AEF 2026: Transparent policies to attract investment, technological innovation to boost competitiveness
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On the occasion of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026), The World and Vietnam Report spoke with business representatives about ways to enhance Vietnam’s investment appeal and accelerate digital transformation in the tourism sector.
Transparency as a key condition for attracting investment
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| Mr. Luu Trong An Ha, General Director of Lotus Investment Group, discusses the conditions needed for Vietnam to attract international investment. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
According to Mr. Luu Trong An Ha, General Director of Lotus Investment Group, amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, Vietnamese businesses must compete with markets across the region and around the world to attract international capital.
Market transparency and stable, predictable policies are therefore essential to building investor confidence.
Describing FTSE Russell’s decision to upgrade Vietnam’s market status as a positive signal, the Lotus Investment Group general director stressed the need to maintain this status and further strengthen financial governance and supervision standards.
He also highlighted Basel III as a standard that should be given due attention as Vietnam seeks to improve the quality of its financial system.
The Lotus Investment Group representative added that investors could accept stringent regulations, provided policies remained stable for long enough for businesses to plan for the long term.
For Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Luu Trong An Ha proposed promoting co-investment mechanisms between the municipal authorities and international funds, under which both parties would contribute capital to selected projects or businesses.
Such arrangements could provide international investors with greater assurance. This is particularly relevant given that real estate accounts for a large share of the collateral held by many Vietnamese businesses, making valuation difficult and liquidity relatively low.
Technology supporting the entire tourist journey
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| Mr. Nguyen Van Nha, Director of VIETRAVEL’s E-commerce Centre, discusses the use of technology to enhance the tourist experience throughout the journey. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Speaking about digital transformation in tourism, Mr. Nguyen Van Nha, Director of VIETRAVEL’s E-commerce Centre, said the company applies technology throughout the customer journey, from the initial stage of interest and online tour research to the end of the trip.
Its systems support travellers at each stage, providing pre-trip information, assistance during travel and channels for feedback after the journey.
During a trip, the Vietravel app can alert users to the risk of adverse weather, allowing tour guides to notify travellers promptly and help them prepare in advance.
The platform also helps travellers communicate with local people, locate bus stops and find currency exchange services, particularly when travelling abroad.
After a trip, customers can submit ratings and feedback directly through the app, enabling the customer service team to receive comments and address emerging issues promptly.
Emphasising the supporting role of technology, the VIETRAVEL E-commerce Centre director affirmed that people remain responsible for handling situations and making final decisions.
The proposals from the investment and tourism sectors show that business competitiveness in Vietnam is closely linked to institutional quality, market confidence and the ability to apply technology effectively.
With policies stable enough to attract long-term capital and technology deployed in ways that meet practical needs, businesses will be better placed to expand their operations and participate more deeply in global value chains.

