The event, held in Shenzhen city of Guangdong province. attracted wide participation from businesses, organisations, and experts from Guangdong and neighbouring regions operating in key sectors such as manufacturing, new energy, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and infrastructure development.

Dung emphasised that 2025 marks a significant milestone – the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China and the Year of Vietnam – China Humanistic Exchange. In this context, Guangdong province and Shenzhen city play a strategic role in advancing practical, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

The diplomat noted that in 2024, trade between Vietnam and China reached US$260.65 billion, a 13.5% increase over 2023. China has remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner for 20 consecutive years. Guangdong alone contributed 21% of the total import-export turnover, amounting to US$56.3 billion, maintaining its position as the Chinese locality with the largest trade volume with Vietnam, he said.

In terms of investment, China was the sixth-largest foreign investor in Vietnam and led in the number of investment projects last year. There is a clear shift in Chinese investments toward high-tech sectors such as component manufacturing, electronics, the automotive industry, and clean energy. Major corporations like Goertek and BYD are actively expanding their investments in Vietnam.

In terms of science, technology, and innovation, the diplomat stated Vietnam is implementing key strategies to drive scientific and technological development and innovation toward sustainable growth. These include the Science, Technology, and Innovation Development Strategy to 2030, the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science - technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the National Energy Strategy to 2045, and the National Climate Change Strategy to 2050, which targets net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), Vietnam ranked 44th out of 133 countries, placing it among the top 5 startup ecosystems in ASEAN and 12th in the Asia–Pacific region.

He proposed organising thematic workshops and strengthening connections between research institutes, universities, and businesses from both countries. Additionally, he invited Chinese experts to visit Vietnam to share experience in technology transfer, smart infrastructure development, and carbon emission reduction.

On this occasion, a representative from the Vietnam Trade Office in Guangzhou presented an overview of the two countries' economic and trade relations, as well as Vietnam’s promising investment environment. Vietnam recorded an impressive GDP growth rate of 7.09% in 2024, surpassing forecasts by many international organisations. Furthermore, the country is heavily investing in transport infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovation while facilitating logistics development and attracting businesses committed to green and sustainable growth.

The office representative also noted that Vietnam has signed 17 bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, with two more currently under negotiation. The country is committed to deep integration into the world and building a transparent and open business environment, serving as a solid launchpad for long-term development of both domestic and foreign enterprises.

Chinese companies showed strong interest in the Vietnamese market, especially in digital technology and innovation. Tech firms from Shenzhen expressed an intention to collaborate on AI application in manufacturing, IoT for smart cities, and biomedicine. Meanwhile, infrastructure companies highlighted opportunities in smart transport and green industrial zones.

Participants hoped the Vietnamese Consulate General in Guangzhou would support them to continue engagement with Vietnam's authorities and businesses.

Dung reaffirmed that Vietnam always welcomes Chinese businesses and investors, especially in high-tech, digital transformation, and sustainable development sectors. He reiterated the Consulate General's commitment to providing maximum support for enterprises in both countries to grow and engage in practical, sustainable, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Agricultural products key part of Vietnam’s exports to Guangdong

Together with electronic devices, agricultural products like rice, coffee, tea, pepper, chilli, dragon fruit and processed food are Vietnam’s key export items to Guangdong, China, according to an official.