During his keynote speech, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Vietnam regards international economic integration—mainly through FTAs—as a crucial gateway for connecting the country with the global economy, guided by the spirit of harmonized benefits and shared risks. Vietnam has signed 17 FTAs with over 60 leading economies, demonstrating the country’s growing role and international standing and global partners' trust in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the Government would continue to promote measures to fully harness the benefits of signed FTAs, improve the quality of international commitment implementation, expand export markets, and pursue new FTAs with potential partners. While export remains a key driver of growth, it is not the sole engine and other critical growth drivers must be developed. Although the 17 FTAs are vital, Vietnam must avoid over-reliance on these markets and actively explore and penetrate other promising markets.

He called on ministries, agencies, and localities to uphold the spirit of self-reliance, streamline administrative procedures, reduce burdens and costs for people and businesses, and foster an open, attractive investment and business environment.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister awarded Certificates of Merit to five provinces and cities recognized for their outstanding performance in implementing the FTA Index 2024: Ca Mau, Thanh Hoa, Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong. Can Tho City ranked 27th in the 2024 FTA Index with a score of 26.59.