The Vietnam-UAE Business and Investment Forum is scheduled to take place on April 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and trade relations between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this forum is not just a platform for trade promotion; it is a critical event in Vietnam's economic diplomacy strategy aimed at establishing the UAE as a vital connection point to the Middle East market.
Themed "Vietnam-UAE Trade Door: Connecting the Right Needs, Cooperating with the Right Partners," the forum promises to bring together experts, investors, and business leaders from both countries. The Vietnamese Ambassador to the UAE, Nguyen Thanh Diep, expressed optimism about the upcoming event, stating, "This event will unlock many new cooperation opportunities to bring our two businesses closer to common development goals." He emphasized that the forum will offer in-depth discussions on market trends, economic policies, and investment opportunities in the UAE.
During the event, participants can anticipate several key activities designed to yield tangible benefits for businesses, including strategic discussions featuring economic leaders from both nations and key investment experts. These sessions aim to provide valuable insights into trade policies and the business environment, fostering stronger commercial relationships between Vietnam and the UAE. Furthermore, the forum will facilitate one-on-one business connection opportunities, allowing Vietnamese companies to meet potential partners and explore bilateral cooperation avenues.
In addition to discussions, many companies from both nations are expected to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that will lay groundwork for long-term partnerships. Exhibits showcasing Vietnamese products and services will also be highlighted, illustrating the diverse offerings available to UAE markets. As part of the initiative, tours to major manufacturing facilities and supermarket chains will enable Vietnamese firms to gain insights into market demands and collaboration prospects.
Since establishing diplomatic relations over 30 years ago, the rapport between Vietnam and the UAE has significantly evolved across various sectors, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, labor, and tourism. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2024 exemplified this growth, allowing for an estimated annual trade turnover of nearly 5 billion USD, categorizing UAE as Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Middle East. In fact, by early 2024, the trade volume surged by more than 40% compared to the prior year.
"Vietnam exports mainly household goods, phones, and agricultural products like black pepper and cashews, with the demand within the UAE market ever-increasing," Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Diep noted, shedding light on the commercial dynamics between the two nations. This growing relationship not only fuels the exchange of goods but also highlights the significant investment potential through UAE's numerous large-scale investment funds seeking to partner with emerging markets like Vietnam.
The efforts of the Vietnamese embassy in UAE have also led to the establishment of the Vietnamese Business Association in the UAE, which plays a pivotal role in providing legal assistance and procedural support for Vietnamese enterprises looking to expand their operations in the Middle East. This association serves as a bridge for UAE investors aiming to tap into the rapidly growing Vietnamese market, thus enhancing direct foreign investment flow between both nations.
With its strategic location and economic strength, the UAE positions itself as a critical hub for Vietnamese exports to the Middle East. Given that UAE has been identified by the Vietnamese government as an emerging market for various products, the upcoming forum stands to be a crucial opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to explore and solidify their presence in this vibrant market.
Overall, the Vietnam-UAE Business and Investment Forum is expected to serve as a cornerstone for long-term cooperation, stimulating bilateral trade and investment initiatives that will positively impact the economic landscape of both countries. As both nations look toward the future, the forum embodies a commitment to not only enhance economic ties but also foster regional collaboration that could further transform the landscape of commerce between Vietnam and the promising markets of the UAE.
