According to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), in 2024, authorized agencies and organizations issued about 1.8 million sets of preferential certificates of origin (C/O) worth more than 100 billion USD, an increase of 28% in value and 18% in number of C/O compared to the same period in 2023 (accounting for 28% of Vietnam's total export turnover to FTA markets). The rate of granting preferential C/O of 28% shows that this is a positive result, showing that Vietnam is making good use of FTA incentives. This further proves that FTA will be the "key" for business growth in the current context. Chairwoman of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association Hoang Thi Lien said that, along with closely following information and promptly updating policy situations from markets, the Association has recommended that businesses diversify markets, promote exports to new partners in the EU, Middle East, and Asia markets, especially markets where Vietnam has FTAs. In fact, in recent times, FTAs have brought great opportunities for Vietnamese pepper and spices to be exported abroad. "Vietnam is a major source of pepper and spices for the world market, however, policies affecting tariffs will affect the entire supply chain, especially the profit margin for farmers and exporting enterprises. Therefore, we hope that the Government and ministries and branches also need to consult and prepare scenarios and solutions for even the worst situations," said Ms. Hoang Thi Lien. Make full use of FTAs to increase export turnover Processing cashew nuts for export. Illustrative photo Regarding this issue, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said that the strong export of Vietnamese goods will cause countries to erect barriers to protect domestic goods. Therefore, one of the most important solutions today for sustainable agricultural exports is to organize production systematically in the direction of green economy, circular economy, digital transformation; closely from raw materials to processing and promoting trade. In addition, the agricultural sector continues to restructure and promote processing to maintain the growth rate of the industry at a high level. Vietnamese agricultural, forestry and fishery products have been present in more than 200 markets and diversification efforts have been helping this group of products stand firm in the face of difficulties. Taking advantage of opportunities in export markets. In the context of current difficulties in exporting goods, many experts recommend that businesses should strive to diversify markets, avoiding over-reliance on one market that can cause risks. According to Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Tri Long - former Director of the Institute for Price Market Research (Ministry of Finance), businesses should expand to new markets such as the Middle East, Africa, etc. to minimize risks and take advantage of opportunities from the FTAs that Vietnam has signed. A noteworthy point is that regardless of the market, improving product quality and increasing added value will help businesses stand firmer in the market. Each market has different standards, so businesses need to ensure that their products meet these standards to maintain and expand market share. Regarding solutions to achieve the export growth target of 12% in 2025, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien informed: The Ministry will focus on synchronously and effectively implementing solutions to mobilize competitive advantages, take advantage of opportunities in export markets through promoting and supporting businesses and industry associations to effectively exploit traditional markets with much potential; Focus on maximizing opportunities from key and strategic markets. In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade strives to take advantage of opportunities from FTAs of which Vietnam is a member; promote and enhance the role of Vietnamese trade offices abroad in capturing information, promptly reflecting developments in the world economy and policies of host countries. Thereby, helping management agencies have timely and effective policy responses. In addition, the Ministry also strengthens warnings and recommends appropriate response solutions to businesses and industry associations, and promotes trade promotion with focus and key points. "Diversifying promotion forms, linking trade promotion activities with production and export development of domestic enterprises and developing e-commerce, digital transformation; enhancing early warning of risks and accompanying enterprises when trade defense lawsuits arise... are important solutions that the Ministry of Industry and Trade continues to support enterprises this year" - Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized.