Exports rebound as greening turns into competitive edge
Vietnamese exports are on a robust recovery path, with “greening” emerging as a key driver to enhance product value, expand global market share, and sharpen competitiveness.
Exports gain momentum as businesses go green
According to the Ministry of Finance, trade turnover in July reached US$82.2 billion, up 16.8% year-on-year. In the first seven months of 2025, total trade hit nearly US$ 514.7 billion, an increase of 16.3%, generating a surplus of about US$10.2 billion. Industrial output rose 8.5% in July and averaged 8.6% over seven months, with manufacturing growing 10.3%. The Purchasing Managers’ Index climbed to 52.4 points, signaling healthier manufacturing activity.
Enterprises are increasingly linking green development to sustainable exports. JP Corelex Vietnam, which sells 90% of its recycled paper to 35 markets, has invested in biomass boilers, a 2.5 MW solar power system, electric forklifts, and energy-efficient engines to cut emissions. The company’s products meet FSC and FDA standards, and it reports no complaints from foreign clients over the past two years.
In electronics, MCNEX VINA Ninh Binh, a supplier for Samsung, continues to upgrade technology and product design, helping sustain strong growth. Its export revenue has reached about US$700 million, 20% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In agriculture, Nafoods Group recently signed a US$20 million agreement with the Dutch development bank FMO to expand production and promote green farming. Previously, it partnered with ResponsAbility on projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimize its value chain. Similar efforts are seen across agro-processing, garments and textiles, and building materials, as firms adopt clean technologies and reuse by-products to meet stricter standards in the US, EU, and Japan. These moves show that “greening” is not only inevitable but also a pathway to stronger branding and competitiveness.
Diversifying markets to strengthen resilience
Despite the positive outlook, experts caution that trade tensions, rising tariffs, and tightening environmental standards remain huge challenges.
On August 12, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive No. 133, urging strong measures to achieve GDP growth of 8.3-8.5% in 2025, laying the foundation for double-digit growth in the 2026–2030 period.
In industry and trade, he tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) with restructuring the sector, prioritizing new technologies, and building high-quality human resources for strategic industries. The goal is to achieve industrial value-added growth of 9.6-9.8%, with manufacturing rising 11.2-11.5%.
MoIT is also expected to develop flagship products linked to national branding and step up trade promotion in key and emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Targets for 2025 include 12% export growth and a US$30 billion trade surplus.
In agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will coordinate with MoIT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand access to markets including China, ASEAN, the Middle East, and Latin America. The sector aims to lift agro-forestry-fishery exports to US$65 billion, while also promoting eco-labeling, green fairs, and agricultural weeks to encourage sustainable consumption, according to VOV.
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| Vietnamese import-export turnover hits nearly US$514.7 billion in first seven months of 2025, up 16.3% year-on-year (Illustrative photo) |
At the “Vietnam Import-Export: Recognition-Announcement-Connection-Cooperation” event on August 1, MoIT Minister Nguyen Hong Dien outlined three strategic directions: strengthening legal frameworks and integrating FTAs into domestic law; easing production and financing bottlenecks to support exports; and fostering enterprise-led adaptability through branded exports, e-commerce, and improved defenses against trade disputes.
With macroeconomic stability, decisive government direction, and proactive corporate strategies, Vietnam’s trade sector is expected not only to meet but to surpass its 2025 targets. Accelerating “greening” and making effective use of FTAs will help Vietnamese exports enhance competitiveness and consolidate their position in global supply chains.
Vietnam, Cuba sign cooperation agreement in cyber security
Vietnam and Cuba signed an agreement on cyber security cooperation in Hanoi on Thursday.
The document was inked between the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control under the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the General Directorate of Counterintelligence under the Cuban Ministry of the Interior.
The same day, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang and Cuban Minister of the Interior Major General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas held talks, during which Luong reiterated that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam consistently advocate the Party and people of Cuba in the process of updating the socialist socio-economic model, reported VGP.
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| Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang (third to left) and Cuban Minister of the Interior Major General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas (second to left) witness the signing ceremony of the agreement on cyber security cooperation, Hanoi, August 15, 2025. Photo: VNA |
Vietnam stands ready to share its renovation experiences and promote economic, trade, and investment relations, especially cooperation in food supply and production with Cuba, affirmed Luong.
Luong said that he has directed relevant agencies to implement the agreements reached between the two sides, focusing on cooperation in training and capacity building for officials of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior.
He called on both sides to promote collaboration in biotechnology and healthcare and complete procedures for the inauguration of the center for research on medical science products.
Luong urged both sides to strengthen cooperation in combating organized crime, transnational crime, high-tech crime, terrorism, human trafficking, crimes in the fields of trade and tourism, emerging types of crime, as well as non-traditional security threats.
Vietnam will focus on supporting Cuba in agricultural development, said Luong, suggesting Cuba transfer biomedical technology to Vietnam.
The Cuban minister, for his part, underlined that the special friendship and solidarity between Cuba and Vietnam is a common asset that both countries have diligently nurtured.
Cuba always treasures Vietnam's steadfast support for its revolutionary cause, especially during difficult times under the embargo, shared the guest.
Fourth full-dress joint rehearsal held in preparation for National Day parade
Officers and soldiers of the military and public security forces, along with modern weapons and equipment, took part in the fourth full-dress joint rehearsal in Hanoi on August 16 for the upcoming parade to be staged at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).
The rehearsal, chaired by Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang, included two parts: Party and State ceremonies, as well as the parade and march.
The parade and march featured nearly 16,000 officers and soldiers and various modern weapons and equipment, including many products researched and manufactured by Vietnam’s defense industry, such as missiles, infantry fighting vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and radar systems.
Giang stressed that since the parades for the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification, preparations and determination of the participating forces have grown stronger and more resolute, cited VNA.
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| The modernised S-125-VT missile system of the air defence – air force service. (Photo: VNA) |
For the first time, forces tasked with safeguarding national sea and island sovereignty, including the Navy, Coast Guard, and Border Guard, will join the march. The move demonstrates to the world that Vietnam has all necessary forces and services to ensure internal security and firmly protect the fatherland, he said.
The minister also expressed his belief that the upcoming celebration will be a great success, bringing pride to the nation and to every participating officer and soldier.
Over 9.5 million USD raised for Cuba just in three days
The fundraising program themed “65 Years of Vietnam – Cuba Solidarity” had collected 249.9 billion VND (over 9.5 million USD) by noon on August 16, with more than 1.15 million contributions, nearly four times the set minimum target.
Nguyen Hai Anh, General Secretary and Vice President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) – the body tasked with leading the national campaign – said that, immediately after the launching ceremony on August 13, millions of people had joined the effort.
Within just 48 hours, contributions were said to have exceeded 200% of the initial goal, surpassing 130 billion VND, reflecting the special place Cuba holds in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
According to Anh, the VRCS Central Committee is working closely with the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam, the Cuban Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the timely, transparent transfer of the donations to the Cuban people.
The campaign’s results were seen as a reflection of the enduring solidarity and loyalty of the Vietnamese people towards Cuba, as well as the trust placed in the VRCS to channel this support.
Anh highlighted the collective spirit and humanitarian values of Vietnamese citizens at home and abroad, expressing gratitude to all contributors, cited VNA.
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| Photo: VNA |
He added that the process of receiving and reporting donations would remain fully transparent, with account statements made publicly available from August 16.
Anh also expressed hope that this spirit of solidarity would continue to mobilise resources for Cuba, demonstrating to the world the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.
The fundraising program, organized by the VRCS in coordination with ministries and central-level agencies, is part of the Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Year marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1960 – 2025).
Running for 65 days from August 13 – coinciding with the 99th birth anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro – until October 16, 2025, the campaign aims to support the Cuban people with food, essential goods and sustainable humanitarian activities.
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