A senior trade official has praised overseas trade counsellors for their substantial contributions to helping businesses seek and expand markets in order to increase exports. Addressing a conference in Ho Chi Minh City today/Thursday, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Thanh Bien reported that Vietnam’s exports so far this year have hit US$96.3 billion, an increase of more than 33 percent compared to a year earlier.

The sharp increase is attributed to big contributions by trade counsellors overseas, who serve as gateways for businesses to penetrate more foreign markets. Deputy Minister Bien talks about measures to boost exports in Ho Chi Minh City: “Ho Chi Minh City’s exports account for one third of the national figure. Today’s event will help enterprises gain a better understanding about foreign market needs and adjust their plan to changes in the world market. This will ensure stability and growth for exports next year.”