Autumn Economic Forum 2026: WEF co-branding for the first time, expanding Vietnam's connection to the global economic network
Taking place from October 26 to 29 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 is expected to gather approximately 1,500 domestic and international delegates. For the first time, WEF co-brands the event, creating additional opportunities to connect Vietnam with global investment, technology, and innovation networks.
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| The Autumn Economic Forum 2026 is expected to bring together approximately 1,500 domestic and international delegates, aiming to expand Vietnam's connections to the global economic network. |
World Economic Forum (WEF) co-branding, expanding the international cooperation network
The Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026), themed “Collaboration in a New Era”, aims to identify new growth drivers and promote international cooperation amid numerous global economic fluctuations.
The event is directed by the Prime Minister, hosted by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, executed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR), in collaboration with WEF and domestic and international partners.
A highlight of this year's forum is the first-time co-branding with WEF during the main days, October 27 and 28.
According to Mr. Le Truong Duy, Director of HCMC C4IR, this is an unprecedented milestone for the Autumn Economic Forum.
Mr. Duy stated that co-branding with WEF will help disseminate information about the forum to the global network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres.
This will allow the event to better connect international agendas with Vietnam's development priorities, while expanding opportunities to engage with partners in investment, technology, and innovation.
The Organising Committee expects to welcome around 1,500 delegates, including government leaders, ministries, local authorities, representatives of international organisations, financial institutions, investment funds, technology enterprises, and experts and scientists.
For Ho Chi Minh City, the forum is an opportunity to strengthen connections with multinational corporations, investors, and technology partners, thereby promoting the investment environment and seeking cooperation opportunities.
For Vietnamese businesses, the event opens additional channels to access capital, technology, and international partners.
Technology and international capital flow as focal points
AEF 2026 focuses on four pillars: the role of mega-cities, disruptive technologies and innovation ecosystems; new cooperation models, and the role of the private sector in driving growth.
In the context of shifting investment flows, intensifying technological competition, and the global economy affected by geopolitical fluctuations, Vietnam needs not only to attract international resources but also to enhance its capacity to absorb technology, develop domestic enterprises, and engage more deeply in the global value chain.
On October 26, the CEO 500 – TEA CONNECT program is expected to bring together business leaders and major investors from both domestic and international markets.
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| Mr. Le Truong Duy, Director of HCMC C4IR, speaks at the press conference about the Autumn Economic Forum 2026. |
According to Mr. Le Truong Duy, the program focuses on shifts in foreign direct investment (FDI), technology, and global financial flows, aiming to identify new sources of growth while opening strategic opportunities for connections for Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.
On October 27, thematic sessions will discuss global economic shifts, experiences in restructuring economies in countries and mega-cities, as well as the role of institutions, finance, and strategic technology in unlocking resources.
On October 28, the high-level plenary session, themed “The Convergence of New Global Growth Poles”, is expected to bring together representatives from Vietnam's leadership, other countries, the WEF, and international organisations.
Notably, the program “60 Minutes with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung”, with the theme “Positioning Vietnam in the Global Future”, will provide a space to exchange visions and orientations for building a new-generation growth model for Vietnam.
Through discussions and networking activities, AEF 2026 aims to promote investment cooperation, expand opportunities for technology transfer, and identify new growth drivers.
However, the forum's effectiveness will depend on the ability to turn meetings and dialogues into specific investment projects and cooperation programs. This is also the basis for Ho Chi Minh City to enhance international linkages, creating more opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to access resources and participate more deeply in the global economic network.
