“Trade promotion is the bridge turning potential into practical opportunities,” said Deputy Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency Le Hoang Tai at a conference to promote trade, investment and business connections between Vietnam and China, which was held on October 27 within the framework of the 2025 Autumn Fair.

Agency statistics show that bilateral trade reached US$184 billion in the first nine months of this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 23%, putting the two countries on track to surpass last year’s record of US$205.2 billion.

Officials from both sides at the conference highlighted growing opportunities for enterprises, as trade ties have expanded to deeper collaboration in investment, technology transfer and sustainable supply chains.

The first Autumn Fair runs until November 4, and has already attracted the participation of nearly 100 exhibitors from China showcasing products ranging from machinery, high-tech equipment and building materials to consumer goods and agricultural products.

“This is a significant opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to access supply sources, technology, machinery and materials for transforming production, improving quality and reducing costs,” Tai said, adding that a series of business networking conferences are also being held within the fair to enable firms to connect with partners and strike deals.

Li Zhandan, trade counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to Vietnam, said the fair is a reliable platform integrating trade, investment, culture and innovation, underscoring its role in strengthening regional supply chains amid global economic uncertainty.

The upgraded ACFTA 3.0 also is expected to further boost bilateral trade by reducing tariffs, improving customs procedures and facilitating greater market access.

Vietnam’s exports to China have risen sharply in recent months, with agricultural products such as durian, dragon fruit, mango and passion fruit registering double-digit growth. Other key exports include rice, coffee, cashew nuts, seafood, textiles and electronic components.

Vietnam continues to import machinery, materials and industrial equipment for its manufacturing sector from China.

Large potential

According to Nguyen Ba Hai, deputy director of the Centre for Trade and Investment Promotion under the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, Vietnam is entering its most dynamic phase of industrial expansion in the past decade.

With over 450 international-standard industrial parks and more than 2,000 industrial clusters together with hastened efforts to improve the business climate and infrastructure system, Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive destination for investors, he added.

Major infrastructure projects, including the railway connecting Kunming, Lao Cai, Hanoi and Hai Phong expected to start construction later this year, and new airports such as Long Thanh and Gia Binh, will significantly boost connectivity and logistics efficiency, he said.

With a GDP of US$510 billion and income per capita reaching US$5,000, Vietnam is now among the largest economies in ASEAN. The rising middle class and fast-growing e-commerce market also create significant room for cooperation in digital trade, logistics and fintech – areas where China has advantages. 

Vietnam's green growth strategy and goal of net zero emissions by 2050 have also created opportunities for cooperation in electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy.

Zhou Liang, director of the Investment Promotion Centre under the China Council for Promotion of International Trade of Shandong Province, said the cooperation between Shandong and localities in Vietnam has expanded rapidly in recent years.

He added that he expects the Autumn Fair 2025 will help businesses from both sides to strengthen their connections and achieve better cooperation results.

Vibrant opening night marks first Autumn Fair 2025 in Hanoi

VOV.VN - The first Autumn Fair 2025 opened at the Vietnam Exposition Centre (VEC) in Hanoi on the evening of October 25, held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hanoi People’s Committee, and other governmental agencies.