Many economic analysts say that Vietnam’s exports are showing some promising signs of rebound and they have proposed several solutions to expand their markets, and have introduced mechanisms and policies for creating the best possible conditions for businesses to boost their exports from now through this year into next.
A Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter has interviewed Mai Huu Tin, Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Association in southern Binh Duong province on the issue.
VOV: What is your opinion on the six percent export target for next year?
Mr Tin: The government’s export target of six percent set for next year is lower than that of 2008 but I think there are many good reasons for setting this modest target. Despite hearing optimistic forecasts about 2010, Vietnamese exporters will still find it difficult to reach this target. According to Vietnam’s largest exporters, the US market will continue to feel the pinch. Therefore, Vietnamese businesses must be cautious.
VOV: In terms of the second stimulus package, what support mechanisms should be introduced to help businesses boost their exports?
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Mr Tin: Businesses are happy with the second stimulus package although it is not as comprehensive as the first one. Some people do not agree with the package because the Government cannot provide support for long. However, to help businesses, the Government needs to pay more attention to the big issues in the long run, such as the country’s infrastructure, traffic congestion, and customs and taxes procedures. Although administrative reform in the customs and tax sectors has achieved significant progress it is still below expectation. Compared to other countries, Vietnamese businesses still have to pay a lot more when carrying out tax and customs procedures.
VOV: Do businesses need any more improvements to boost their exports?
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Mr Tin: In general, Vietnamese businesses are very active when dealing with importers and promoting trade in future potential markets. However, businesses need to work with each other and leading importers to help Vietnamese products gain a firm foothold in big overseas markets. The State should also come up with ways of helping businesses to reduce their prices.
VOV: What are businesses planning for the domestic market?
Mr Tin: Businesses realize the important role played by the domestic market. However, it is not easy for them to fill small orders on large-scale production lines which are used to producing goods for export. They have liaised with domestic distributors to increase consumption on the home turf so that Vietnamese goods can stay competitive with Chinese products.
VOV: Thank you very much.