Hanoi, October 10, 2025 – The Vietnam Forum on International Trade 2025 (VFIT 2025) took place this morning at Foreign Trade University (FTU) under the theme “New Growth Drivers for Vietnam’s International Trade in the Rising Era.” Organized within the framework of the WTO Chair Programme at FTU, the event attracted representatives from government agencies, international organizations, academia, businesses, and the media, underscoring Vietnam’s growing role in the global trade landscape.
The Forum was held in a hybrid format, combining both on-site and online participation.
Delegates attending the event
Among the distinguished guests were Prof. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Dr. Pham Quang Huy, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam in Geneva; Mrs. Trinh Thi Thu Hien, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade; together with international experts, scholars, and business leaders.
Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong, President of Foreign Trade University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Ngoc Tien, Vice President; and directors of the WTO Chair Programme, along with lecturers and students.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong delivers a speech at the event
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong, President of FTU, emphasized the importance of developing new growth drivers for international trade amid rapid global transformations. She noted that the Forum serves not only as an academic platform but also as a bridge connecting policymakers, researchers, and businesses in shaping a sustainable trade strategy for Vietnam. She added that the event carries special significance as it coincides with FTU’s 65th anniversary. “Foreign Trade University has long been a symbol of academic excellence, a pioneer in international education, and a source of pride in Vietnam’s integration journey,” she said.
Speaking at the Forum, Prof. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the WTO, commended Vietnam’s progress over nearly two decades of WTO membership, highlighting the country’s dynamic trade performance and deepening global integration.
Mr. Zhang Xiangchen participates and delivers an opening speech online
He also stressed that in an era of rapid transformation, Vietnam should focus more on services trade, innovation, and green transition to strengthen its long-term competitiveness.
Representing the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam in Geneva, Dr. Pham Quang Huy praised FTU’s contributions to research, training, and policy dialogue in international trade and economic integration.
Dr. Pham Quang Huy shares his remarks online
He emphasized that the university’s academic initiatives have supported Vietnam’s active engagement in the multilateral trading system and expressed hope that VFIT 2025 would bring valuable insights to both academia and policy practice.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Trinh Thi Thu Hien, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, affirmed that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) remain key drivers of Vietnam’s trade growth. She noted that effective use of tariff preferences through rules of origin helps enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese products, expand market access, and strengthen participation in global value chains.
Mrs. Trinh Thi Thu Hien delivers the keynote speech at the event
She affirmed that mastering and effectively applying the rules of origin will be the key to sustainable export growth in the time ahead.
During the roundtable session titled “Exploring New Growth Drivers: Shaping Vietnam’s International Trade Strategy” moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Huong, Chairholder of the WTO Chair Programme at FTU, experts from Vietnam and abroad discussed ways to foster new momentum for economic development.
Speakers participating in the roundtable discussion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Ngoc Tien, Vice President of FTU, highlighted four emerging growth drivers: Vietnam’s expansion of trade agreements, the rise of digital trade alongside Industry 4.0, the shift toward sustainable and green trade, and deeper participation in global value chains.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Ngoc Tien shares his insights
He noted that agreements such as the CPTPP and EVFTA have been crucial to Vietnam’s growth and integration, while digital trade and advanced technologies are reshaping transparency and efficiency in global commerce.
From Taiwan, Prof. Tsai-fang Chen, WTO Co-chair for Chinese Taipei and Director of the Institute of Technology Law at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, emphasized that digital trade is becoming a vital force for global economic growth, reflected in innovations like digital signatures and cross-border e-contracts.
Prof. Tu Xinquan contributes his views
Sharing insights from China, Prof. Tu Xinquan, WTO Chairholder (Beijing) at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), noted that China’s export boom following its WTO accession was largely driven by foreign-invested enterprises, showcasing the benefits of openness. He added that amid growing competition for investment, China continues to advance high technology, enhance competitiveness, and pursue flexible policy responses to global changes.
Prof. Tsai Fang Chen offers his perspectives.
From the business perspective, Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said the seafood industry is working to overcome challenges and leverage FTAs to expand export markets and strengthen competitiveness.
Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam provides his input during the panel discussion
Following the plenary discussion, three parallel sessions attracted strong interest from experts and students:
- Session 1, themed “From Local Identity to National Value: The Breakthrough Path in International Trade,” was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Binh – Head of Outreach Pillar of the WTO Chair Programme at FTU.
- Session 2, titled “Sustainable Trade Strategies in the Rising Era,” was led by Dr. Vu Kim Ngan – Co-Chairholder of the WTO Chair Programme at FTU.
- Session 3, held in Vietnamese and focusing on “Shifting Advantages and Legal Challenges: Strategies for Global Supply Chain Participation in the AI and Semiconductor Era,” was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Huong – Chairholder of the WTO Chair Programme at FTU.
Speakers share their insights during Discussion Session 2
Throughout the discussions, participants exchanged a wide range of perspectives on how Vietnam can capitalize on new growth drivers, including digital trade, sustainable trade, next-generation FTAs, and upgrading its position in global value chains.
The success of VFIT 2025 once again reaffirmed Foreign Trade University’s role as a leading center for research and policy dialogue in international trade. The Forum also served as a highlight in celebration of FTU’s 65th anniversary, marking the university’s enduring journey of innovation, integration, and academic excellence in Vietnam’s economic and trade education.
