Vietnam wants to triple exports during 2010-20 with the aim ofbringing the average level per capita to more than 2,000 USD andbalancing the trade books.
Phan Van Chinh, generaldirector of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)'s Import-ExportDepartment, made the statement at a workshop held in Hanoi on April 10to look at the impacts of international economic integration onVietnam's economy and import-export strategy for the 2011-20 period.
Chinh said the country will diversify its import and export markets andjoin production networks and value chains while focusing on developinghigh-value goods and brandnames.
He said the ministry willadopt a roadmap to to reduce raw exports and invest in technology toincrease exports of processed products while making use of favourablemarkets and opportunities to raise export value.
Agricultural, forestry and fishery exports will be restructured towardsmodern processing using advanced scientific applications.
Goods with low value but high growth potential will also be developed.
He said the import strategy will be adjusted while the production ofmaterials, raw materials and accessories to serve domestic enterpriseswill be increased to meet the demand and reduce the need for importedgoods, helping to reduce the trade deficit.
DeputyMinister Nguyen Thanh Bien said Vietnam 's integration into theglobal economy and accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) hasexposed the country's economic shortcomings.
"In theperiod of 2016-20, Vietnam will focus on high value items to attractproduction investment from both inside and outside of the country," Bhesaid.
He added that the proportion of electronics,telecommunications and building materials exported will increase underthe strategy.
Former minister of trade Truong Dinh Tuyenreviewed the impacts of joining the WTO, with average annual economicgrowth of 7 percent from the 2006-10 period and a gradual shift fromagro-forestry to industrial-construction.
Tuyen saidexports have increased on average by 18.4 percent from 2001-06 and by15.8 percent from 2008-10, due to global trade liberalisation andimproved competitiveness.
However, he said trade policy isnot cohesive with other macro policies while legislative formulation,review and amendments have not caught up with market development.-VNA