Vietnam to move up global value chains through technology and strategic partnershi

Speaking at a session on global trends and country dialogue under the theme “Cooperation Frameworks in a New Era”, Thang said geopolitical tensions, technological advances and the twin transitions towards greener and more digital economies are reshaping global production networks and investment decisions.

As manufacturing and supply chains become more diversified and regionalised, countries are competing not only on costs but also on technological capabilities, resilience, flexibility and long-term strategic links. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are increasingly influencing access to global value chains.

For developing economies such as Vietnam, these changes offer opportunities to attract capital, access new technologies and reach new markets, while raising demands on workforce skills, technology adoption and compliance with emerging standards.

“The challenge for each country is no longer whether to adapt passively or remain an observer, but how to position itself proactively and strengthen its domestic capabilities within global production networks,” Thang said.

He stressed that Vietnam needed to go beyond connecting its economy to existing or emerging value chains. It should create the environment, mechanisms and capabilities needed to engage more directly in generating and creating value within new ones.

Discussions at the forum highlighted several areas that could help countries capture emerging economic opportunities, including financial markets, smart infrastructure, AI, green transformation and economic resilience. Speakers also emphasised the need for stronger domestic capabilities in technology, human resources and governance, supported by transparent and predictable institutions.

Diversifying finance and accelerating technology adoption

Denis Depoux, Senior Partner and Global Managing Director at Roland Berger, said Vietnam needs to diversify funding sources for businesses rather than rely predominantly on bank lending. He pointed to the high level of credit in the economy and the resulting pressure on financing for enterprises and production.

His recommendations included developing the corporate bond market, upgrading the stock market, attracting investment into advanced green industries and high-tech projects, and improving maritime and rail connectivity. He also highlighted the potential of specialised financial centres to attract international capital.

Cooperation in science, technology and digital capabilities was another major theme. Speakers shared partnerships between research institutions and businesses need more effective mechanisms to turn research into commercial applications, while cross-border data and digital services could be connected without requiring countries to adopt identical regulatory systems.

Iain Grant Frew, the UK Ambassador to Vietnam, pointed out that science and technology have become central to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which marked its first anniversary in 2026. He identified opportunities for cooperation in AI, clean energy, healthcare, advanced technologies and semiconductors.

He suggested that diplomatic missions help connect research institutions with businesses and establish platforms through which research findings and innovative ideas could be translated into practical applications.

Talgat Amanbayev, Chief Innovation Officer and Member of the Management Board at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan, meanwhile, stressed that physical infrastructure alone is not enough to strengthen international trade links.

Railways and ports needed to be complemented by financial services, insurance, supply chain finance and modern cross-border payment systems. Digital technologies, including tokenisation, could help businesses make international payments faster and improve transparency, he said.

Building partnerships around long-term investment

Participants also examined the conditions needed to attract patient, long-term capital that could strengthen technological capabilities, support innovation and increase domestic value creation rather than simply expand investment volumes.

They highlighted the importance of sound institutions for international financial centres, consistent sustainable finance frameworks and closer coordination between central and local authorities to turn investment needs into financially viable projects.

The discussions pointed to the need for a more structured approach to international cooperation, linking finance, technology, infrastructure and business networks to help emerging sources of growth translate into tangible economic gains.

For Vietnam, the priority is to strengthen its capacity to capture these opportunities and work with international partners not only to connect to global production networks, but also to play a more active role in shaping the value they generate.

The Autumn Economic Forum 2026 is taking place in Ho Chi Minh City from October 26 to 29 under the theme “Collaboration in a New Era”, bringing together around 1,500 domestic and international delegates. Co-branded with the World Economic Forum (WEF) for the first time, the event provides a platform for policymakers, businesses and experts to discuss emerging growth drivers, breakthrough technologies, innovation ecosystems, financial connectivity, digital transformation and sustainable development. Its agenda also explores new models of international cooperation, the role of major urban centres in global growth, and ways to strengthen private-sector participation in the economy.

A high-level plenary session examines the convergence of new global growth engines, while a dialogue with the Vietnamese Prime Minister and WEF representatives focuses on positioning Vietnam in the global future.

Vietnam sets out vision to become regional growth hub amid global uncertainty

VOV.VN - Vietnam aims to play a greater role in regional growth networks by 2035, positioning itself as a hub for manufacturing, innovation and connectivity as the global economy undergoes profound changes.