<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

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

News

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.