Strengthening internal resources and developing markets for industrial products

- What is your assessment of the development status of Vietnam's supporting industry in recent times, especially in the context of globalization and competition?

Mr. Pham Hai Phong: It can be said that supporting industry is the foundation, the "support" for economic development. If we want to build a strong economy, we must have a developed supporting industry. In recent times, although important steps have been made, Vietnam's supporting industry still has many shortcomings and limitations.

Currently, the localization rate in many industries is still low, because the participation in the supply chain is mainly from FDI enterprises. On the other hand, FDI enterprises and corporations often manage and approve suppliers and have a system of dividing products from many different countries. Therefore, it is not easy for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the global supply chain.

In addition, we are still limited in terms of technological capacity, management and human resources. Therefore, the management agency needs to remove bottlenecks to open up more opportunities for industrial enterprises. We expect that in the coming time, Vietnam will have key industries such as automobiles and new energy to develop strongly, thereby pulling the domestic supply chain up.

Fairs and exhibitions are channels to promote and improve capacity for businesses in the supporting industry. Illustrative photo

- So, in your opinion, what should Vietnamese enterprises do to improve their capacity, to increase opportunities to participate more deeply in the supply chain, and at the same time develop the domestic market?

Mr. Pham Hai Phong : In the context of unpredictable global trade fluctuations, Vietnamese enterprises need to clearly identify that participating in the supply chain is a long-term process. The most important thing is to improve internal capacity.

In recent times, many of our member companies have proactively improved their production processes, cut costs and minimize waste. At the same time, they have promoted the application of technology and automated production to improve productivity and product quality.

However, it is impossible to rely solely on the international supply chain; Vietnamese enterprises need to develop their own domestic supply chains. Some automobile enterprises or enterprises in the fields of machinery and consumer electronics are typical examples. When they have final products with Vietnamese brands, domestic enterprises will have the opportunity to participate more deeply in the supply chain, even reaching out internationally with that product.

Along with that, participation in exhibitions and trade promotion events will be very important. This is an opportunity for businesses to promote their image, meet partners directly and expand the market. The Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries is also promoting member groups to cooperate in developing complex component clusters, participating in distant markets such as the United States and Europe.

Mr. Pham Hai Phong - Chief of Office of Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries (VASI)

- Sir, what specific activities has the Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries had to support businesses, especially in market connection?

Mr. Pham Hai Phong : Our association is currently focusing on supporting members in many aspects. Regarding connections, the association regularly organizes fairs, exhibitions, and trade forums to bring Vietnamese enterprises directly to domestic and foreign customers. In particular, we have had successful connections with many major partners from Japan, the United States, and Europe. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises not only to promote their products but also to learn about standards, technology, and development trends.

In addition to market connection, we implement field improvement programs and improve production processes at the factory to help businesses reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. In addition, internal connections between Vietnamese businesses are also of interest. Through these activities, many businesses have found suitable suppliers or partners to increase competitiveness in the domestic market.

- How do you evaluate the current state of human resources in the supporting industry? What solutions has the Association had to help improve this problem?

Mr. Pham Hai Phong : Human resources for supporting industries are currently facing many limitations. This is also a common situation of manufacturing industries in Vietnam due to the lack of skilled workers and technical human resources to meet integration requirements. Therefore, improving the quality of human resources is the top priority.

Therefore, the Association has been cooperating with many universities to create conditions for engineering students to participate in direct internships at member factories. This helps students have the opportunity to practice skills and approach real production while still in school. After graduation, they can immediately get into the work, minimizing the gap between theory and practice.

In addition, the association organizes many short-term training courses for workers in enterprises, especially direct workers. These programs not only improve technical skills but also improve production thinking, aiming to reduce waste and increase productivity.

In the coming time, we expect to be able to further expand these training programs, helping both managers and workers to be equipped with skills suitable for the increasing demands of the industry.

Thank you!

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been implementing many programs to support the improvement of production capacity, management capacity, and digital transformation for supporting industry enterprises. At the same time, it cooperates with multinational corporations and large FDI enterprises operating in Vietnam. Every year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade approves the Supporting Industry Development Program to promote and support organizations and individuals to improve their capacity in supporting industry development activities.

Tags: supporting industry, market promotion, industrial products

Source: https://moit.gov.vn/tin-tuc/xuc-tien-thuong-mai/cung-co-noi-luc-phat-trien-thi-truong-cho-san-pham-cong-nghiep.html