A delegation from Dalhousie University, comprising outstanding students majoring in business and emerging markets and led by Professor Binod Sundararajan, had a working session with the Vietnam Trade Office to learn more about the Vietnamese market and ways to leverage free trade agreements signed by both sides.

Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Canada, Tran Thu Quynh, said 14 student entrepreneurs from Dalhousie University approached the Trade Office seeking support for business connections.
They represent not only young companies in traditional export sectors but also in services, especially technology, an area where both countries share demand and strong potential for cooperation.

At the event, Canadian student entrepreneurs and young businesses were briefed on how to capitalize on the free trade agreements between Vietnam and Canada to optimize supply chains, production, and exports. They were also introduced to Vietnam’s potential as a logistics hub in Asia.

Professor Binod Sundararajan emphasized that Vietnam was selected because it is one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam demonstrates a high level of readiness for international trade, one of the most important attributes for any emerging market. Moreover, its openness to business offers promising prospects for startups.

Katie Haigh, Director of International Programs at Dalhousie University, noted that since both countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), this is a good opportunity for Canada to look beyond the US market.
Vietnam’s growing population and expanding middle class align well with Canadian products.

During this visit, the students, representing three major Canadian companies (Tangier Lobster, Victoria Fisheries, and SimplyCast) and the startup Celebrate Your Curves, are seeking to connect with partners in Vietnam through introductions facilitated by EDC.

Dalhousie University and EDC have implemented this program for several years in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, China, Chile, Peru, and Argentina.
With EDC recently opening a representative office in Vietnam, the program is shifting focus toward Southeast Asia, showing increasing interest from Canadian academia and businesses in promoting educational and commercial partnerships, as well as broader trade and investment ties with Vietnam.

Canadian firms seek investment opportunities in Binh Dinh

VOV.VN - A trade promotion conference was held on March 28 in the south-central province of Binh Dinh to help Canadian businesses explore investment opportunities in the locality.