The Phu Tho Provincial Government is currently stepping up efforts to implement Prime Minister's Decision No. 16/QD-TTg regarding the implementation plan for the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). This move is taken as a strategic effort to open the gates to a broader international market for the region's main commodities amidst an economic restructuring that prioritizes the processing industry and service sectors.
The main focus of the local government currently is to provide intensive guidance to business players regarding technical regulations, rules of origin, and international certifications. This is crucial given that the Israeli market is known for having strict standards regarding quality, product traceability, and sustainability, which are key to success in global supply chains.
Various potential sectors such as tea, processed agricultural products, wood products, textiles, and footwear are now being encouraged to move up market. The provincial government is also committed to facilitating access to technology, automation, and more substantial trade promotion through international exhibitions and digital platforms to connect local producers directly with trade partners in Israel.
Positive responses have begun to emerge among business actors, including local tea companies that are now adopting more transparent and safe production standards. This shift in mindset is considered a fundamental step so that products from Phu Tho do not merely rely on volume, but are also able to meet the strict requirements set by developed countries.
In addition to technical support, collaboration between cooperatives, farmers, and exporters will continue to be strengthened to ensure the stability of raw material supplies that meet international certification criteria, including Halal certification. With the right synergy between government policy and private sector readiness, VIFTA is projected to be the main catalyst in boosting the region's economic competitiveness on the global stage.
