Hanoi (VNA) - 🎃The Russian market hasopened its doors for Vietnamese goods, Robert Kurilo, chief representative ofthe Russian Export Centre (REC) in Vietnam, has said.

In an interview with the Cong Thuong (Industry andTrade) newspaper, he said that numerous Vietnamese products have the chance andthe potential to enter Russia, including black garlic, coffee, and green tea,which are often purchased by Russian tourists as souvenirs. Other goods of potential are paper straws, organicproducts, and those based on sustainable consumption, he noted. With better quality, varieties, and packaging,Vietnamese products have significantly improved and now attract more customers. Products are currently being promoted in Russia viavarious channels, such as trade promotions arranged by the Ministry of Industryand Trade, relevant agencies and businesses, along with tourism activities. Russian tourist arrivals to Vietnam are on the riseannually, so the country should capitalise on this to introduce different goods. A host of Vietnamese products are popular among Russianconsumers, such as shrimp, coffee, and dried fruit. There are, however, noofficial outlets for such goods in Russia, he emphasised, and showrooms shouldbe established. A showroom was set up by the REC in Ho Chi Minh Citythree years ago to exhibit food and beverages from Russia and link withVietnamese consumers, which posted good results, Kurilo said. Given that 90 percent of tariffs will be cut over thenext decade under the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement,trade between Vietnam and Europe and Russia in particular is expected to expandat a steady pace. He warned, however, that Vietnamese products will nonethelessface numerous challenges in competing with those from elsewhere. Vietnam needs to pay attention to, invest in, andbuild more major brands to gain a foothold in international markets. The REC is forging partnerships with business councilsto help Vietnamese businesses seek partners and bolster exports to the Russianmarket, Kurilo said./.