On 28-29 November 2024, HKU Vietnam and HKU Beijing proudly hosted the successful Vietnam-China Business and Investment Opportunities Conference, marking a significant milestone in building collaborative bridges between businesses from both nations. With over 100 distinguished guests, including representatives from government agencies and leaders from prominent businesses in both Vietnam and China, the event created breakthrough opportunities to expand international networks and drive sustainable economic growth.

Notably, the presence of the Consul General of China in Vietnam, Mr. Wei Huaxiang, highlighted the strong relationship and strategic partnership between the two leading economies in the region.

Vietnam is emerging as a strategic destination for business and investment, particularly in light of the strong trade relations between the two countries. With total trade reaching 160 billion USD in 2023, Vietnam has become China’s third-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Over 3,500 Chinese-funded FDI projects, amounting to 36 billion USD in investment, further emphasise the growing interest of Chinese businesses in the Vietnamese market. This reinforces Vietnam’s importance in China’s regional development and cooperation strategy.

Key Highlights from the Conference

Keynote Speeches:

1. FDI Inflows into Vietnam and Sino-Vietnamese Business Cooperation:
   Mr. Colin Ngô, Managing Director of C+ Consulting, provided a strategic overview of FDI inflows into Vietnam and business opportunities for both Vietnamese and Chinese companies.

2. E-Commerce Trends in Vietnam:
   Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Dũng, President of VECOM, discussed policy innovations and the role of e-commerce in attracting investment.

3. Vietnam's Digital Transformation to Enhance Competitiveness and Attract Investment:
   Mr. Phúc Đoàn, Chairman of Tictag, emphasised how digital transformation is key to improving national competitiveness and attracting investment.

Panel Discussions:

1. Policies Supporting Businesses Accessing the Vietnamese Market:
   Led by Mr. Phúc Đoàn, this panel provided valuable insights on how to leverage policies for sustainable development, with contributions from:

• Mr. Nguyễn Hạnh Bảo Phúc, Deputy Chief Representative, Ministry of Finance (HCMC)

• Dr. Đỗ Việt Hà, President, HCMC Union of Friendship Organisations

• Ms. Bùi Phạm Tam Khanh, Associate Partner, Potekyu Law Firm

• Mr. Colin Ngô, Managing Director, C+ Consulting

2. Insights from Hong Kong-China Enterprises in Vietnam:
   A dynamic session led by Mr. Khoa Phạm, Chairman of Yola, with speakers:

• Mr. Jesse Choi, Regional Director, SunWah Group

• Mr. Fred Burke, Vice Chairman, HK Business Association in Vietnam

• Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Phong, Head of Southern Representative Office, VECOM

• Ms. Lê Hoàng Diệp Thảo, CEO & Founder, King Coffee

Visit to Bình Dương

Known as the industrial hub of Southern Vietnam, Bình Dương leads the country in FDI attraction, with over 3,500 foreign investment projects. The visit included:

• Meetings with leadership from BECAMEX and Bình Dương Union of Friendship Organizations.

• A tour of major Chinese-funded enterprises operating in the area.

These visits provided a deep dive into the local business environment in Bình Dương, offering real opportunities for collaboration with leading enterprises in the region.

Commitment of HKU Vietnam

HKU Vietnam remains committed to its pioneering mission to create social impact, a core pillar of its development process. This conference is a testament to this commitment, fostering connections between business leaders while building a strategic platform to guide long-term collaboration between the two economies.

This event has not only facilitated the exchange of in-depth information, market trends, and policy innovations but has also broadened the international cooperation network. It is more than just a networking opportunity; it is a gateway to strategic partnerships that will drive sustainable growth and socio-economic development in the region.

The success of this conference also paves the way for new prospects in Vietnam-China cooperation. HKU Vietnam will continue to serve as a bridge for businesses, investors, and educational institutions, contributing to a brighter future for Vietnam-China relations and facilitating diverse collaborations with other countries in the region.