UNDP, Citi Foundation support innovation, startups in Vietnam
The UN Development Programme (UNDP), Citi Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) jointly organised a diagnostic workshop on the state of the social impact startup ecosystem in Hanoi on June 15.
A corner of Ho Chi Minh City - which is expected to be a startup centre in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The UN Development Programme (UNDP),Citi Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) jointlyorganised a diagnostic workshop on the state of the social impact startupecosystem in Hanoi on June 15.
In his opening remarks, MOST Deputy Minister Tran Van Tung said sustainabledevelopment is one of the important orientations in the country’ssocio-economic development.
“Social impact businesses both make profit and have a positive effect on thecommunity. And with their ability to adapt and replicate quickly around theworld, these innovative businesses are the best models to tackle socialchallenges, create social impact, and accelerate the achievement of the UNSustainable Development Goals,” he said.
“A vibrant startup ecosystem and skilling are key tounleashing the creative energies of youth in meeting the most pressing SDGchallenges in Vietnam,” said Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Vietnam Country Director, atthe event.
She also informed that UNDP will open up applications for SDG InnovationsIncubator and selected teams will receive an intensive business incubation andimpact acceleration programme as well as the opportunities to pitch their ideasto national and international investors.
Director and co-founder of Healthy Farm Nguyen Thi Thuy saidher company will target providing clean and safe farm produce with clear originto consumers, hotels and restaurants in order to develop social renovation andstartup spirit among youths in Vietnam.
At the workshop, speakers focused on discussing young social innovators,developing startup spirit among youths in Vietnam, sustainable investment, andinvestment vectors, among others.
The workshop was part of the Youth Co:Lab Vietnam 2018 initiative, which islooking for the next generation of leading social entrepreneurs in Vietnam,following the success of the SDG Challenge in 2017.-VNA
The sixth Vietnam Startup Wheel in 2018 was launched on May 15 nationwide for all individuals, groups and startup business founders residing in Vietnam regardless of their age.
French startup firms are eyeing the Vietnamese market, especially the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City thanks to open and dynamic business environment.
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.
A corner of Ho Chi Minh City - which is expected to be a startup centre in Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
