Market Development and Multilateral Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade). (Photo: MAI HUYEN-HAI LINH)
Mr. Le Trieu Dung: Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo has identified science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as important driving forces to promote national development in the new period. Regarding the development of foreign markets and multilateral trade, we believe that the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW in this area should focus on three key groups of solutions:
Firstly, strengthen international cooperation, attract technology transfer, and master advanced technologies. Leverage FTAs and trade missions to connect businesses with global partners in the fields of semiconductors, AI , automation, and green energy. Simultaneously, enhance domestic capacity to absorb, master, and research core technologies to increase the added value of Vietnamese goods.
Secondly, we need to accelerate digital transformation in export support. This includes building market databases, effectively operating the FTA ecosystem, applying AI to forecast trends and provide early warnings of trade fluctuations, and combining this with innovative and in-depth trade promotion at major international exhibitions.
Thirdly, support businesses in adapting to new green standards and technical regulations. Proactively update and warn about environmental barriers (such as the EU’s CBAM mechanism), guide businesses in transitioning to clean production, saving energy, and applying circular economy principles for sustainable exports.
Reporter: One of the major bottlenecks for export businesses today is the lack of in-depth market information and the failure to optimize the benefits from the new generation of FTAs. How is the Department applying information technology and digital data to build a “real-time” market information system, helping to provide early warnings of new technical barriers and policies from key export markets?
Mr. Le Trieu Dung: The Ministry of Industry and Trade identifies the application of information technology and digital transformation as one of the important solutions to support businesses in improving their access to market information and effectively utilizing free trade agreements (FTAs). In particular, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has built and put into operation the Electronic Information Portal on Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements (FTA Portal), providing a centralized search point for FTA commitments, tariff preferences, rules of origin, and related regulations in partner markets.
Delegates press the button to officially open the “Vietnam International Sourcing 2026” event series. (Photo: MAI HUYEN-HAI LINH)
Through search tools based on HS codes, products, and markets, FTAP supports businesses in identifying applicable preferences, understanding eligibility conditions, and proactively developing suitable export plans. This solution also helps reduce information search costs, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In the coming period, the Ministry of Industry and Trade aims to further improve the FTA by enhancing data quality, increasing information updates, and researching and developing early warning tools for changes in trade policies, technical barriers, and new requirements in key export markets. The goal is to help businesses not only access information more easily but also proactively identify risks, promptly adjust production and business plans, and better utilize the opportunities that the FTA network offers.
Reporter: Currently, major export markets are erecting a series of new-generation “green barriers” such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and stringent ESG standards. From the perspective of a market policy advisory body, how is the Department proactively applying data and technology to “prepare” and guide Vietnamese businesses in green transition and overcoming these barriers?
Mr. Le Trieu Dung: Faced with stringent green standards from international markets (such as CBAM, EUDR), regulatory agencies play a proactive role in grasping, forecasting, and providing information early and from afar. This task is implemented through key solutions:
Firstly, we need to promote the application of digital technology and update information through the FTA Information Portal (fta.gov.vn), and finalize the guidance documents on emission calculation methods and CBAM reporting obligations to help businesses prepare in advance.
Secondly, leverage dialogue mechanisms within the framework of FTAs (such as EVFTA, UKVFTA) to propose that the EU ensure transparency, provide technical support, calculate and recognize the carbon price paid, and adopt a flexible approach towards small businesses.
Thirdly, international cooperation agreements (such as with IISD) should be signed to compile documents and organize technical training on emission measurement and verification. Simultaneously, a special task force within the framework of the EVFTA (established from March 2026) should be operational to promptly address obstacles and promote cooperation in green transition.
In particular, on March 19, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade established a special task force within the framework of the EVFTA, with the participation of relevant ministries, sectors, and agencies. This is an important mechanism to enhance exchanges, promptly resolve obstacles arising during the implementation of the Agreement, and promote cooperation initiatives with the EU in areas such as renewable energy, high technology, circular economy, key raw materials, and green transition, including CBAM.
In the long term, addressing green barriers is not only about maintaining market share but also about enhancing competitiveness, enabling Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply in the global value chain.
Reporter: The system of Vietnamese trade offices abroad is a direct “extended arm” in the international arena. In the spirit of Resolution 57, how is the digital transformation and innovation in working mindset of the trade office staff being promoted to turn each trade office into a “trade data transit station,” connecting the needs of the host market with domestic businesses as quickly as possible?
Mr. Le Trieu Dung: In line with the spirit of Resolutions 57 and 59, state agencies are shifting from management to “creating an ecosystem” to support businesses in integration. The Department of Foreign Market Development and Multilateral Trade is implementing comprehensive solutions to improve the efficiency of the Trade Offices system. Accordingly, the Department is actively innovating its tasks and measurable results: assigning comprehensive targets to Trade Offices, from market research, mobilizing international purchasing delegations, promoting orders, opening up markets for agricultural and aquatic products, to connecting e-commerce. A prime example is the success of the Viet Nam International Sourcing 2026 series of events, which involved hundreds of large global distribution corporations, thanks to the proactive connections made by the Trade Offices.
The system of Vietnamese trade offices abroad is actively innovating its thinking and improving the efficiency of trade connections. (Photo: MAI HUYEN-HAI LINH)
In addition, the Department focuses on developing digital infrastructure and two-way data: building a data governance system, a digital platform for market development, the FTA Information Portal (FTAP), the FTA INDEX, and the FTA Ecosystem Project for the period 2026-2030. The two-way data flow helps provide early warnings from local areas and supplies compliance information to businesses and localities.
Simultaneously, the focus is on improving the quality of personnel and institutions: Shifting from “reporting on the situation” to creating tangible results. Strengthening negotiation skills, applying AI, and building shared profiles to ensure continuity when rotating personnel. Finally, addressing challenges: Despite a limited network and covering many geographical areas in the face of new demands for green transformation and digital commerce, the Trade Office system aims to become a reliable and fast data provider for businesses nationwide.
Reporter: Multilateral trade negotiations and handling complex market issues require cadres and Party members who are not only professionally competent and politically astute but also flexible and proficient in using modern tools. How has the Party’s leadership demonstrated its role in promoting the pioneering spirit and exemplary conduct of each Party member on the “front” of foreign economic relations?
Mr. Le Trieu Dung: In my opinion, in the field of developing foreign markets and multilateral trade, the Party’s leadership must be demonstrated through its ability to provide the right direction, organize effective implementation, and create substantive changes. Especially in the field of foreign economic relations, where every decision, every negotiated commitment, and every policy advocacy activity can directly impact national interests, the interests of the people, and the business community, the pioneering and exemplary role of cadres and Party members is even more important.
The Party Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade always emphasizes the pioneering and exemplary role of cadres and Party members in the work of international economic integration. (Photo: MAI HUYEN-HAI LINH)
In line with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, we have determined that the renewal of thinking, the promotion of the application of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation must begin with the awareness and actions of each cadre and Party member. Party members not only need to be steadfast in their political stance, firmly grasp the Party’s guidelines and policies, and the State’s laws and regulations, but also proactively improve their professional skills, foreign language proficiency, international negotiation skills, data analysis abilities, and adaptability to the rapid changes in global trade.
Pioneering spirit and exemplary conduct must first and foremost be demonstrated through the willingness to take on difficult tasks, assume responsibility, and proactively research and propose solutions based on ensuring national interests. In negotiations, this means thorough preparation regarding domestic policies, legal frameworks, and market practices; a comprehensive assessment of the impact of various options; unwavering commitment to core national interests, while maintaining flexibility in approach to find common ground with partners. In market development, it means proactively grasping policy developments in other countries, promptly identifying risks, removing barriers, and supporting businesses to effectively utilize commitments to international economic integration.
Furthermore, we prioritize the development of a disciplined and professional working environment, encouraging a spirit of learning, knowledge sharing, and close coordination between domestic units and the Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad. Each official and Party member needs to gradually develop a data-driven work methodology, enhance the application of digital tools, improve the quality of advice, and shorten processing times. Performance evaluation should also be linked to specific products, timelines, quality, and effectiveness in serving businesses, rather than simply completing administrative procedures.
I believe that the value of the Party’s leadership is most clearly demonstrated when policies and resolutions are transformed into conscious actions by each Party member, resulting in quality work and concrete achievements. Each cadre and Party member must truly be a nucleus of innovation in their respective fields, contributing to building a team working in foreign economic affairs that possesses both strong political acumen and modern professional capabilities, meeting the increasingly high demands of the international integration process.
Reporter : Mr. Director, as we enter the “final push” phase to achieve sustainable import and export growth targets, what is the biggest message you would like to convey to all officials and Party members in the Department, as well as the system of Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad, regarding the spirit of dedication and action to bring Resolution 57 into practical work?
The Vietnam International Sourcing series of events realizes the effort to expand the development space for Vietnamese goods… (Photo: MAI HUYEN-HAI LINH)
Mr. Le Trieu Dung : The message I want to send to all officials and Party members in the Department and the system of Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad is: putting Resolution 57-NQ/TW into practice must begin with a change in mindset, decisive action, and be measured by tangible results; each official and Party member must be a pioneer in innovation, digital transformation, and expanding markets for Vietnamese goods, and expanding the development space for Vietnamese businesses.
We are operating in a volatile international trade environment, with increasing strategic competition, unpredictable trade policy changes, and increasingly stringent environmental, sustainable development, and traceability standards. In this context, relying solely on traditional methods of reacting only after problems arise will struggle to meet new demands. We must shift strongly from a case-by-case approach to proactive forecasting, from simply providing information to analyzing and recommending solutions, and from supporting businesses on a case-by-case basis to systematically building their capacity to access markets.
I hope that every official, Party member, and every Vietnamese Trade Office abroad will always be one step more proactive in their work: proactively researching markets, identifying opportunities and risks; proactively advising on policies, promoting negotiations, lobbying partners, and removing trade barriers; proactively applying technology, exploiting data, and sharing information promptly to serve the management and production and business activities of enterprises. In particular, it is necessary to strengthen two-way information exchange between the host market and domestic management agencies, industry associations, and businesses, so that the information collected truly becomes the basis for business decisions and policies.
I believe that when every official and Party member truly considers innovation and digital transformation as an inherent requirement; when each Trade Office effectively plays its role as a bridge between Vietnam and international markets; and when all tasks are geared towards serving the country, its people, and businesses, Resolution 57-NQ/TW will be concretized with practical results. This is also how we can promote the pioneering role of the foreign economic affairs workforce, contributing to expanding the development space, enhancing competitiveness, and improving Vietnam’s trade position.
Reporter: Thank you, Director, for granting this interview to Nhan Dan Newspaper!