AusCham Attends HCMC Leaders’ Dialogue with Domestic and Foreign Business Community

HCMC, 06 Feb - AusCham was pleased to be represented at the Meeting between Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (HCMC PPC) Leaders and the Domestic and Foreign Business Community, hosted by Mr Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee.

The meeting was attended by Mr Alex Salamanca, AusCham Director, and Mr Edwin H. Law, AusCham Executive Director, alongside representatives from business associations, foreign chambers, and the private sector operating in Ho Chi Minh City.

The dialogue provided an important platform for the HCMC leadership to engage directly with the business community, exchange views on the city’s socio-economic development priorities, and discuss key challenges and opportunities facing enterprises amid ongoing administrative and economic reforms. Issues relating to investment facilitation, regulatory improvements, infrastructure development, and enhancing the overall business environment were among the topics highlighted.

Representatives also underscored Ho Chi Minh City’s untapped potential in developing a vibrant night-time economy centred on culinary culture, tourism, and extended leisure sectors — an area where models in countries such as Thailand and Singapore demonstrate strong returns when supported by effective public–private cooperation. Business leaders expressed willingness to collaborate in establishing well-managed night-time precincts and cultural culinary districts that could attract greater international tourism and stimulate local economic spillovers.

According to attendees, a robust night-time economy could unlock new revenue streams across F&B, entertainment, retail and services, while enhancing Ho Chi Minh City’s appeal as a dynamic global city.

The dialogue reaffirmed shared aspirations between Ho Chi Minh City’s leadership and the business community to enhance the city’s economic dynamism. AusCham looks forward to continued cooperation with HCMC authorities and stakeholders to help translate recommendations, including those on night-time economic development, innovation-oriented zones, and competitive investment frameworks, into tangible outcomes that benefit both businesses and the wider community.