The People’s Committee of Long An Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, teamed up with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to organize the Long An Import-Export supply chain networking forum on Thursday, with the participation of some 100 international enterprises.

The forum offered a chance for foreign and local companies to sound out cooperation and investment opportunities.

The event was also attended by representatives from the ministry, the provincial administration, and the Consulate General of China in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the forum, Vietnamese commercial counselors from Singapore, Japan, India, China, and South Korea spotlighted export opportunities and market requirements in the respective countries.

Meanwhile, representatives from Thailand’s Central Retail, Japan’s Aeon, and various exporters from Long An Province introduced their activities, criteria, and orientation for investment connection at the forum.

The world has been facing several uncertainties, posing a high risk to global trade stability and growth, according to Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.

However, Vietnam has still made great strides in import and export activities, recording a total import-export value of an estimated US$646 billion between January and October, up 15.5 percent year on year.

Its export revenue totaled some $335 billion during the 10-month period, a year-on-year increase of 15 percent.

The nation reported a 16 percent year-on-year rise in imports during the period.

“With its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, Long An acts as a key gateway between the southern metropolis and localities in the Mekong Delta, while playing an important role in the growth of the country’s import and export supply chain,” she said.

In addition, Long An Province took the lead in exports in the delta.

Nguyen Minh Lam, vice-chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said that the province attracted 95 foreign-invested projects with a total pledged capital of over $640 million in January-October.

With the addition of these new projects, Long An Province now has a total of 1,366 foreign-invested projects with a combined registered capital of more than $12.5 billion, securing its place among the top 10 localities in Vietnam for attracting foreign investment.

The province’s import-export values reached some $10.7 billion during the period, with its export revenue amounting to $6.5 billion, up 15.7 percent year on year.

The deputy minister attributed the province’s outstanding achievements to its focus on investing in traffic infrastructure and increasing the connection between industrial zones, logistics centers, and Long An International Port.

Moreover, a series of trade promotion programs, product marketing activities, and its efforts in boosting consumption have contributed to the province’s success.

Lam underlined that the province would continue improving the investment and business climate, and creating favorable conditions for both local and international firms to promote trade and production.

At the forum, the provincial Department of Industry and Trade and South Korea’s Zenith signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on import-export supply chain betterment.

Besides, the Long An Business Association inked a deal with the Meat Traders' Association of Singapore on poultry and poultry product exportation and importation.

The forum also witnessed the signing of an MoU between Saigontel and P&G Tech Co. Ltd on the development of a data center at the Prodezi Long An Ecological Industrial Park.

In addition, Thang Loi Group signed an MoU with Dolphin Logistics to establish a joint venture to offer warehouse and logistics services.

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