On March 1, 2025, the Quang Nam Women Entrepreneurs Association held a significant forum titled "Opportunities for Global Exports" aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs within the province. This event attracted over 50 women business owners, alongside various stakeholders from import-export agencies, all gathered to explore the vast potential for Vietnamese products to penetrate international markets.
The forum served as a platform for sharing valuable information on the procedures involved in exporting products, particularly to countries with large populations of Vietnamese diaspora. According to the organizer, this initiative is not merely about business but also about cultural exchange and the opportunity to showcase Vietnamese craftsmanship and agricultural products abroad.
“Currently, about 7 million Vietnamese live abroad, more than 3 million of whom are based in the United States. Especially, overseas Vietnamese always want to use products from their homeland,” said Hien Vien-Quang Phi, one of the panelists at the forum. This craving for homegrown products opens doors for Vietnamese entrepreneurs eager to tap the overseas market.
The discussions touched on the regulatory framework surrounding exports and emphasized the importance of compliance with international standards. Health and safety regulations were highlighted as pivotal, especially for products entering the U.S. market. The forum also included insights on how to navigate these complex regulations, which can often deter smaller exporters from attempting to enter foreign markets.
Participants were introduced to strategies for leveraging e-commerce platforms like Amazon and other specialized markets for agricultural products, offering new avenues to reach international consumers. Many attendees emphasized the importance of building connections with experienced exporters who can offer guidance and facilitate access to these lucrative markets.
The event also addressed the statistical trends highlighting the significant role of the Vietnamese community abroad. With the diaspora embedded across various sectors, forum attendees recognized the potential for partnership and collaboration, particularly within communities seeking Vietnamese goods.
Hien continued, “The U.S. has many distribution channels for Vietnamese products, such as supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, or specialized shops for agricultural products.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the potential discussed at the forum: leveraging existing community structures to boost Vietnamese product visibility.
The exciting discussions held during the forum indicated not only optimism among the participants but also the readiness to create pathways for future entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs, especially those from medium and small businesses, left the event encouraged to meet partners and learn from those with prior experience exporting to international markets.
The Quang Nam forum is just one of many events aimed at enhancing the expertise of local entrepreneurs and connecting them with the global market. By capitalizing on the story of Việt Nam’s diaspora and the inherent longing to connect with their roots through commerce, these initiatives create bridges across continents.
Overall, the event was successful, providing attendees with actionable insights and the community's spirit of cooperation. Looking forward, participants expressed interest in continued themes of export opportunities, aiming to collectively navigate the global marketplace.