Vietnamese exports have ample room to grow in the second half of this year since their large markets such as the US and the UK are expected to cut interest rates which will a boost to economic expansion and consumption, according to experts.

Enterprises should look for niche markets to better cope with declines in exports in major markets, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

A conference was held in Tam Ky city of the central province of Quang Nam to seek ways to exploit promising and niche markets in the European Union (EU) basing on advantages from the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and connections with international distribution systems.

Vietnam’s seafood exporters are seeking ways to boost shipments to niche markets, as COVID-19 is disrupting supply chains, hindering logistics services and raising transportation costs.

Vietnamese businesses are believed to possess opportunities, especially in niche markets, when exporting fruit and vegetables to Northern Europe, according to the Cong Thuong (Industry & Trade) newspaper.

Vietnamese firms need to diversify their overseas markets and improve their strengths to capitalise on opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, a recent online seminar heard in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vietnam Export Promotion Forum 2018 was held in Hanoi on April 24 to seek solutions to boost the export of Vietnamese-branded products in a fast and sustainable manner.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set up a plan to attract visitors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following a research forecasting the number of ASEAN arrivals to reach 10 million this year.

Exports of some new products such as charcoal and wood pellets have witnessed high demand in niche markets, opening opportunities for Vietnamese companies.