<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/9/536648_5608219373345059_%C3%A2f.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet witnessed the exchange of the cooperation document between the two countries' businesses at the Việt Nam–Cambodia Business Forum 2026 in Phnom Penh on October 9. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>PHNOM PENH — Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet co-chaired the Việt Nam–Cambodia Business Forum 2026 in Phnom Penh on Friday afternoon.Jointly organised by Việt Nam's Ministry of Finance in coordination with the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce and the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia on the occasion of PM Hưng's official visit to Cambodia, the event brought together leaders of ministries, sectors and localities, along with around 300 business representatives from both countries.Data released at the forum showed that bilateral trade reached approximately US$11.4 billion in 2025, up more than 12 per cent year on year, and nearly $8.7 billion in the first eight months of 2026. Việt Nam is Cambodia’s largest trading partner within ASEAN and its third-largest globally. Leaders of the two countries have agreed to work towards raising bilateral trade to $20 billion in the near future.Việt Nam currently has 223 investment projects in Cambodia, with total registered capital of around $3.4 billion, spanning agriculture, telecommunications, finance and banking, aviation, food processing, trade and services. Cambodian businesses, meanwhile, have 50 projects in Việt Nam with total investment capital of $81.6 million.Many Vietnamese businesses have maintained a long-term presence in Cambodia in sectors including agriculture, telecommunications, finance and banking, aviation, food processing, trade and services. Besides achieving positive business results, they have created tens of thousands of jobs, contributed to state budget revenues and actively participated in local social welfare activities.Addressing the forum, PM Hưng stressed that Việt Nam and Cambodia are close neighbours and affirmed that, guided by the motto of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability”, bilateral relations have continued to grow closer, more comprehensive, positive and effective.He said that economic, trade and investment cooperation constitutes an important pillar of bilateral ties, which has achieved positive results. However, considerable room remains for further expansion to match the strong political ties and the potential of both countries.He held that Việt Nam and Cambodia need to demonstrate determination to increase the scale of investment projects, promote infrastructure and logistics connectivity, and simplify and facilitate procedures, as proposed by businesses.He noted that Việt Nam is entering a new stage of development and implementing comprehensive measures to renew its growth model, with science and technology, digital transformation, innovation and improved human resource quality serving as the foundation for strengthening economic capacity, productivity and competitiveness.Việt Nam is accelerating institutional reforms and regards the private sector as one of the most important drivers of the economy. The country is determined to achieve double-digit economic growth in the 2026-2030 period and become a high-income developed country by 2045, he said.Briefing participants on Việt Nam's recent socioeconomic achievements, PM Hưng spoke highly of Cambodia’s development progress and the marked improvement in its investment and business environment.He emphasised the strong complementarities between the two economies. Cambodia has advantages in land resources, agriculture, raw materials, a young workforce and access to international markets. Việt Nam, meanwhile, has processing capabilities, seaports, logistics infrastructure, experience in international economic integration and a network of more than 60 free trade agreement partners.“If we establish effective links, one country’s advantages can become opportunities for the other. The resources of both countries can generate highly competitive shared value chains and reach regional and international markets. The target, agreed upon by the leaders of both countries, of raising bilateral trade to $20 billion in the near future is entirely feasible and within reach, provided that our governments and businesses are determined to act together,” he said.To elevate bilateral economic cooperation to a new level commensurate with the current positive political relationship, PM Hưng proposed a number of major orientations.First, the two Governments, as well as ministries and sectors of the two countries should further align institutions and policies. They should review and continue simplifying investment, land, immigration, customs and quarantine procedures, while maintaining regular government-business dialogues at least once a year, either at government leadership or ministerial level, to ensure that all difficulties are heard and resolved thoroughly and promptly.Second, infrastructure connectivity should be strengthened to link markets. Priority should be given to highways, railways and inland waterways connecting the two countries. Progress on the HCM City–Mộc Bài–Bavet–Phnom Penh expressway should be accelerated, while border gates, border markets and logistics centres should be upgraded. The two sides should also promote the “single-window, single-stop” model at major border crossings to enable faster and lower-cost movement of goods.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/9/536649_5608220030669895_hun.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet at the Việt Nam–Cambodia Business Forum 2026 in Phnom Penh on October 9. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Third, Việt Nam and Cambodia should deepen value-chain cooperation in agriculture and processing. Rather than limiting cooperation to trading raw materials, they should jointly invest in raw material production areas, deeper processing, quality standards and traceability in Cambodia, allowing Cambodian farmers to capture a greater share of added value.Fourth, financial and banking connectivity should be expanded, including greater use of local currencies and cross-border QR payments. Conditions should be created for banks in both countries to expand their networks and provide capital to businesses and residents. Vietnamese commercial banks were also urged to step up consideration of lending to Vietnamese enterprises investing in Cambodia.Fifth, the two countries should connect new growth drivers, including digital transformation, e-commerce, renewable energy, power grid interconnection, tourism and high-quality human resource training.PM Hưng emphasised that while the Government creates favourable conditions, businesses are the ones that turn opportunities into results, outlining several messages for the business community.First, he called for long-term and responsible investment, urging Vietnamese businesses in Cambodia to strictly comply with local laws, respect Cambodian culture and customs, prioritise local recruitment and training, protect the environment and contribute to host communities.Second, he urged businesses from both countries to strengthen links through joint investment, supply chain development, product development and access to third-country markets. Việt Nam also encourages Cambodian businesses to invest in Việt Nam and leverage its existing infrastructure and network of free trade agreements to connect with regional and global markets. He affirmed that Việt Nam's market of more than 100 million people remains open to Cambodian businesses and goods.Third, he called on businesses to compete through quality, technology and sustainability, focusing on projects with high added value, modern technology, environmental benefits and broader economic impact.Reaffirming the principle that business growth drives national development, the leader pledged that the Vietnamese Government would continue supporting businesses investing and operating in Cambodia while welcoming and facilitating Cambodian investment and business activities in Việt Nam.Regarding proposals raised by businesses at the forum, the PM tasked Việt Nam's Minister of Finance with coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia to compile all recommendations. Issues within Việt Nam's jurisdiction must be resolved conclusively and reported to the PM, while matters requiring bilateral coordination should be discussed promptly with Cambodian authorities.The PM expressed confidence that traditional friendship, strong political trust and the shared determination of both governments and business communities would deliver notable results in bilateral economic cooperation during a new phase of development, contributing to celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.PM Hun Manet praised the organisation of the forum, saying the strong participation of businesses from both countries reflected confidence and interest in expanding trade, investment and business cooperation.Against rapid and complex regional and global changes, Cambodia and Việt Nam continued to pursue closer cooperation and complementarity, he said. Their relationship remained stable and was expanding across trade, investment, tourism, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.Frequent high-level visits and contacts reflected strong political trust and a shared commitment to strengthening good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability, while taking economic ties to a new level.Congratulating Việt Nam on its remarkable progress across various fields, PM Hun Manet said the two countries’ deep-rooted relationship and economic potential made the target of raising bilateral trade to $20 billion achievable, with scope to go further. More importantly, he stressed, the quality and depth of economic connectivity between the two countries must improve.He also highly valued the presence and positive contributions of Vietnamese investors to Cambodia’s economic development over more than three decades.Agreeing with PM Hung on the considerable potential for cooperation, PM Hun Manet said stronger connectivity and more efficient cross-border trade were essential to achieving their goals, including improved transport links and mechanisms to facilitate bilateral commerce.He stressed that infrastructure connectivity was only the starting point. The next step was to turn road links into production links and transform the HCM City–Mộc Bài–Bavet–Phnom Penh transport corridor into an economic and production corridor connecting factories, industrial parks, economic zones, logistics providers and markets in both countries.The leader also highlighted significant potential for deeper tourism cooperation. More than one million Vietnamese tourists visited Cambodia in 2025, making Việt Nam one of Cambodia’s largest source markets. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of Cambodians were choosing Việt Nam for tourism and healthcare.He encouraged ministries, travel companies, airlines and hotels in both countries to step up promotion, develop tourism products, connect destinations and attract visitors from third-country markets.The PM affirmed that the Cambodian Government would continue to safeguard key conditions for investment and improve the business environment. He urged businesses and investors from both countries to seek new opportunities, moving beyond conventional trade towards deeper processing, higher value creation and stronger integration into regional supply chains.At the forum, witnessed by the two PMs, agencies and businesses from Việt Nam and Cambodia exchanged five cooperation documents. These included two amended overseas investment registration certificates for THACO AGRI’s crop cultivation and livestock projects in Kratie and Ratanakiri provinces, with total investment capital of $648 million. — VNA/VNS

At the Việt Nam–Cambodia Business Forum 2026, witnessed by the two PMs, agencies and businesses from Việt Nam and Cambodia exchanged five cooperation documents. These included two amended overseas investment registration certificates for THACO AGRI’s crop cultivation and livestock projects in Kratie and Ratanakiri provinces, with total investment capital of $648 million.

Việt Nam, Cambodia bolster economic ties, eye $20 billion in trade

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/8/535407_vna_potal_cang_bien_o_thanh_pho_ho_chi_minh_huong_toi_ky_nguyen_%E2%80%9Ccang_xanh%E2%80%9D_8784887.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>BIG TRADE: A view of SSIT Port in HCM City. Technology can create a driving force and provide the foundation for Việt Nam to become a strong maritime nation. VNA/VNS Photo Mạnh Dương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Nguyễn HằngViệt Nam is on the path to acquiring the knowledge, technology and capacity needed to become a strong maritime nation.Experts believe that science and technology are among the pillars underpinning the ambition set out in the Party's Resolution 20, adopted on July 28, 2026, which focuses on building Việt Nam into a strong maritime nation as a long-term goal.Science and technology could determine whether Việt Nam remains largely dependent on conventional, small-scale exploitation of marine resources or moves towards a modern maritime economy based on technology, productivity and knowledge.Nguyễn Chu Hồi, a National Assembly deputy and permanent vice president of the Việt Nam Fisheries Society, said technology would be the foundation for building national maritime capacity, while international scientific cooperation could help Việt Nam acquire knowledge, train its workforce and gain access to advanced models of marine governance.“It can create a driving force and provide the foundation for Việt Nam to become a strong maritime nation,” he said.At the same time, international cooperation in science and technology would further promote domestic technological development.“We must go to sea on the legs of technology and the legs of institutions," Hồi said.The scale of the challenge becomes apparent as soon as Việt Nam moves beyond its familiar coastal waters.Nguyễn Như Trung from the Institute of Earth Sciences under the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology said Việt Nam urgently needed stronger scientific and technological capacity to explore deep and offshore waters. The country did not yet possess sufficiently powerful vessels for large-scale surveys and exploration at great depths.“If surveys in coastal waters at depths of 100–200m are already difficult, working in waters 1,000–4,000m deep presents a far greater challenge,” Trung said.The problem is not a lack of ambition but a lack of equipment. Despite its coastline of more than 3,200km, Việt Nam does not yet have a fully equipped research vessel dedicated to comprehensive marine research. That technological gap limits the country’s ability to understand what lies beneath its waters and, consequently, its ability to manage and develop those resources effectively.The same challenge appears in marine aquaculture. Việt Nam has around 1,000 sq.km of water surface suitable for marine fish farming, according to Nguyễn Hữu Dũng, chairman of the Việt Nam Marine Aquaculture Association.Yet much of that potential remains untapped. More than 99 per cent of marine farms are small-scale household operations, often fragmented and reliant on outdated technology.Việt Nam currently has fewer than five industrial marine aquaculture clusters. Industrial-scale marine farming could increase output and value, reshape the structure of the fisheries sector and transform how production is managed.But to do this, the role of science and technology is indispensable.A maritime industryTechnology is equally critical to another pillar of the maritime economy: shipbuilding and maritime services.Nguyễn Hồng Thu, deputy general director of Engineering at VARD Vũng Tàu Co Ltd, a member of Norwegian shipbuilding group VARD, said Việt Nam was facing a major opportunity to develop its maritime industry.Its geographical position is highly favourable, while the country has shipyards, a large workforce and experience in carrying out international projects, according to Thu.But the shipbuilding industry still faces a substantial technological and industrial gap compared with more developed maritime economies. Weak value chains, an incomplete supplier ecosystem, limited investment in research and development and a shortage of specialised experts remain major constraints.Bridging that gap requires the creation of an entire maritime ecosystem, from engineering and design to high-tech equipment, logistics and specialised human resources.Thu proposed that Việt Nam focus on specialised vessels, offshore energy development technologies, engineering and design and high-tech maritime equipment.He also identified three strategic maritime regions: Hải Phòng–Quảng Ninh, Đà Nẵng–Quảng Ngãi-Khánh Hòa and HCM City–Vũng Tàu–Đồng Nai.By 2030, he said, Việt Nam should have laid the foundations for a clear development roadmap involving the Government, businesses, research institutes, universities and international partners.Another fundamental gap is marine data.According to Sylvain Ouillon, head of the representative office of the French Research Institute for Development (IRD) in Việt Nam, Việt Nam currently has 21 hydro-meteorological stations, including nine along the coast, 11 on small islands and one offshore platform.But these stations mainly measure physical parameters at the surface, such as temperature, salinity, wind and waves. “None of them measure chemistry, biology or ecology,” Ouillon said.Environmental observations are also largely carried out through individual programmes rather than continuous monitoring. The result is a fragmented picture of the marine environment.“We lack continuous measurements of biological and chemical information. We also lack offshore data and real-time integration of data for forecasting and operational purposes, particularly to prevent extreme events,” he said.For a country increasingly exposed to climate change, coastal hazards and pressure on marine ecosystems, such gaps are not merely scientific inconveniences. They affect the ability to make timely decisions and manage marine space and resources.Ouillon believes international cooperation can help fill some of these gaps. The IRD and French scientific organisations would be ready to provide technical advice on monitoring station design and equipment, connect Vietnamese infrastructure with French institutions, support training and help Việt Nam access international research networks, he said.He proposed beginning with two pilot marine stations, one at Đồ Sơn in the northern city of Hải Phòng, where the Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology has a site close to the sea, and another in Quy Nhơn Ward.An agreement has recently been signed involving the IRD, ICES and Gia Lai Province to advance plans for a pilot marine station in Quy Nhơn.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/8/535413_vna_potal_phu_quoc_thanh_pho_bien_dao_mang_tam_quoc_te_7299025.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Boats at Hòn Thơm fishing village, Phú Quốc Island, in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. Việt Nam has around 1,000 sq.km of water surface suitable for marine fish farming. VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>From cooperation to capacityFor Việt Nam, the challenge is ultimately to develop the capacity to master, adapt and innovate with technology.Hồi said this required a national marine science and technology strategy, a clear coordination mechanism and a more enabling policy environment.“Without an open policy framework, science and technology may set out very ambitious goals, but the necessary resources cannot be mobilised,” he explained.He also called for a national marine database with clear standards and decentralised access, a stronger network of marine monitoring stations and mechanisms for controlled testing and commercialisation of marine technologies.Research institutes, universities and businesses must be connected to form an ecosystem capable of developing and commercialising technology, while the country’s human resources must be upgraded to ensure that imported or newly developed technologies can actually be mastered.Dũng similarly called for industrial marine farming clusters supported by modern equipment, specialised human resources, appropriate infrastructure, a better business environment and stronger international cooperation.For advanced marine aquaculture technologies, he suggested prioritising partnerships with Norway, Denmark, South Korea and Australia.Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Trần Trung Tính proposed four priorities of strengthening marine research organisations, mastering advanced technologies, connecting ocean data infrastructure and attracting leading international experts.The first priority involves raising the capacity of Việt Nam’s marine research organisations with the aim of placing them among the leading institutions in ASEAN.The ministry will develop a legal framework and encourage links between Vietnamese institutes and universities and leading ocean research centres worldwide.The second is to strengthen research cooperation, technology transfer and mastery in areas including autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean remote sensing, high-speed submarine cables, subsea data centres, offshore renewable energy and marine biotechnology.Priority partners include countries with strong marine technology capabilities such as Japan, Germany, Italy, the US, Australia and Russia.The third is to connect Việt Nam’s ocean-data infrastructure with regional and global systems, including through the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and multilateral mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.The fourth is to establish mechanisms to attract leading international scientists and experts to participate directly in major marine science and technology programmes.For Tính, this is where science diplomacy meets maritime development. “Science helps us understand the sea. Technology helps us master the sea. Innovation helps us generate wealth from the sea. Digital transformation helps us govern the sea more effectively,” he said.Technological self-reliance, he added, would also contribute to protecting national sovereignty and interests at sea. VNS

“We must go to sea on the legs of technology and the legs of institutions,” said Nguyễn Chu Hồi, a National Assembly deputy and permanent vice president of the Việt Nam Fisheries Society.

Technology vital for deep-sea journey

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/8/533997_na.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Lạng Sơn authorities and agencies organise livestream sessions on TikTok Shop to promote the province's speciality custard apples and help connect local agricultural products with consumers. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Cross-border e-commerce is opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese goods to reach international consumers directly, but businesses are still tapping only a small share of the market.To expand online exports, enterprises need to strengthen their sales, operations and logistics capabilities rather than treating e-commerce as merely a supplementary channel.The global cross-border e-commerce market has surpassed US$800 billion, while Vietnamese businesses have tapped only about $5.5 billion, including around $2 billion in exports, according to an updated e-commerce industry report released by SHS Securities in late September 2026.The proportion of businesses using e-commerce websites and applications for exports ranged from 14 per cent to 19 per cent during 2021–25, according to SHS, indicating that investment in the channel has yet to establish a sustainable trend.China is currently the leading market targeted for online exports, accounting for 43 per cent, followed by Japan at 30 per cent, South Korea at 28 per cent, the European Union at 17 per cent and the US at 12 per cent.SHS said e-commerce continued to play more of a supporting role than a core one in Vietnamese businesses' export activities. About 35 per cent of businesses said exports through the channel accounted for less than 10 per cent of their total export value, while only 14 per cent said the share exceeded 30 per cent.The gap between the size of the global market and the level of Vietnamese businesses' participation points to significant room for growth. But turning this opportunity into a substantive export channel will require long-term investment in brands, data, sales and operations.Building for scaleVõ Thanh Tòng, senior account manager at Amazon Global Selling Vietnam, said the scale of online sales depended not only on products but also on the resources businesses could commit to a market over a sufficiently long period.The number of Vietnamese businesses generating millions of dollars in revenue on Amazon was increasing, but reaching that scale would require operational capacity, brand management and sustained resources, he said.This meant online exports could not be treated as a short-term experiment. Businesses would need time to understand customers, improve products, build up reviews and optimise sales operations.Content platforms are also creating new ways to reach consumers. Trần Thị Tân, director of CSR and strategic partnerships at TikTok Shop Vietnam, said videos, storytelling and livestreams could generate consumer interest before a purchasing need had fully emerged.For Vietnamese goods, this approach could broaden access to international consumers, particularly for products that can be effectively presented through images and storytelling.However, when selling internationally, businesses would still need to localise content to turn consumer attention into orders. "Discovery e-commerce", in which content creates demand before consumers actively search for a product, would provide another way to reach buyers.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/8/533996_amazon.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Amazon are creating new opportunities for Vietnamese goods to expand their global reach and strengthen their brands internationally. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Logistics key to scaling upAccording to SHS, platforms such as Amazon Global Selling, Alibaba and TikTok Shop, along with bonded warehouse models, are creating additional routes for companies to reach international consumers directly.But direct sales also require businesses to take greater control of products, brands, orders and logistics.Winning orders is only the first step. Logistics costs, delivery times and order fulfilment capacity can determine whether a business can sell a product profitably.SHS said high logistics costs, long international delivery times and limitations in bonded warehouses and border-area sorting centres were hindering businesses from expanding online exports.Tân said products could be discovered by consumers through content, but turning attention into sales required businesses to ensure competitive products and prices as well as reliable services and fulfilment operations.Tòng added that as order volumes increased, requirements for inventory, delivery and customer service also grew. If operational capacity failed to keep pace, higher revenue would not necessarily translate into greater efficiency.Logistics needed to be considered when businesses select a market, rather than only after orders have been received.Businesses could ship directly from Việt Nam while testing a market. As order volumes grew, they could consider using bonded warehouses or sorting centres in destination markets to shorten delivery times and control costs.Beyond deliveryThe Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade recently organised field programmes in Henan Province, China, helping businesses study distribution systems, international rail routes and bonded warehouses in Zhengzhou.The initiative is expected to expand to the EU, the US, Japan and South Korea, creating more options for businesses to organise supply chains suited to individual markets.However, efficient delivery addresses only part of the challenge.Trần Quốc Hùng, an international economics and finance expert, said the restructuring of global supply chains was creating opportunities but did not mean the benefits would automatically flow to Vietnamese businesses.He said advantages in geo-economic position, free trade agreements (FTAs) and production capacity could generate long-term value only if businesses improved productivity, technology, adaptability and their ability to participate more deeply in global value chains.From an e-commerce perspective, a cross-border order would also be only a starting point. If businesses remained heavily dependent on platforms, intermediaries or external service providers, higher revenue might not necessarily translate into greater value for the businesses themselves.Greater control over brands, customer data, product positioning and distribution systems could help businesses turn each transaction into a foundation for subsequent orders.Việt Nam's 17 FTAs have opened markets, while its production capacity provides the goods. To expand online exports, businesses also need to strengthen their ability to reach customers and manage sales, logistics and after-sales operations. VNS

To expand online exports, enterprises need to strengthen their sales, operations and logistics capabilities rather than treating e-commerce as merely a supplementary channel.

Businesses need to expand share of online export market

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534761_wood.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Production at Đồng Kỵ Woodcraft Village in Bắc Ninh Province. The domestic market could become an important growth driver for the wood industry. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Thương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Trần NhưHÀ NỘI — The wood industry is looking to its domestic market of more than 100 million people for a new source of growth beyond exports, as rising demand for housing, construction and living spaces creates opportunities.However, turning that potential into sustainable long-term growth will require a more transparent domestic market, with greater emphasis on legal timber, product quality, standards and consumer demand, experts said at a conference held by the HCM City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA), the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST) and Forest Trends on October 2.The domestic market could become an important growth driver for the wood industry, said Ngô Sỹ Hoài, VIFOREST’s general secretary.Average Vietnamese spending on wood products and furniture is currently around US$50 per person, he said, estimating that if the market grows by 7-9 per cent annually, its value could reach around $7-7.7 billion and potentially $7.7-8 billion a year by 2030.The domestic market should not be viewed simply as a lifeline when exports face difficulties, but as a long-term market where companies can build brands, develop products and increase value added, he said.Nguyễn Hoài Bảo, vice chairman of HAWA, said Việt Nam's wood industry had demonstrated its manufacturing capacity and ability to meet demanding international market requirements with an export of $17.2 billion in 2025. In the first eight months of 2026, exports reached nearly $11.7 billion.Those figures showed that Vietnamese companies had accumulated experience in manufacturing, management and compliance with international standards, Bảo said. The challenge was to make greater use of those capabilities in the domestic market.Legal timberDespite its potential, Việt Nam's domestic wood market remains fragmented, with a large number of household producers and small businesses.Information on timber origin, product quality, durability, moisture levels, emissions and formaldehyde content is not always fully disclosed, while the market also lacks comprehensive statistical data, established brands and consistent after-sales services.Legal timber should become the minimum standard for the domestic market, according to Hoài.Companies should develop business models suited to different market segments, expand digitalisation and multi-channel sales, and compete through product quality, services, warranties, repairs and after-sales support, he said.Clear disclosure of timber origin would also help build consumer confidence and encourage the use of legal timber, Hoài added.Public procurement could provide another source of demand. Purchases of wooden furniture and fittings for schools, government offices and public projects should include requirements on legal timber and sustainable forest management, he added.Nguyễn Minh Cương, chief executive of Minh Long Wood JSC, Vietnamese companies should build their competitive advantage around Vietnamese identity, culture, knowledge and people.Understanding domestic consumers will not only help companies develop the local market but also provide a foundation for creating products capable of competing internationally.Cương also highlighted the need for clearer technical regulations and standards for wood and furniture products.Wood products are strongly affected by temperature, humidity and environmental conditions, while Việt Nam's climate varies significantly between regions, he said. Products therefore need to be assessed against standards suited to actual conditions of use.Another challenge is the shift in raw materials and production methods in traditional craft villages.Võ Quang Hà, chairman of the HCM City Wood and Construction Association, said Việt Nam initially lacked sufficient domestic plantation timber, forcing companies to rely on imported wood for processing.During its work with craft villages in northern Vietnam, the company saw significant potential in the domestic market and the need to bring Vietnamese wood products closer to local consumers, Hà said.Natural forest timber, however, still accounts for a significant share of wood used in domestic distribution systems, he said, adding that changing traditional production and trading practices in craft villages would take time.The transition would require support for craft villages in technology, production space and equipment, he said.Hà also pointed to biomass energy as an area with potential for domestic demand.Việt Nam is currently one of the world's major wood-pellet exporters. In 2025, the country exported about 8.5 million tonnes of wood pellets worth $1.25 billion, while domestic consumption remained limited, he said.As Vietnam transitions towards cleaner energy, wood pellets and other biomass products could become part of the country's renewable energy mix, Hà said.According to Tô Xuân Phúc, director of the Forest Policy and Trade Programme at Forest Trends, developing the domestic market should go hand in hand with establishing policies and standards, as well as implementing practical models.Pilot models can provide additional data and experience, helping ensure that policies are better aligned with realities on the ground.“The Vietnamese wood industry has demonstrated its capacity in international markets. The challenge now is to bring the quality, traceability and sustainability standards that have helped Vietnamese products reach global markets into the domestic market,” Phúc said.“This will help transform the domestic market from simply a place for consumption into a new growth driver, enabling businesses to better understand Vietnamese consumers, increase product value and pursue sustainable development,” he added. — VNS &nbsp;

The domestic market should not be viewed simply as a lifeline&nbsp;when exports face difficulties, but as a long-term market where companies can build brands, develop products and increase value added.

Wood industry looks to home market for new growth

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534798_5602002265618639_097f4017a06620387977.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Vũ Thị Chân Phương, chairwoman of the SSC, delivers an opening remark at the event on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;— VNS Photo Ly Ly Cao</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>By Ly Ly CaoHÀ NỘI — Việt Nam aims to expand the scale, depth and transparency of its capital markets to mobilise more medium- and long-term funding for economic development, officials and experts said at the 31st Annual General Meeting of the Asia Securities Forum (ASF) in Hà Nội on October 2.At the special session titled "Investing in Vietnam: Rising in a New Era", speakers discussed the development priorities of Việt Nam's capital markets for 2026–2030, including improving market infrastructure, broadening the investor base and strengthening the ability to channel domestic and international capital into the economy.Vũ Thị Chân Phương, chairwoman of the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC), said the country was entering a new stage of development, with substantial capital requirements to support economic growth, infrastructure, the energy transition, high technology and industry."The capital market must play a critical role," she said."Our goal is for the securities market not only to help businesses raise capital but also to become an effective source of medium- and long-term funding for the economy and a stronger bridge between domestic and international capital."She said Việt Nam's upgrade to secondary emerging market status by FTSE Russell marked an important milestone after years of reform, including improvements to the regulatory framework and modernisation of market infrastructure to improve accessibility for international investors.According to Phương, equity market capitalisation on the country's two main exchanges had reached approximately US$404 billion, equivalent to 81.7 per cent of gross domestic product.Average daily equity trading value since the beginning of 2026 had been around $1 billion, while the number of securities trading accounts stood at nearly 13.9 million at the end of September.However, she stressed that the upgrade was not the destination but the beginning of a new journey."An emerging market should not simply be bigger," Phương&nbsp;said. "It should be more transparent, more efficient, safer, and more closely aligned with international standards."The SSC would continue to improve the regulatory framework, strengthen disclosure and corporate governance, enhance product quality and diversity, broaden the investor base and make the market more accessible to foreign investors.She also highlighted plans to modernise market infrastructure, implement new exchanges, develop central counterparty models and promote the use of digital technology in market management and supervision.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534799_5602002883217134_d90c11aefcdf7c8125ce.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Tehmina Khan, the World Bank's lead economist for Việt Nam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, at the event. — VNS Photo Ly Ly Cao</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Presenting at the event, Tehmina Khan, the World Bank's lead economist for Việt Nam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, highlighted the need to shift towards productivity-led growth as the country moves beyond the drivers that supported its transition to middle-income status.Việt Nam's gross national income per capita rose from about $220 to nearly $5,000 in less than two generations. However, she noted that reaching high-income status would be considerably more challenging, with productivity improvements becoming increasingly important.The country faces several headwinds, including trade uncertainty, an ageing population and climate change. These pressures add to the need for investment in productive infrastructure, skilled workers, competitive businesses, efficient capital allocation and stronger institutions.The World Bank's expert stressed substantial financing requirements for 2026–2030.&nbsp;The public investment plan for priority energy and transport projects was shown at 10.3 per cent of GDP, compared with public investment levels of 5.9 per cent in 2011–2015, 6.6 per cent in 2016–2020 and 5.9 per cent in 2021–2025.She identified shallow capital markets and limited domestic capacity to absorb additional borrowing as constraints on financing.&nbsp;Khan said Vietnam Social Security held roughly 60 per cent of outstanding government bonds, with domestic banks holding most of the remainder. While this ownership structure had kept yields low, it had also limited price discovery.&nbsp;Financing budget deficits through banks and the pension fund could crowd out private credit and constrain capital market development.As a result, Khan identified three priorities for deeper capital markets: broadening the institutional investor base, strengthening price discovery and market liquidity, and improving market infrastructure and supervision.She also highlighted the potential benefits of stronger sovereign creditworthiness, including broader access to institutional investors, lower sovereign risk premiums and improved financing conditions for domestic issuers. These benefits would still depend on global interest rates and individual issuer risks. — BIZHUB/VNS

The SSC would continue to improve the regulatory framework, strengthen disclosure and corporate governance, enhance product quality and diversity, broaden the investor base and make the market more accessible to foreign investors.

Việt Nam seeks deeper capital markets to finance next growth phase

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534740_B%E1%BA%A3o.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Nguyễn Hoài Bảo, vice chairman and general secretary of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City, speaks at a seminar on developing a legal, quality, and sustainable domestic wood market in HCM City on October 2. — Photo courtesy of HAWA</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY — While export markets have helped Việt Nam’s wood industry build its production capacity and establish a global position, a stronger domestic market could provide an important foundation for more stable and sustainable long-term growth, industry representatives have said.Speaking at a seminar on building a legal, quality-driven, and sustainable domestic wood market, Nguyễn Hoài Bảo, vice chairman and general secretary of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (HAWA), said that in 2025, Việt Nam’s exports of wood and wood products were worth US$17.2 billion, with exports to the US accounting for nearly $9.5 billion.The figures demonstrate Vietnamese wood and furniture enterprises possess robust manufacturing capabilities, effective corporate governance, and the ability to meet strict requirements in high-standard international markets, he said.But having developed the ability to take its products to global markets, the industry should also focus on building a sufficiently strong market at home, he said.“With a population of more than 100 million, rapid urbanisation, and growing demand for housing, construction, and living spaces, the domestic market is a fertile space that the wood industry needs to take seriously and approach with a long-term strategy.“However, sustainable development requires not only good products but also clear standards on timber origin, legality, quality, and product safety.”Echoing this view, Ngô Sỹ Hoài, secretary general of the Việt Nam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST), said the country’s population of more than 100 million, and growing by around 1 per cent annually, offers considerable potential for the domestic wood market.For years, however, the domestic market had largely been regarded as a supplementary sales channel or a “lifeline” when exports faced difficulties, while most businesses continued to focus their resources on overseas markets.Hoài said: “This approach needs to change. The domestic market is large enough to become a genuine growth driver, rather than merely a supplementary sales channel.”<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534741_VIforest.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Ngô Sỹ Hoài, secretary general of VIFOREST, says the domestic wood market needs clearer standards and greater transparency to unlock its potential. — Photo courtesy of HAWA</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>He said if the economy maintains steady growth of more than 10 per cent annually, domestic demand for wood products could expand by 7–9 per cent annually, surpassing the global average growth rate of around 6 per cent.Then it could grow from its current $5 billion valuation to nearly $8 billion by 2030.This domestic demand spans far beyond residential furniture, encompassing housing, public works, hospitality services, e-commerce packaging, paper, logistics, and biomass energy.Hoài particularly highlighted the transformative potential of public procurement.If government projects and public facilities strictly mandate the use of legal, traceable timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, the public sector could establish benchmark standards for the broader consumer market.Market lacks common standardsIts potential notwithstanding, the domestic wood and furniture market faces several constraints, including fragmented supply chains, and a lack of common standards and transparent product information, according to Hoài and businesses at the seminar.Market data is another weakness. While import and export statistics are relatively comprehensive, information on the size, structure, and consumption trends of the domestic wood market remains limited.This makes it difficult for businesses to forecast demand or develop appropriate market strategies.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/10/2/534742_panel.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Delegates discuss solutions for developing a stronger domestic market for legal, quality and sustainable wood products in Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of HAWA</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Businesses attending the seminar also pointed to the lack of standards and technical regulations specifically applicable to the domestic wood market, calling for clearer Government frameworks to help protect consumers and establish a more transparent market.Competition is also intensifying as a large and diverse range of Chinese products reaches Vietnamese consumers through online sales and domestic distribution channels. Vietnamese businesses therefore need to take a more proactive approach to developing the domestic market, said Nguyễn Vĩnh Nam, vice president of operations of USofa.He said this requires stronger collaboration among relevant associations and organisations to create opportunities for businesses to network, share best practices and build partnerships. The Government should also play a leading role by developing common standards and establishing a transparent framework for product quality and origin. This would help businesses improve quality while giving consumers more information when making purchasing decisions.Hoài said a transparent market ecosystem based on clear standards is needed.Legal timber, traceability, and sustainable forest management should become minimum requirements not only for export products but also for the domestic market.Businesses should also develop dedicated models for the domestic market rather than treat it as an outlet for surplus products.Nguyễn Minh Cương, general director of Minh Long Wood Joint Stock Company and chairman of the HAWA Northern Club, said firms should make greater use of Việt Nam’s cultural identity and heritage when developing products for domestic consumers, creating designs that reflect local tastes and values.Võ Quang Hà, chairman of the HCM City Structure Architecture Wood Association (SAWA) and chairman of Tavico Group, said: “We have the capacity to produce high-quality products for demanding international markets. The same standards should also be applied to products serving Vietnamese consumers.”The seminar was organised by HAWA as part of the Vietnam Interior and Build Expo being held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCM City. – VNS

While export markets have helped Việt Nam’s wood industry build its production capacity and establish a global position, a stronger domestic market could provide an important foundation for more stable and sustainable long-term growth, industry representatives have said.

Wood industry urged to seek stronger foothold in domestic market

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/533036_5595940882650721_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Cargos are handled at Cát Lái Port in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>BUENOS AIRES —&nbsp;The Argentine Chamber of Commerce for Asia and the Pacific (Cámara de Asia) held a seminar in Buenos Aires on Thursday to provide information, connect enterprises and discuss business opportunities in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Việt Nam and Indonesia.The event brought together representatives of diplomatic missions and trade promotion agencies of the four Asian countries, along with numerous Argentine businesses with experience in trade and investment in Asia and Southeast Asia. Professors, lecturers, and students of international economics, along with representatives of the Argentine business community, also attended.In his opening remarks, Cámara de Asia Executive Director Martín Lo Coco said Asia is increasingly becoming a region of great potential for Argentine businesses thanks to its market size, economic growth and diverse import demand. As Argentina seeks to expand its external economic relations, stronger access to Asia-Pacific markets is considered an important avenue for diversifying export markets.At the seminar, Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in Argentina Ngô Mạnh Khôi introduced key features of Việt Nam’s economy and cooperation opportunities for Argentine businesses. According to official data, Việt Nam’s GDP grew 8.02 per cent last year, while total merchandise trade reached US$930.05 billion, with exports exceeding $475 billion, up 17.0 per cent from 2024, and imports at around $455 billion, up 19.4 per cent. The economy was valued at approximately $514 billion.He highlighted Việt Nam’s stable economic and political environment, proactive international integration and participation in a broad network of new-generation free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These provide a foundation for Việt Nam to serve not only as a market of nearly 100 million people but also as a gateway for businesses to access supply chains and wider markets across the Asia-Pacific region.Việt Nam has set ambitious growth and development targets for the coming decades. During 2026–30, the country aims to maintain average annual GDP growth of at least 10 per cent, with a goal of becoming a “developing country with upper-middle income” by 2030 and a “developed, high-income country” by 2050. These goals are accompanied by efforts to accelerate industrialisation, innovation, digital transformation and international integration, opening up greater room for cooperation with foreign partners and businesses.Việt Nam and Argentina established diplomatic relations on October 25, 1973, and elevated them to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2010. The two economies are highly complementary, with Argentina strong in agricultural products, raw materials and food, while Việt Nam has strengths in processed industrial goods, electronics, machinery, footwear and textiles.Bilateral trade has remained high in recent years, reaching approximately $4.27 billion last year. Vietnamese exports to Argentina surged 68.7 per cent last year. Argentina is currently Việt Nam’s third-largest trading partner in Latin America, while Việt Nam is an important trading partner of Argentina.Notably, the two sides are seeking to further expand trade through a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Việt Nam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). The first round of negotiations took place in Buenos Aires in late August, focusing on issues including trade in goods, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers, trade facilitation and economic cooperation.Meanwhile, Argentina officially applied to join the CPTPP in June. As CPTPP Chair this year and one of ASEAN’s dynamic economies, Việt Nam supports Argentina’s accession to the agreement.At the seminar, Argentine business representatives also shared practical experience in trade and investment activities in Japan, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia, reflecting growing interest among the country’s business community in Asian markets. Among the destinations discussed, Việt Nam emerged as a market with significant potential thanks to its strong growth, extensive FTA network and increasingly important role in regional supply chains. —&nbsp;VNA/VNS

Việt Nam emerged as a market with significant potential for Argentine businesses thanks to its strong growth, extensive FTA network and increasingly important role in regional supply chains.

Argentine businesses eye expansion into Vietnamese market

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/533063_5596117420824053_attends2.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm attends and delivers remarks at the Việt Nam–Canada high-level business dialogue in Ottawa on September 25. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>OTTAWA — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee and President Tô Lâm attended and delivered remarks at a Việt Nam–Canada high-level business dialogue in Ottawa on Thursday (local time), as part of his state visit to the North American country.The event was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance and Global Affairs Canada, with the participation of Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, Vietnamese officials, and businesses from both countries.In his welcoming remarks, Minister Sidhu said that agreements signed by the two countries and cooperation among their businesses have created a strong foundation for trade and investment ties, opening up new opportunities for bilateral collaboration.He highlighted Canada’s potential in clean and renewable energy and said Canadian companies have maintained long-standing links with Việt Nam. He encouraged more Vietnamese businesses to invest and establish a presence in Canada, noting significant room for mutually beneficial development, particularly through high technology and more efficient production.Representatives of business associations and companies of the two countries discussed opportunities and proposals in finance, energy, infrastructure, transport and high technology. They agreed that Việt Nam–Canada economic ties have a solid foundation but should enter a new phase featuring deeper investment, stronger value-chain linkages and more substantive results.Addressing the dialogue, General Secretary and President Lâm spoke highly of the sound friendship between Việt Nam and Canada, built on trust, mutual respect and win-win cooperation. The Comprehensive Partnership established in 2017 has provided a favourable framework for expanding bilateral cooperation across various fields.He noted that the significance of Việt Nam–Canada relations now extends beyond the bilateral framework. Việt Nam, with a market of more than 100 million people and extensive free trade agreements, is increasingly connected with ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region, while Canada possesses capital, technology, knowledge, management capacity and business and financial networks deeply integrated with North America and the global economy. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provides an important institutional foundation for connecting these strengths.Given the strong growth in bilateral trade, the Vietnamese leader said the two economies could aim for two-way trade of US$14-15 billion by 2030 in a balanced, sustainable manner with higher added value.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/533064_5596118120517970_hand.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm witnesses the handover of cooperation documents between the two countries' businesses. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>He noted that bilateral trade has been developing faster than investment. Although Canada currently has more than 300 investment projects in Việt Nam with total registered capital of around $5 billion, investment has not grown commensurately in recent years, while cooperation in processing and manufacturing and the development of joint production chains remains limited.This gap represents the greatest room for development that both sides should focus on narrowing in the coming period, he emphasised.The General Secretary and President urged businesses from both sides to focus on stronger investment ties, particularly by connecting Canada’s long-term capital with high-quality projects in Việt Nam. He said Việt Nam has substantial demand for resources for infrastructure, energy, logistics, digital infrastructure, innovation, enterprise development and green transformation, and called for closer cooperation in developing projects, financing plans, promoting risk management and creating long-term value.The two sides should jointly develop infrastructure, energy, technology and the foundations for a new growth model. Việt Nam has significant demand for transport infrastructure, seaports, airports, logistics, power grids, energy, digital infrastructure, data centres and modern industrial parks. Canada has strengths in civil engineering, project management, infrastructure finance, clean energy, LNG, environmental technology, public-private partnership (PPP) models and sustainable development standards.The two countries are also expanding cooperation in strategic areas such as clean energy, LNG, energy technology, critical minerals, transport and logistics, science, technology and innovation.Việt Nam encourages Canadian businesses to invest not only in physical assets, but also in technology, research and development, data, digital solutions, clean technology and industries capable of improving the productivity of the economy. The ultimate goal is not simply to build another facility or factory, but to create new development capacity for Việt Nam.The two sides should make full use of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), taking cooperation beyond conventional trade in goods towards deeper linkages in capital, technology, businesses, supply chains and human resources. The training of high-quality human resources, along with knowledge and skills transfer, should be regarded as an integral component of every major investment project. Each major project should bring opportunities to train engineers, experts, managers and skilled workers. Knowledge must be transformed into skills; skills into productivity; and productivity into competitiveness.To turn these orientations into reality, General Secretary and President Lâm stressed the need for strong commitments. Việt Nam will continue building a stable, transparent, competitive and predictable investment and business environment; protecting the legitimate rights and interests of investors; improving the quality of project preparation and transparency of information; and completing the necessary conditions to enable investors to assess, mobilise capital for and implement long-term projects.For legitimate difficulties and obstacles faced by businesses, ministries, sectors and localities must address them with clear focal points, responsibilities, timelines and outcomes, while ensuring an appropriate allocation of risks between the State and investors on the basis of harmonised interests and compliance with the law.Việt Nam's top leader called on relevant ministries, sectors and the business communities of both countries to urgently select highly feasible projects and initiatives for inclusion in the 2026–28 action plan of the Việt Nam–Canada joint economic committee. The plan should clearly identify which projects can be implemented first, what sources of capital can be mobilised, which mechanisms need to be completed, which businesses can take the lead, and which agencies will be responsible for monitoring implementation.He expressed his hope that the quality of cooperation in the coming period would be measured not merely by memoranda of understanding signed, but by projects that have actually received investment, capital that has been disbursed and new value that has genuinely been created. Vietnamese and Canadian businesses should participate more deeply in each other’s value chains, while engineers, experts and managers from both countries work together to create new value. This, he said, would be the most substantive measure of the quality of the Việt Nam-Canada comprehensive partnership.On the occasion, General Secretary and President Lâm and Minister Sidhu witnessed the handover of cooperation documents between Vietnam Airlines and CAE Inc. on strategic cooperation in aviation training and simulation technology.A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Vietjet and CAE Inc. was also signed on strategic cooperation in the training of pilots, cabin crew and technicians, as well as simulation technology and digital learning.Another MoU between Vietjet and InteliSys Aviation Systems was signed on long-term strategic cooperation in the modernisation of core technology systems, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data, next-generation aviation retail and technology platforms to support Vietjet’s development strategy and international expansion. — VNA/VNS<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/25/533065_5596118480838038_th1.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm witnesses the handover of cooperation documents between the two countries' businesses. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Given the strong growth in bilateral trade, the Vietnamese leader said the two economies could aim for two-way trade of US$14-15 billion by 2030 in a balanced, sustainable manner with higher added value.

General Secretary, President Tô Lâm attends Việt Nam–Canada business dialogue

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/24/532228_5593272726406571_Thai%20customers.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Thai customers try Vietnamese food at Vietnamese Week 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. — VNS Photo Mai Hương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Mai HươngHÀ NỘI — A handshake with a foreign buyer is only the beginning for Vietnamese businesses seeking to expand overseas.The experience of companies at Vietnamese Week 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, which ended on September 20, showed that getting a product into an overseas market requires much more than finding a buyer. Businesses need to understand local demand, meet quality and packaging requirements, invest in marketing and build reliable distribution channels.Thailand, with its geographical proximity and strong retail network, is an important and demanding market for Vietnamese goods. But for many businesses, the experience there is also helping them prepare for markets further afield.Paul Le, vice president of VN Trade Promotion at Central Retail in Việt Nam, said Vietnamese businesses had changed significantly in recent years. They were no longer bringing mainly raw materials to overseas markets but were increasingly developing finished products with better packaging, branding and marketing.He said Central Retail had also helped Vietnamese products reach markets beyond Thailand, including the Czech Republic and the US.“The handshake is only the first step,” Le told Việt Nam News. "Businesses need to take responsibility for promoting their own products and making them visible in the target market. A product placed among thousands of others in a supermarket cannot attract consumers without proper marketing."Businesses would also need to understand prices, consumer preferences and even the local festival calendar to plan when and how products should be introduced, he said.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/24/532229_5593273581173539_B2b.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A Vietnamese business representative introduces her products to Central Retail’s buying team at the event. Thailand is Việt Nam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, while Việt Nam is Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in the bloc. — VNS Photo Mai Hương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Market firstFor Vietnamese localities, one of the lessons from the Thai market is that having a good local product does not automatically mean it can be sold overseas.According to Nguyễn Thanh Phong, vice chairman of the People's Committee of An Giang Province, the province has many strong agricultural products, but most have so far served the domestic market. Its participation in international supply chains remain limited, particularly through major retail groups.The province therefore plans to work more closely with foreign retailers such as Central Retail to help farmers, cooperatives and businesses develop products that meet domestic and international standards, with sufficient production scale and a clear sales plan.“The question is not what we have, but what the market needs,” Phong said.The same approach is being taken by Đà Nẵng. The city brought products including Ngọc Linh ginseng, coffee and instant Mì Quảng noodles to Thailand, but carefully selected what to showcase because Thai buyers have strict requirements.The city has introduced support policies for packaging and trade promotion, with the aim of helping businesses improve their products and access both domestic and overseas markets.Phong said An Giang also wanted to learn from other Vietnamese localities whose products had already entered foreign supermarket chains. He cited Phú Quốc fish sauce as an example, noting that having a well-known product would not be enough if businesses do not know how to meet the requirements of a modern retail system.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/24/532230_5593274166542596_nuoc%20mam%20Phu%20Quoc.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Five-star OCOP Phú Quốc fish sauce is displayed at the event. — VNS Photo Mai Hương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>The experience highlights a broader challenge for Vietnamese businesses: moving from selling what they produce to producing what overseas consumers want.Raising standardsThe shift is already visible in products brought to Thailand. According to Central Retail, Vietnamese companies have made significant improvements in packaging, while some products have moved from basic agricultural materials to finished goods with clear branding and a more attractive presentation.That change is important as consumers and importers increasingly demand higher standards of food safety, traceability, packaging and environmental protection.Võ Hồng Anh, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Foreign Market Development and Multilateral Trade, said Thai companies could also become partners for Vietnamese businesses in processing, logistics, packaging and distribution.Such cooperation could help Vietnamese companies add value to their products and meet stricter requirements in Thailand and other international markets, she said.Thailand is a key export market for Việt Nam. Bilateral trade reached a record US$22.1 billion in 2025, and the two countries are targeting US$25 billion. Thailand is Việt Nam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, while Việt Nam is Thailand’s second-largest trading partner in the bloc.Thailand's proximity also gives it an advantage over distant markets such as Europe and the US, where longer transport times and higher logistics costs can make market access more difficult.More than one marketFor some businesses, Thailand is already one of several overseas markets rather than an end destination.Ban Me Gold, a coffee producer, has exported to the US and has a presence in the South Korean market. The company is developing different product lines for markets such as Japan, Dubai and Malaysia.Võ Tuấn Anh, the company’s deputy director of Trade Promotion, said the company tried to retain a Vietnamese identity while adapting products to the preferences of individual markets.For example, its coffee gift sets include a traditional Vietnamese metal filter. At the same time, packaging and product formats are adjusted for different markets.The approach reflects an increasingly important lesson for Vietnamese exporters: going overseas does not mean selling exactly the same product everywhere. A Vietnamese identity can remain, while products, packaging and marketing are adapted to local consumers.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2026/9/24/532231_5593274631263270_Sinh%20duoc.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Representatives of Sinh Dược Cooperative in Ninh Bình at their booth at the event. The cooperative spent 10 years developing its products before participating in an international trade event for the first time.— VNS Photo Mai Hương</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Going globalFor smaller businesses, the process can start long before the first export order. Quách Thị Vân Anh, commercial director for domestic and international markets at Sinh Dược Cooperative in Ninh Bình, told Việt Nam News that the cooperative had spent 10 years developing its products before participating in an international trade event for the first time.It had prepared its products for overseas markets by registering them under ASEAN standards, obtaining certification and preparing for ISO 22000 certification. Its factory also has US FDA certification, while some products use organic ingredients sourced from its own production areas.The cooperative has also designed products with English names and information on ingredients and uses, while planning to further adapt packaging and messages for international consumers.At the trade event in Thailand, a Central Retail buyer showed interest in Sinh Dược’s herbal soap products, giving the cooperative direct feedback on fragrance, packaging and price.Such direct feedback would be valuable for smaller businesses entering new markets, Vân Anh said.The experience of Vietnamese businesses in Thailand therefore goes beyond the sales generated by a single trade event. It shows the steps businesses need to take to build products that can compete in different markets – from understanding consumers and improving packaging to meeting international standards and finding the right distribution partners.The Ministry of Industry and Trade is also shifting its trade promotion approach towards digital platforms and e-commerce, while its Go Global programme aims to help Vietnamese businesses build their capacity to enter international markets.For Vietnamese companies, Thailand is a useful market to test products and learn from buyers, but the bigger goal is to use that experience to enter more international markets. — VNS &nbsp;

The Thai market is helping Vietnamese businesses improve products, meet stricter buyer requirements and gain experience for expansion into other international markets.

Businesses learn what it takes to sell overseas

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TNH99 Vietnam joint stock company is a multi-sector investment management company. Currently, TNH99 focuses on media, marketing, real estate, health care, F&amp;B and trading. TNH99 Vietnam always defines the customer benefits as the core value in it’s development strategy. We have been incessantly inovating, creating new values, complying with, committing to respect and consistently enforcing the common principles of conduct that make up TNH99 culture. Each member of TNH99 Vietnam has so much enthusiasm, devotion. They understand that interests of the company as well as its customers and social responsibility are focused.TNH99 currently has over 26 subsidiaries and affiliates throughout the country. At TNH99, more than 300 employees, experienced professionals, industry-leading experts, senior advisors and an open knowledge system provide a solid foundation for sustainable development.PRINCIPLES OF OPERATIONFollowing the "for human development" philosophy, TNH99 constantly searches and researches the needs of human and social trends. With the visionary leadership and management as well as young and professional staff, we are constantly growing and affirming our brand in the fields in which we operate in the Vietnamese market.CORE VALUESPeople are the most important resource, helping to create the values and differences of TNH99. They have the knowledge, qualifications and experience that are constantly accumulated and developed.The employees of TNH99 also have the unique characteristics of the Vietnamese people and industries. They always unite, strive towards professionalism, absorb and behave appropriately in communication with customers.Besides, leadership capacity is a key factor that helps TNH99 plan and successfully implement the sustainable development goals, promote the use of advanced management systems and tools, make accurate and timely decisions.Orientation to improve social responsibility, value management is applied at TNH99 to create a culture of effective work, productivity and quality. These values ​​are shared by TNH99 leaders and staff with partners and customers.TNH99 is committed to behave and operate with the following values: Efficiency, Quality, Straightforward, Enthusiastic, Professional.QUALITY POLICY:Meet the needs and satisfy customers by the highest quality of organization and service;Regularly research, apply and develop advanced technology to improve product quality, service and competitiveness in the field of operation;Identify and provide sufficient resources to ensure effective implementation of the quality management system.DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATIONWith a joint-stock operating model, we are still consistent with the tagline "We grow business", in which the principle of human resource development is an important step, governance is an important phase and promoting corporate culture is a regular task. Oriented solutions and services of TNH99 helps businesses to create sustainable added values ​​for people.We are committed to providing the most effective and practical services for Vietnamese businesses and the world for sustainable joint development.We always keep in mind, cherish and create products that constantly meet the expectations of the business community.We behave and cooperate based on civilized values ​​while promoting the cultural identities of VietNam.

About Us

In more than 15 years of establishment and development, with prestigious brands such as the Institute for Brand Strategy and Competition (BCSI), Vibiz, Vmark, Aaker,... and hundreds of media channels, we have affirmed our position as one of the pioneers and prestigious units in the field of market research, marketing consulting, communications, advertising and event organization in Vietnam. With a strategic vision and an experienced creative team, we provide comprehensive communication solutions, helping businesses not only reach the right customers but also build sustainable brand value in the public mind. The modern media industry requires a combination of content strategy, technology and the ability to understand consumer behavior. We provide a closed service ecosystem, including: - Market research and brand health - Consulting and building integrated communication strategy (IMC) - Creative content production (TV, digital, OOH, POSM, corporate films, TVC ...) - Management and implementation of multi-channel advertising campaigns: from traditional press to digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Google ... - Internal branding and brand communication services - PR - Press communication and media crisis handling With the orientation of "communication is not only to be known, but to be trusted", we always focus on the depth of the message, personalization and the ability to connect the brand with the target customers. In addition to communication capacity, we are a leading event organizer, with more than 1,000 large and small events held nationwide. We provide services from concept, design, production to full operation, including: - Marketing campaigns - Product launch, opening ceremony, anniversary celebration - Customer conferences, seminars, international forums - Activation, roadshow, exhibition, trade fair - Cultural, artistic and community CSR events Each event we organize is designed as a vivid communication story, where the brand is not only introduced, but also felt, loved and remembered. Our strength lies not only in our ability to organize or create content, but also in our ability to think about comprehensive communication strategies. We understand that in the digital age, brands cannot "shout loudly" but must "say the right thing, do the right thing and touch the emotions". With a team of experienced experts in marketing, communications, content production, art and digital technology, we are a trusted partner in the journey of building strong brands, winning public trust and promoting business growth.

Communication

In the digital age, information technology is not only a tool to support operations but has become the backbone of business development strategies. Realizing that, TNH99 has developed information technology services as a strategic pillar, providing comprehensive digital solutions for organizations and small and medium enterprises in Vietnam. TNH99 specializes in consulting and implementing digital transformation roadmaps from the root - starting from assessing the current state of operations, analyzing needs, to building digital systems suitable for the characteristics of each industry. We do not provide "ready-made" technology products, but focus on designing flexible, customized solutions according to reality, to ensure effective implementation and sustainable operation. One of TNH99's outstanding strengths is software development in the fields of medical health care, building management and operation, data mining, social listening. These systems are capable of linking internal data, real-time reporting and expanding integration with other platforms such as accounting systems, electronic invoices, banks or online payment gateways. In parallel with the management software, TNH99 also owns a team of experts in designing and operating business websites, e-commerce platforms and landing page platforms dedicated to marketing campaigns. All are built with a friendly interface, SEO standards, fast loading speed, multi-device compatibility and high security. In addition, TNH99's e-commerce solutions also support order management, customers, shopping carts, online payment integration and effective remarketing tools. In terms of infrastructure, TNH99 provides comprehensive IT system management solutions, from server setup, internal or cloud storage systems, to LAN setup, surveillance cameras, remote operating systems. In particular, information security and safety services are one of the top priorities, with encryption tools, periodic backups and access monitoring to protect business data from increasing cyber risks. For businesses that do not want to invest in their own IT team, TNH99 provides IT Outsourcing services - hiring technology experts periodically or by project. From daily technical support, system maintenance, troubleshooting, to training internal staff to use technology systems, we ensure professionalism - quick response - cost savings while still ensuring stable operating quality. All of TNH99's information technology services are built on 4 core principles: understanding the problem correctly - designing a custom solution - flexible implementation - long-term companionship. Not only a service provider, TNH99 wants to become a strategic technology partner of businesses on the journey of sustainable development.

Infomation Technology

We are a pioneer in providing comprehensive F&amp;B solutions, from restaurant operations, event organization, catering to importing and distributing high-end culinary specialties, including wine and imported food from famous regions around the world. With the philosophy that cuisine is a bridge between culture and life experience, TNH99 is committed to bringing customers satisfaction in every dish, every glass of wine and every moment of service. Professionally operated culinary - F&amp;B service chain: - KKAVENUE member company with a multi-style La Fontaine restaurant chain: from traditional Vietnamese dishes to modern fusion menus, youthful design space, international standard service. - Catering: serving family parties in a cozy and private space at private homes and villas, ensuring food safety, reasonable nutrition, and standard operation. - Event party - catering service: organizing full package wedding parties, birthdays, conferences, opening ceremonies... with flexible menus and attentive service. Importing - distributing high-end specialties and wines: Brandx member company is a direct importer and exclusive distributor of many high-end product lines serving the sophisticated culinary market: - Imported wines and beverages: from France, Italy, Chile, Australia, America,... with a diverse portfolio from regular wines to premium lines (Grand Cru, DOCG, Reserva...). - Regional specialties and high-end ingredients: such as European cheese, cold cuts, local spices, organic foods - supporting restaurant chains and distributors. - Gift baskets, high-end culinary gifts: designed according to the holiday season, combining the quintessence of Vietnamese and international cuisine - both luxurious and meaningful. We commit to: - Quintessence of raw materials - input standards: strictly selected, clear origin, meeting international safety standards. - Continuous innovation - flexible according to needs: meeting diverse individual, organizational and corporate customers. - Consistent service quality: whether it is a meal or a glass of wine at a high-end party, TNH99 focuses on the final customer experience. - Sustainable development - responsible business: minimizing F&amp;B waste, developing a clean supply chain, prioritizing high-quality Vietnamese goods.

Our Expertise

In TNH99's multi-industry development strategy, the real estate sector plays an important role in creating long-term value for the community and investors. Established as a member company, Allard Homes was born with the mission of becoming a professional, humane and sustainable real estate management and development unit, focusing on modern - sophisticated - livable housing products and urban projects. Allard Homes operates on the foundation of combining creative development thinking and international standard implementation capacity. With a team of experienced experts in the fields of planning, architecture, construction and finance, Allard Homes participates comprehensively in the process of market research, master planning, architectural design, construction and project management.From nursing homes, health care centers, eco-villas to synchronous urban areas, Allard Homes always focuses on three core factors: Construction quality - Investment value - Living experience. Each project is not just a real estate product, but a living ecosystem: a harmony between utilities, landscape, architecture and future residential community.In particular, Allard Homes prioritizes participating in the development of projects following the trend of "green and smart real estate", integrating standards of energy saving, green space, smart management and long-term after-sales services - contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnamese urban areas.With financial support, a multi-industry ecosystem and operational capacity from TNH99, Allard Homes not only creates high-quality real estate products, but also opens up opportunities for transparent, effective and long-term investment cooperation for strategic partners, individual and institutional investors.

Real Estate

With a distinguished heritage spanning over a decade in healthcare excellence, TNH99 Vietnam Joint Stock Company established the Medpharin Institute for High-Tech Pharmaceutical Research and Development — a pioneering institution dedicated to delivering optimal, bespoke health solutions through the harmonious integration of advanced biomedical technology and the enduring wisdom of traditional medicine.&nbsp;Complementing this foundation, TNH99 has thoughtfully cultivated a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem through a portfolio of esteemed subsidiaries. Peacelife Vietnam specializes in the production and distribution of premium herbal remedies and functional supplements, preserving and revitalizing Vietnam’s rich tradition of medicinal herbs. In parallel, My Health Vietnam stands at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation, developing intelligent m-Health platforms, AI-powered medical applications, gene sequencing technologies, family healthcare management solutions, and precision medicine services — all committed to fostering a proactive, health-literate community while elevating the global stature of Vietnamese healthcare.&nbsp;Building upon this legacy of holistic well-being, TNH99 made a visionary expansion into the luxury wellness and beauty sector with the founding of Éclat Vietnam — the exclusive owner and operator of Éclat Wellness &amp; Spa. Conceived as a sanctuary of refined beauty and restorative tranquility, Éclat Wellness &amp; Spa masterfully unites advanced therapeutic techniques, state-of-the-art technology, and an opulent, resort-style ambiance. Nestled within Hanoi’s prestigious Diplomatic Corps area — a modern, well-appointed neighborhood offering easy connectivity to the city’s major residential and commercial hubs — Éclat Wellness &amp; Spa offers an exquisite, timeless beauty experience through a portfolio of meticulously curated, five-star personalized services across three signature domains: Spa – Massage – Hair &amp; Nail. Every moment within Éclat is an invitation to celebrate individual beauty, nurture inner harmony, and embrace the art of gracious living.

Với hơn một thập kỷ hoạt động trong lĩnh vực chăm sóc sức khỏe, TNH99 đã thành lập Viện Nghiên cứu và Phát triển Dược phẩm Công nghệ cao (Medpharin), cung cấp các giải pháp tối ưu, cá nhân hóa, kết hợp giữa công nghệ hiện đại và tinh hoa y học truyền thống. Song song với đó, Tập đoàn cũng phát triển hệ sinh thái chăm sóc sức khỏe thông qua các công ty thành viên. Công ty Peacelife Việt Nam chuyên sản xuất và phân phối thực phẩm chức năng và các sản phẩm chăm sóc sức khoẻ từ thảo dược, đặc biệt là các sản phẩm từ cây thuốc Nam. Bên cạnh đó, TNH99 đầu tư Công ty My Health Việt Nam, tiên phong ứng dụng công nghệ thông tin vào y tế, phát triển các nền tảng m-Health, giải pháp số hóa, trí tuệ nhân tạo, giải trình tự gen, chăm sóc sức khoẻ gia đình và y học chính xác, với sứ mệnh xây dựng cộng đồng khỏe mạnh, chủ động và từng bước nâng tầm vị thế người Việt trên trường quốc tế.Dựa trên nền tảng vững chắc đó, TNH99 tiếp tục mở rộng lĩnh vực wellness &amp; beauty với sự ra đời của Éclat Việt Nam — đơn vị sở hữu và vận hành thương hiệu Éclat Wellness &amp; Spa. Đây là chuỗi điểm đến làm đẹp toàn diện, kết hợp liệu pháp trị liệu chuyên sâu, công nghệ tiên tiến và không gian nghỉ dưỡng đẳng cấp. Éclat Wellness &amp; Spa mang đến trải nghiệm làm đẹp vượt thời gian và thư giãn tuyệt đối thông qua hệ thống dịch vụ cá nhân hóa chuẩn 5 sao, tập trung vào 3 lĩnh vực chính: Spa – Massage – Hair &amp; Nail.