Automotive component production line at Japanese fully-invested Nissin Manufacturing factory in northern Hoa Binh province. (Photo: VNA)
Many Japanese firms in Vietnam have failed to make the most of the tariff preferences under Vietnam-Japan free trade agreement, said Atsuko Fukagawa, deputy managing director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) office in Ho Chi Minh City.
She made the remark at a workshop on the Vietnam-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Ho Chi Minh City on October 21.
A JETRO survey of Japanese enterprises in Asia and Oceania last year indicated that the FTA utilization rate among those operating in Vietnam, at 36 percent, is relatively lower than that of their peers in the region, for example, Indonesia (58.2 percent), Thailand (53.7 percent), and Malaysia (48.9 percent).
At the event, experts updated attendees on the FTA and EPA and clarified related rules of origin (ROO) requirements in the hope of helping Vietnamese and Japanese businesses take full advantage of the two agreements.
Nguyen Quan Phuc from the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stressed the significance of the ROO as it helps determine imported goods that qualify for preferential tariffs.
Firms that meet the ROO requirements will benefit from the preferential tariffs and be able to expand their businesses further, he added.
Japanese companies in Vietnam contributed about 60 percent of the Southeast Asian nation’s exports to Japan and 20 percent of that to the ASEAN region.
Many Vietnamese businesses are also looking for opportunity to access the Japanese market.-VNA
A seminar was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 19 to discuss measures that domestic enterprises can apply to minimise impacts and optimise benefits from the Vietnam-EAEU FTA.
Businesses need time to access trade pacts, especially the European-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) which is expected to bring numerous opportunities and benefits for import-export firms.
The Vietnamese business community must develop new business strategies in order to be more competitive after the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) takes effect, delegates heard at a conference.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
The zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation.
Dung underlined several key objectives, including a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing SOEs, and called for updates that reflect international standards and support modern, transparent governance.
While the US market has become more difficult to access due to new tax policies, Australia could play the role of a trade cushion, helping to reduce shocks and maintain export momentum for Vietnam's shrimp industry.
Vietnam Cycle Expo 2025 will coincide with the Vietnam Sport Show 2025, an international exhibition on sports and outdoor entertainment, expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors in the three-day event.
Automotive component production line at Japanese fully-invested Nissin Manufacturing factory in northern Hoa Binh province. (Photo: VNA)
