The Government Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP sets an ambitious target for strong import–export growth in 2025, emphasizing the crucial role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in driving Vietnam’s trade expansion.
Maximizing the Advantages of FTAs
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Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has recently issued Resolution No. 01/NQ-CP outlining key tasks and solutions for implementing the 2025 socio-economic development plan and state budget estimates.
The Resolution highlights that to fulfill the national development goals for 2025 and the entire 2021–2025 period, all levels of government must strive for a GDP growth rate of at least 8%, and aim for double-digit growth under favorable conditions. Localities are expected to achieve GRDP growth between 8–10%.
Export Growth Target: 12–14% in 2025
To reach these goals, the Government assigned specific targets to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT):
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Retail and consumer service revenue: +10% (targeting 12%)
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Industrial Production Index (IIP): +9–10% (targeting 12.5%)
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E-commerce B2C growth: +20–22%
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Businesses adopting e-commerce: 60–62%
Importantly, total export turnover is set to grow by 12%, with a 14% aspirational target compared to 2023.
Strategic Missions and Solutions
Resolution 01/NQ-CP calls for the promotion of exports and trade promotion, diversification of supply and production chains, and expansion of export markets tied to improved product quality and deeper participation in regional and global value chains.
Vietnam will fully leverage opportunities from 17 signed FTAs, while expanding exports to major markets such as the U.S., EU, Japan, and Korea, and exploring new and potential destinations like the Middle East (Halal markets), Latin America, and Africa, striving for sustainable trade surpluses.
At the same time, Vietnam aims to:
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Accelerate negotiations to upgrade ATIGA and ASEAN–China FTA (ACFTA 3.0)
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Advance FTA talks with ASEAN–Canada (ACAFTA) and the EFTA bloc
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Complete domestic approval procedures to bring signed agreements into force
Building a Digital Trade Promotion Ecosystem
The Resolution directs the MOIT to digitally transform trade promotion through online supply–demand connectivity and regular coordination meetings with Vietnam Trade Offices abroad.
It also emphasizes real-time market intelligence, especially on foreign technical regulations and standards that may impact Vietnam’s exports.
By December 2025, the Ministry must complete a comprehensive FTA Support Ecosystem to help businesses effectively utilize FTA benefits.
Breakthroughs in Economic Diplomacy
Resolution 01/NQ-CP further outlines a vision for comprehensive and proactive international integration, ensuring a peaceful and stable environment for national development while strengthening Vietnam’s global reputation and strategic partnerships.
Key priorities include:
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Deepening relations with major economies and neighboring countries
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Turning bilateral agreements into practical cooperation projects
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Enhancing coordination across Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy for unified strategic actions
Vietnam will continue to protect national sovereignty and maintain peaceful borders, while expanding cross-border economic cooperation.
Strengthening Trade Defense and Green Cooperation
The Government stresses the need to:
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Combat origin fraud and trade circumvention
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Enhance trade-remedy mechanisms to protect domestic industries in line with international commitments
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Promote cooperation in digital transformation, green transition, and semiconductor development with strategic partners
Vietnam will also capitalize on major FTAs such as EVFTA and CPTPP, while exploring participation in new regional and global economic frameworks.
Vietnam’s Trade Performance in 2024
According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), total merchandise trade turnover in 2024 reached USD 786.29 billion, up 15.4% year-on-year.
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Exports: +14.3%
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Imports: +16.7%
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Trade surplus: USD 24.77 billion
Notably, exports to Vietnam’s top trading partners saw strong recoveries:
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United States: USD 119.6 billion (+23.3%)
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European Union: USD 52.1 billion (+19.3%)
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South Korea: USD 25.5 billion (+8.7%)
These figures confirm Vietnam’s resilient export performance and expanding integration under its network of FTAs.