Recognising the effective implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) as a driver of market expansion and stronger competitiveness, Ha Noi has proactively translated its integration commitments into programmes, plans and activities to support businesses. The 2025 FTA Index results recognise these efforts while providing a foundation for the city to further improve the quality of its international economic integration.
Proactive direction and coordinated implementation
Following the signing and entry into force of major FTAs, Ha Noi promptly issued implementation plans for the CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA and RCEP; issued an action plan to implement the Goods Import and Export Strategy through 2030; and implemented a scheme to promote Vietnamese enterprises’ direct participation in overseas distribution networks. The city has also linked FTA implementation with improvements to the investment and business environment, administrative reform, digital transformation, the development of supporting industries and stronger business competitiveness.
In particular, Plan No. 251/KH-UBND of 12 September 2025 on improving the FTA Index demonstrates the city’s determination to transform FTA implementation from a general requirement into a focused task, with clear responsibilities and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Based on the results of each component index, the city proactively identifies areas requiring improvement, determines the responsibilities of relevant agencies and focuses on improving the quality of services provided to businesses.
Supporting businesses through concrete activities
Information and communication activities have been conducted regularly and in diverse formats, with an increasing focus on issues of practical relevance to businesses. In 2025, the city organised more than 10 conferences, seminars and training sessions on FTAs, market information, rules of origin, customs procedures and the issuance of certificates of origin (C/Os); maintained the Ha Noi Integration and Development Bulletin; and published 10 issues of the Market Bulletin covering key and potential export products. Support activities have gone beyond introducing commitments, focusing instead on guiding businesses in preparing documentation, meeting rules of origin and mitigating risks when accessing markets.
Trade promotion activities have been renewed by combining in-person and online approaches and linking product promotion with business connections, e-commerce and access to major domestic and international distribution systems.
Alongside market expansion, the city has focused on developing key industrial products and supporting industries, promoting technological innovation and digital transformation, and connecting domestic enterprises with the FDI sector. Ha Noi currently has nearly 900 supporting-industry enterprises; almost 300 have production systems and products that meet international standards and are capable of participating in the production networks of multinational corporations.
Export performance in the first seven months of 2026
The recovery in exports has become increasingly evident. In the first seven months of 2026, Ha Noi’s exports were estimated at USD 12.815 billion, up 7.6% year on year. Exports in July alone reached USD 2.154 billion, up 14.8%. Export value remained above USD 2 billion for three consecutive months, reaching USD 2.054 billion in May, USD 2.062 billion in June and USD 2.154 billion in July.
The domestic sector reached USD 7.022 billion, accounting for 54.8% of the total and increasing by 0.6%; the FDI sector reached USD 5.793 billion, accounting for 45.2% and increasing by 17.5%. Four of the five traditional markets maintained growth: the United States reached USD 2.473 billion, up 14.7%; the EU reached USD 1.730 billion, up 22.1%; China reached USD 1.273 billion, up 42.5%; and ASEAN reached USD 2.371 billion, up 3.1%. Japan declined by only 0.7%, indicating a clear recovery compared with previous months. However, some product groups, such as textiles and garments, wood and wood products, and phones and components, continued to decline and require further support in securing orders and meeting standards, rules of origin and trade remedy requirements.
Continuing to improve the quality of FTA implementation
To achieve the target of increasing exports by 12% in 2026, Ha Noi will continue to place businesses at the centre and use tangible results as the measure of performance. Key priorities include classifying businesses by product sector, market and level of readiness; increasing in-depth consultations on raw material sources, origin, standards, emissions data and trade remedies; linking trade promotion with orders and distribution systems; developing supporting industries, increasing localisation rates and strengthening linkages with the FDI sector.
The city will promote cross-border e-commerce and coordinate with branded FDI retailers operating in Ha Noi and Viet Nam to help Vietnamese goods access their overseas distribution networks. The FTA Index will continue to be used as a management tool to monitor businesses’ experiences, identify bottlenecks and assess the implementation results of each group of tasks.
With consistent direction and measures increasingly aligned with businesses’ needs, Ha Noi aims to transform FTA commitments into market opportunities, stronger competitiveness and new growth drivers for the capital.
Source: Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade