AusCham Members KPMG and Aurecon Share Insights at Autumn Economic Forum 2026

October 29, 2026

As Vietnam looks to strengthen its position in global value chains and accelerate technology-driven growth, the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, held in Ho Chi Minh City from 26–29 October, brought together government leaders, international organisations, investors and business representatives to discuss the country's next phase of economic development.

Among the industry leaders contributing to the discussions were representatives from AusCham Members KPMG Vietnam and Aurecon Vietnam, sharing perspectives on strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, developing digital infrastructure and creating the conditions for sustainable investment.

Strengthening Vietnam's Manufacturing Competitiveness

Warrick Cleine MBE, Chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, joined an expert panel on Advanced Manufacturing, examining how Vietnam can capture greater value from its growing export sector.

While Vietnam's exports are expected to exceed US$500 billion in 2026, Cleine highlighted the opportunity to increase domestic value-added contributions, particularly among Vietnamese businesses participating in global supply chains.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening research and development capabilities, developing engineering talent and encouraging domestic companies to invest in upgrading their operations to meet international customer requirements.

These improvements, alongside Vietnam's evolving industrial strategy, could help local businesses move into higher-value activities, strengthen their competitiveness and access new sources of investment.

Building the Infrastructure for Technology and Innovation

At the Forum's CEO 500 programme on 26 October, Bill Giannikos, Data Center Director at Aurecon Vietnam, contributed to discussions on the infrastructure needed to support Vietnam's growing digital economy and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Giannikos highlighted that computing capacity alone is not enough to generate economic prosperity. To deliver meaningful benefits, AI and digital infrastructure must connect with universities, startups and industries such as healthcare, education and manufacturing.

Drawing on Australia's experience, particularly the state of Victoria, he suggested that Ho Chi Minh City consider planning dedicated digital infrastructure zones to ensure that land, reliable electricity supplies and connectivity are available before major investment projects move forward.

His contribution reinforced the importance of coordinated infrastructure planning in attracting investment and enabling businesses to translate technological developments into practical applications.

Supporting Vietnam's Next Phase of Growth

The discussions at the Autumn Economic Forum highlighted two closely connected priorities for Vietnam's economic development: strengthening the capabilities of domestic businesses to capture greater value from global investment, and developing the infrastructure needed to support innovation and technology adoption.

Through their participation, KPMG Vietnam and Aurecon Vietnam contributed valuable industry perspectives to the wider conversation on how Vietnam can strengthen its competitiveness, attract quality investment and build the foundations for sustainable, long-term economic growth.

Their engagement also reflects the important role of the international business community in sharing expertise and supporting Vietnam's ongoing economic transformation.

Sources: Tuoi Tre News – Businesses Urge Ho Chi Minh City to Create Testing Grounds for New Technologies; Warrick Cleine MBE, LinkedIn – Reflections on the Autumn Economic Forum 2026.