Updated  
December, 29 2011 10:16:02

Exporters urged to target Germany

 

Workers make khaki trousers for export at the Phong Phu sewing factory in the central province of Quang Tri. Export businesses have been urged to better exploit the German market. — VNA/VNS Photo Ho Cau
HCM CITY — Exporters should increase their focus on Germany, Viet Nam's sixth leading export market, suggested participants in a conference in HCM City on Tuesday.

Do Thang Hai, director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Trade Promotion Agency, told the conference that Germany had been one of Viet Nam's major trading partners since 2007, ranking only behind the US, Japan, China, Australia and Singapore as one of Viet Nam's leading global export markets.

Germany, with a population of 82 million, was the EU's largest economy and the world's second largest importer, bringing in machinery, vehicles, chemicals, tobacco, food and beverages, metals and petroleum.

However, exports to Germany were modest compared to those of China, Thailand and India, Hai noted. Viet Nam mainly exported footwear, garments, coffee, furniture, and seafood to Germany, which was also a small but significant market for such products as handbags and wallets, crafts, and farm produce.

Germany, which offered a market of greater potential for such key Vietnamese exports as garments, footwear and seafood, Hai noted, has also shown interest in negotiating a free trade agreement with Viet Nam.

Hai said that the advantages would open up opportunities for Vietnamese exporters to boost shipments to Germany – although Germany was considered a fastidious market with a high demand for quality. He noted that Germany had a GDP per capita in 2010 of US$35,700. To boost exports to Germany, Hai recommended exporters carefully explore German consumer tastes, as well as customs and tax regulations.

Thomas Hundt, the chief representative in Viet Nam of Germany Trade and Invest, said that businesses needed to meet both EU and German standards, noting that German regulations were frequently stricter. Top priority was given to product quality, food safety and social responsibility.

Hundt also suggested that Vietnamese businesses thoroughly vet their German partners before signing export contracts since not all German businesses had records of good performance. Exporters needed to develop long-term business strategies and ensure adequate supplies to meet large orders, Hundt added.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Germany in 2010 exceeded $4.1 billion, of which Viet Nam's exports to Germany accounted for $2.37 billion. By the end of the third quarter this year, bilateral trade had already reached $3.99 billion. — VNS

Send Us Your Comments:
Name:
Your E-mail address:
Title:
 

VietNamNews may edit your comments and not all emails will be published.

SEE ALSO

Hightlight

Tax code reforms to decipher dependents Tax code reforms to decipher dependents

People who are dependent on personal income tax payers will be given their own tax codes to avoid people lodging claims as dependents of more than one taxpayer.

Farmer-firm linkups remain elusive despite Gov't efforts Farmer-firm linkups remain elusive despite Gov't efforts

More than 10 years after the Government unveiled policies to encourage tie-ups between farmers and businesses, the proportion of farm produce sold through such contracts remains modest.

Buddha statues highlight heritage Buddha statues highlight heritage

An exhibition of Buddhist artefacts from the 11th to 20th century opened yesterday at the HCM City-based Xa Loi Pagoda.

Australian book to provide ‘limitless' inspiration Australian book to provide ‘limitless' inspiration

A book by Australian limbless victim Nick Vujicic was launched in Vietnamese yesterday.