Autumn Economic Forum 2026: Connecting global resources to unlock new growth drivers
VOV.VN - The Autumn Economic Forum 2026 is to open in Ho Chi Minh City on October 26, bringing together policymakers, businesses and international investors to strengthen cooperation in investment, technology and innovation as economies seek new sources of growth amid a restructuring global landscape.
Running until October 29, the forum is expected to attract around 1,500 domestic and international delegates. Its main sessions on October 27 and 28 will be co-branded with the World Economic Forum (WEF), giving the event a wider international platform to connect policy priorities with business opportunities and emerging growth drivers.
From policy dialogue to global resource mobilisation
Under the theme “Collaboration in a New Era” and positioned around “The Convergence of New Global Growth Engines”, the forum will focus on issues reshaping the global economy, including breakthrough technologies, digital and green transformation, innovation, finance, global value chains and new models of cooperation.
Its agenda is built around strategic pillars, including the role of megacities; breakthrough technologies and innovation ecosystems; new models of cooperation; and the private sector’s role in driving growth and innovation. Together, these priorities are intended to bring governments, businesses, investors and research institutions closer to developing practical responses to shared economic and technological challenges.
The programme begins on October 26 with the CEO 500 – TEA CONNECT event, which will examine shifts in foreign direct investment (FDI), technology and global financial flows. More than 500 business leaders from Vietnam and overseas are expected to attend, with discussions examining how technological change and the restructuring of global supply chains are reshaping investment decisions.
On October 27, a total of 16 thematic sessions will explore global economic restructuring, institutional development, strategic technologies, finance and international cooperation. Discussions will also address artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, the digital economy, sustainable manufacturing and next-generation industries.
The high-level plenary session on October 28 will centre on “The Convergence of New Global Growth Engines”. A dialogue with the Vietnamese Prime Minister on positioning Vietnam in the global future is also scheduled for the day, alongside discussions involving international and ministerial-level leaders. There will be business forums to connect Vietnam with the United Kingdom, China, Northern Europe and Israel.
The programme will be complemented by technology showcases, innovation activities, international investment-promotion workshops and meetings of global innovation networks.
Investment opportunities and technology partnerships
Investment promotion is another major focus of AEF 2026. Ho Chi Minh City is expected to introduce at least 12 investment projects with combined capital of more than US$13.5 billion, spanning logistics, energy, infrastructure and related industries. The projects are expected to provide a concrete focus for discussions between investors, businesses and public-sector representatives.
Beyond the announcement of individual projects, the forum aims to expand the city’s access to international capital, technology and expertise by strengthening links with global economic, financial and innovation centres. It also offers businesses a platform to explore partnerships, technology transfer and opportunities to participate more deeply in regional and global value chains.
The emphasis on innovation and the green transition reflects a broader shift in investment priorities: attracting capital is increasingly linked not only to the scale of funding, but also to technological capacity, productivity, sustainability and the ability to generate higher-value economic activity.
For Ho Chi Minh City, the forum is an opportunity to strengthen its position as an international investment destination while connecting global cooperation agendas with Vietnam’s development priorities. Its longer-term value will depend on whether dialogue and networking translate into durable partnerships, concrete projects and stronger links between local businesses and international markets.
World Economic Forum to co-brand Autumn Economic Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City
The Autumn Economic Forum 2026 will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from October 26 to 29 under the theme “Collaboration in a New Era”.
