Businesses and authorities from the Ministry of Trade and Industry gathered at forum on April 16 in Hanoi to seek ways to boost Vietnamese product exports and maximise opportunities from the integration process in 2015.

The event is part of activities of the on-going 25th Vietnam Expo 2015 in Hanoi.

Participants highlighted the impact of bilateral and multi-lateral free trade agreements on Vietnamese exports such as those with the European Union, the Russian Customs Union, Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.

They discussed effective logistical approaches to enhance export competitiveness and shared practical experience.

Deputy Director of the Ministry’s Import-Export Department Tran Thanh Hai stressed the need to reduce crude mineral exports while increasing that of processed oil products.

He called for enhancing the application of and expertise in technology in the processing industry such as mechanics, furniture, plastics and electronics while developing the support industry to reduce reliance on imports.

The agricultural sector should improve on the quality and productivity of agricultural, forest and aquatic products by applying science and technology in the process, Hai said.

He also suggested the development of alternative products to raise export value, such as mobile phones and cement.

Meanwhile, Marketing Director of UPS Vietnam Group Tran Nhu Hoa highlighted the role of the logistics sector in addressing possible challenges to supporting the development of domestic businesses.-VNA