Export Forum 2026: “Strengthening Competitive and Market-Oriented Agricultural Export Systems”

The Forum brought together more than 150 participants from government agencies, international organizations, industry associations, businesses, research institutes, and universities to discuss practical solutions for enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of Viet Nam’s agricultural export system amid rapidly evolving global markets. The forum is a side event of the 6th International Exhibition on machinery, equipment, supplies, fertilizer, chemicals and agricultural products in Viet Nam (Agri Viet Nam 2026), which attracted more than 300 enterprises from 15 countries and territories.

Export Forum 2026 gathered stakeholders from across the agricultural export system. (Photo: Bich Lien)

Quality, Innovation and Market Orientation as the Foundation of Competitiveness

In the opening remarks, Ms. Hoang Mai Van Anh, National Coordinator of the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) in Viet Nam, UNIDO, emphasized that export success today is no longer determined by an individual product, but by the ability of the entire value chain to create value, ensure quality, improve efficiency and meet market requirements. According to her, sustainable competitiveness must be built on quality, innovation and a strong national quality infrastructure. UNIDO will continue supporting Viet Nam through GQSP in developing a more competitive, innovative and market-oriented agricultural export system.

Mr. Meier Andri Fabian, Deputy Head of Cooperation, the Embassy of Switzerland, emphasized that quality is no longer simply a competitive advantage, but a requirement for accessing and maintaining a position in international markets. He highlighted the importance of post-harvest management, cold chain systems, traceability and compliance with international standards in enhancing the competitiveness, resilience and long-term sustainability of Viet Nam's agricultural exports.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Long, Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Post-Harvest Technology (VIAEP), observed that Viet Nam’s agricultural sector is gradually shifting from volume-based exports to value-based exports, from supplying raw materials to developing processed products, and from competing on costs to competing on quality, branding and the ability to respond flexibly to market demand.

Enhancing Competitiveness through Market Analysis and Compliance with Market Requirements

The presentations focused on key factors for improving the competitiveness and market access of Viet Namese agricultural products. Experts from The University of Queensland, SGS Viet Nam and GQSP Viet Nam shared insights on export opportunities through good market analysis, market-driven requirements for compliance and traceability, and solutions for building competitive export supply chains.

The presentations highlighted that access to international markets begins with a thorough understanding of customer needs and market trends. As consumers and importers increasingly demand quality, transparency and sustainability, businesses need to proactively gather market information, strengthen their capacity to comply with technical requirements, and invest in quality management systems to enhance product value and long-term competitiveness.

Building Resilient Agricultural Export Value Chains

One of the highlights of the Forum was the panel discussion entitled “Competing Beyond Borders: Building Resilient Agricultural Export Value Chains” moderated by Mr. Do Quang Huy, Senior Programme Officer at the Embassy of Switzerland.

The panel brought together representatives from government agencies, exporting companies, logistics service providers and value chain experts to discuss the challenges affecting the competitiveness of Viet Nam’s agricultural exports in an increasingly volatile global environment.

Panelists exchanged views on strategies for developing market opportunities, particularly in emerging markets and premium market segments; the increasing expectations of buyers and retailers regarding quality, traceability, packaging and compliance; and practical solutions to improve logistics efficiency and reduce supply chain costs. The discussion also highlighted the importance of strengthening linkages among producers, exporters, retailers and service providers, while promoting public-private partnerships to support compliance and drive export growth.

Towards a Competitive and Market-Oriented Agricultural Export System

In the closing remarks, Ms. Dinh Thi Tam, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Post-Harvest Technology (VIAEP), stated that Export Forum 2026 introduced a new approach that places emphasis on building a competitive and market-oriented agricultural export system, rather than focusing solely on export growth or market expansion. She stressed that export success is no longer determined by individual products or cost advantages, but by the ability of the entire value chain to create value, ensure quality, improve efficiency and meet increasingly demanding market requirements.

Discussions throughout the Forum reaffirmed the critical role of quality, standards, innovation, logistics, traceability and collaboration among value chain actors in enhancing the competitiveness of Viet Namese agricultural products. These will be key drivers in building a more competitive, market-oriented and sustainable agricultural export system for the future.

For more information, please contact:

● Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Dung, email: n.nguyen3@unido.org, phone: 0906101458

● Mr. Bui Tien Thanh, email: brian.bui@veas.com.vn, phone: 0965626598