AusCham Vietnam Participates in Vietnam Export Promotion Forum 2026 to Support International Business Connections
HANOI, VIETNAM – 4 November 2026 – The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham Vietnam) participated in the Vietnam Export Promotion Forum 2026, held in Hanoi under the theme “Go Global – Supporting Businesses to Reach Global Markets.” The Forum brought together government representatives, trade promotion organisations, industry associations and businesses to discuss how Vietnamese enterprises can strengthen their international competitiveness and expand their presence in global markets.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Go Global Programme Steering Committee, in cooperation with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), VCCI and domestic and international business support and trade promotion organisations.
AusCham was represented at the Forum by Ms Natalie Fairlie, Vice-President, Mr Richard Nguyen, Director and Ms Huong Tran, Head of Advocacy & Partnerships, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening Australia–Vietnam trade connections and supporting businesses in exploring international market opportunities.
Mr Richard Nguyen (left) and Ms Natalie Fairlie (right)
From left to right: Ms Huong Tran, Ms Natalie Fairlie and Mr Richard Nguyen at the Vietnam Export Promotion Forum 2026
Participants included Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Luong Hoang Thai, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung, Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) Vu Ba Phu and representatives from ministries, local authorities and the wider business community.
A more proactive approach to international growth
The Forum supported implementation of the Go Global Programme, established under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 626/QD-TTg dated 6 April 2026. The programme aims to strengthen Vietnamese enterprises’ capacity for internationalisation, improve competitiveness and support deeper participation in global markets.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai described Go Global as an important development in Vietnam’s approach to international economic integration. He highlighted the need for businesses to move beyond responding to international market requirements and towards proactively developing their overseas operations, participating more deeply in value chains and building their international standing.
This approach places greater emphasis on long-term market strategies, stronger business capabilities and coordinated support. It also recognises that international expansion requires preparation across products, people, finance and governance, alongside access to reliable market information and suitable partners.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Luong Hoang Thai delivers the opening remarks at the forum (Source: MOIT).
Connecting national priorities with local business capabilities
A key focus was the role of local authorities through “Local Go Global.” The initiative is intended to connect national strategic objectives with practical action reflecting the strengths and development needs of businesses in each locality.
Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai noted that 18 localities had issued action programmes to implement Local Go Global. He encouraged continued coordination between the Ministry, local authorities and partners to deliver focused support with concrete results.
Local authorities were encouraged to identify sectors with international growth potential and develop measures suited to local production capabilities. This approach can help businesses access support that reflects their products, resources and target markets, while strengthening connections with trade promotion and international business networks.
Building a coordinated support network
The Forum also marked the announcement of the Go Global partner network, designed to connect the expertise and resources businesses need when entering and developing overseas markets.
The network brings together business associations, trade promotion organisations, financial institutions, advisers, research and training institutions, and international partners. Its purpose is to support access to market intelligence, legal advice, technology, finance, skills and business connections.
At the event, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the network and witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, acting as the Programme Office, and participating partners.
These activities reflected the programme’s emphasis on coordination: government agencies help create the enabling environment, local authorities organise implementation, partners contribute expertise and resources, and businesses take the lead in developing their international operations.
Preparing businesses for a sustainable market presence
Discussions reinforced the importance of businesses setting clear objectives, choosing markets aligned with their capabilities and preparing a structured international development strategy.
Deputy Minister Luong Hoang Thai encouraged enterprises to improve product quality, technology, design and differentiation, while building credibility with customers and partners. He also highlighted investment in research and development, intellectual property protection, brand development and distribution networks.
For businesses seeking a lasting international presence, these priorities extend beyond securing an initial export order. They involve understanding customer expectations, establishing reliable partnerships and developing the operational capacity to serve a market consistently over time.
The Forum emphasised practical implementation and measurable outcomes, including stronger business competitiveness, broader export markets and more established Vietnamese brands internationally.
Opportunities for Australia-Vietnam cooperation
For the Australia-Vietnam business community, the Forum’s priorities are relevant to cooperation in trade promotion, market development, education and skills, technology, financial services and professional advice.
International expansion creates demand for a broad range of capabilities, from understanding market requirements and protecting intellectual property to identifying distribution partners and preparing teams for cross-border operations. These areas offer potential connections between Vietnamese enterprises and Australian businesses, institutions and service providers.
Source: MOIT
AusCham Vietnam welcomes initiatives that strengthen businesses’ international capabilities and encourage practical engagement between government, industry and business support organisations.
As the Australia–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to develop, stronger commercial networks and a better understanding of market needs can help translate bilateral cooperation into sustainable business opportunities.
AusCham Vietnam remains committed to connecting the Australian and Vietnamese business communities and promoting opportunities for trade, investment and long-term commercial cooperation.