Forum looks to promote Vietnam – Canada economic ties via CPTPP
A Vietnam – Canada business forum was held in Hanoi on March 25, aiming to enhance the bilateral economic relations via the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (OV) Affairs Nguyen Manh Dong speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A Vietnam – Canada business forum was held in Hanoion March 25, aiming to enhance the bilateral economic relations via theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
In his opening remarks, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for OverseasVietnamese (OV) Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Dong highlightedthat OVs and OV businesses have unceasingly developed and affirmed theirpositions in foreign countries over the past time.
The Vietnamese entrepreneur community, which has been present in 130 countries and territoriesacross the globe with 30 associations, has worked as bridges promoting economic-trade ties between Vietnam and other nations, he said, laying a stresson the contributions made by Vietnamese enterprises in Canada toconsolidating and boosting the Vietnam – Canada Comprehensive Partnership inall areas, especially when both nations are members of the CPTPP.
He went on to point out that the Vietnam – Canada Business Association (VCBA) hasorganised various trade and investment promotion activities in both nations.
Dong expressed his hope that the forum would create opportunities for competentquarters to contribute to delivering on the goals of the two nations undertheir comprehensive partnership as well as the trade pact.
At the event, participants discussed and introduced potential and opportunitiesof Vietnamese exports in the fields of construction, garment and textiles,footwear, furniture, steel and machines, among others to Canada and the NorthAmerican market as a whole.
At the Vietnam – Canada business forum on March 25. (Photo: VNA)
They held that Vietnam has effectively capitalised on the CPTPP to bolstershipments to Canada where Vietnamese goods are entitled to the Most Favoured Nation(MFN) tariff and Generalised System of Preferences
However, several businesses described stringent requirements and trade barriersin Canada and the North American market as challenges for Vietnamese exporters.
The VCBA was set up in October 2022 under the direction and accompany of the VietnamConsulate General in Vancouver. The association has connected Vietnamese andCanadian entrepreneurs with a desire to run business and land investments in thetwo countries, helping enhance the bilateral economic ties./.
Canada’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific can help boost its educational cooperation with Vietnam and fortify connections between the two business communities, Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins has assessed.
Export Development Canada (EDC) is planning to open an innovation office in Ho Chi Minh City this autumn as Vietnam is one of the priority countries in the Indo-Pacific region of the North American nation, said an EDC official.
As Vietnam is a core part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, both countries boast numerous opportunities for trade development when the Southeast Asian country becomes the largest trading partner of Canada in the region, a Canadian official has said.
Canada is committed to supporting and promoting sustainable development and resilience in the region and Vietnam, said its Climate Change Ambassador Catherine Stewart.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
The zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation.
Dung underlined several key objectives, including a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing SOEs, and called for updates that reflect international standards and support modern, transparent governance.
While the US market has become more difficult to access due to new tax policies, Australia could play the role of a trade cushion, helping to reduce shocks and maintain export momentum for Vietnam's shrimp industry.
Vietnam Cycle Expo 2025 will coincide with the Vietnam Sport Show 2025, an international exhibition on sports and outdoor entertainment, expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors in the three-day event.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Binh Duong has maintained strong momentum in both exports and industrial production during the first half of 2025.
Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (OV) Affairs Nguyen Manh Dong speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA) 
At the Vietnam – Canada business forum on March 25. (Photo: VNA) 
