A forum discussing opportunities and challenges in support industries in Vietnam was held in Hanoi on May 23.

The event, jointly held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Reed Tradex of Thailand, aimed to raise the awareness of industrial entrepreneurs on how to enhance competitiveness in the ASEAN economic community in 2015.

According to Reed Tradex Managing Director Duangej Yuaikwarmdee, the Vietnamese support industry sector has many development opportunities, especially when Vietnam joins the global supply chain.

Many foreign companies, who have built manufacturing and assembling plants in Vietnam, expect to partner with more domestic spare part suppliers to reduce transport expense and risks, he said.

The official also emphasised the importance of Vietnamese support industries joining the global supply chain, as the country will faces many difficulties when it takes part in the Asia economic community in 2015.

In that context, Vietnam will have to demonstrate its advantages and pay more attention to increasing investment in infrastructure, technology and human resources, he said.

Hoang Thai An, Chairman of the Vietnam Electrical Engineering Association said the forum is a chance for the spare parts manufacturing sector to expand cooperation, enhance trade promotion and improve science and technology.-VNA