AEF 2026: The Nordic Business Community will continue to be a key partner of Ho Chi Minh City

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh delivers the opening speech at the Nordic-Vietnam Business Forum 2026. (Photo: Hung Hoang)

The event was also attended by representatives from Nordic diplomatic missions, investment promotion organisations, and the business communities of both sides.

Speaking at the Forum, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh affirmed that the world is entering a phase of profound transformation. Technology, innovation, and green development are reshaping competitive advantages, production methods, and global value chains. In this context, the Forum's theme: “A New Decade of Growth: Leveraging Vietnam's Potential and Nordic Strengths” holds strategic and highly practical significance.

According to Bui Minh Thanh, Nordic countries are renowned for their outstanding achievements in science and technology, modern governance, innovation, and sustainable development. Vietnam has advantages in market size, production capacity, a dynamic workforce, and a strong drive for development.

Therefore, the Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee believes that when Nordic technological strengths and management experience meet Vietnam's potential and aspirations for growth, we can create new growth drivers, new value chains, and opportunities for cooperation beyond the limits of traditional trade relations.

He emphasised that Ho Chi Minh City is entering a historically significant phase of development. The city needs to grow faster but also smarter, greener, and more sustainable; not only expand its economic scale but also enhance development quality and residents' quality of life. This aligns with the City's development vision and the values pursued by the Nordic business community.

Delegates attending the Forum. (Photo: Hung Hoang)

In this spirit, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Bui Minh Thanh, wishes to promote three strategic directions for cooperation with Nordic partners.

First, shift from trade and investment cooperation to co-creating development capabilities.

Second, use the green transition, digital transformation, and innovation as long-term drivers of cooperation.

Third, move from dialogue and commitment to specific, practical, and sustainable cooperation programs and projects.

“The city is committed to continuously improving the investment environment, accelerating administrative reforms, enhancing transparency and governance efficiency; while always listening, accompanying, and facilitating long-term business development,” Bui Minh Thanh shared, expressing hope that Nordic investors will not only choose Ho Chi Minh City as an investment destination but also see the City named after Uncle Ho as a strategic partner for joint innovation, development, and success.

Notably, the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee stated that Vietnam is aspiring to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. Ho Chi Minh City is determined to take the lead in this journey. To realise this aspiration, the City needs partners who share the vision, uphold sustainable development values, and are ready for long-term collaboration.

“I believe the Nordic business community, with its reputation, technological capabilities, and innovative spirit, will continue to be important partners of the City,” the leader emphasized.

Mr. Thue Quist Thomasen, Chairman of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (NordCham Vietnam), affirms that Nordic businesses have strengths in long-term investment, human resource development, building domestic supply chains, and applying sustainable production standards. (Photo: Hung Hoang)

For his part, Mr. Thue Quist Thomasen, Chairman of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (NordCham), assessed that the relationship between Vietnam and the Nordic countries is entering a phase of extensive cooperation, especially in science, technology, innovation, and green growth. The cooperation frameworks established in recent times provide a favourable foundation, but the key is to transform them into specific investment projects, contracts, and jobs.

Moreover, Nordic businesses have strengths in long-term investment, human resource development, building domestic supply chains, and applying sustainable production standards. Many corporations are already present in Vietnam across sectors such as energy, ports, logistics, manufacturing, and consumer goods; notable examples include the LEGO factory in Ho Chi Minh City, valued at about $1 billion, along with investments from Carlsberg, APM Terminals, Eimskip, SKF, and VARD.

Mr. Thue Quist Thomasen presents flowers to the Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh. (Photo: Hung Hoang)

To attract more high-quality capital, Chairman of NordCham proposed three priority issues:

First, ensure a stable, predictable investment environment, transparent licensing processes, and reduce administrative barriers, enabling businesses to be proactive in their production and business plans.

Second, expand access to green energy, especially through direct power purchase agreements, to help businesses fulfil their commitments to using renewable energy. This policy should also consider small and medium-sized enterprises.

Third, strengthen cooperation to jointly develop solutions across energy, water, ports, and industry, in line with Vietnam's practical needs.

With a network of nearly 200 member businesses, NordCham is ready to connect with partners, share experiences, and promote specific cooperation initiatives.

The speakers participate in a dialogue session with the Ambassador on the topic “Vietnam-EFTA Trade Agreement: Seizing Opportunities, Driving Business Growth”. (Photo: Hung Hoang)

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