Vietnam’s wood exports to the United States during the opening eight months of the year have surged by 60% to reach US$6.4 billion, despite facing COVID-19 challenges, according to data released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the once-bustling Hang Ma street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter into a gloomy area as the Mid-Autumn Festival is drawing near, with the busy scenes from previous years now disappearing.

The export of fine art ceramics from Vietnam during the seven months of the year surged by 51.5% to reach US$143.22 compared to the same period from last year, according to statistics compiled by the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The US has unveiled an extension to the time limit for issuing the final conclusion of the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probe into stainless steel plates originating from the nation, according to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese market will remain an attractive investment destination for foreign investors moving forward, the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Vietnam said in its monthly macroeconomic update for September 2021.

There remains huge room for Vietnam to boost exports of farm produce, seafood, foodstuffs and beverages to Russia, which has great demand for these goods, experts have said.

A webinar themed “Sustainable Businesses Implement Dual Goals” was held on September 9 as part of the 8th Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum (VCSF).

The northern province of Vinh Phuc has set the goal of having 70 enterprises eligible to become first-tier and second-tier suppliers for manufacturers of automobile, motorcycle, electronic products and partially supply for large enterprises or corporations or exports by 2030.

Germany moved to reduce pepper imports from the nation, along with the Netherlands and Indonesia, in the first half of the year, whilst increasing imports from Brazil and Sri Lanka, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.

Despite facing complicated developments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains bright spots for local agricultural exports, such as cashew nuts, pepper, rubber, rice, and coffee to the Turkish market, according to the Vietnamese trade office in Turkey.

Vietnam reeled in more than US$19 billion from FDI attraction in the first eight months of this year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Local economists have underlined the need to reach consensus, share difficulties and seize upon opportunities among the State, businesses, and workers amid the national economy facing several challenges caused by the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam is still a bright spot for foreign businesses, Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long has affirmed with representatives of British business circle.

Vietnamese dragon fruit continues to enjoy advantages in international markets, with the diversification of dragon fruit products being considered the right direction to expand consumption channels, whilst developing markets and brands.

The growth rate of non-alcoholic beverage exports from Vietnam to Australia during the first half the year increased by 59% to US$9.5 million compared to the same period last year, according to details given by the International Trade Centre.

Vietnam’s GDP growth rate is unlikely to achieve the target of between 6% and 6.3% set for this year due to the impact of the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections across the country, according to industry insiders.