WEF ready to deepen cooperation with Vietnam ahead of APEC 2027

At a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on October 28, Mergenthaler congratulated Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City on the successful organisation of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, praising the country’s long-term vision and efforts to sustain growth through science, technology, innovation and a dynamic private sector.

He affirmed the WEF’s desire to expand cooperation with Vietnam, particularly ahead of APEC 2027, when the country will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

WEF is ready to establish a close cooperation mechanism at the highest level to mobilise the private sector and the international community in support of Vietnam’s priorities, he told his host.

The discussions also highlighted opportunities to build on existing cooperation, including the establishment of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with WEF.

Vietnam looks to expand cooperation

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung welcomed Mergenthaler and thanked the WEF and its partners for their longstanding engagement with Vietnam, including their contributions to developing the Autumn Economic Forum into a platform for open and substantive dialogue among governments, businesses and the scientific community.

He said the forum’s discussions, policy exchanges and technology showcases have demonstrated international interest in and confidence in Vietnam, particularly in its innovation agenda and Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a major growth centre. They have also created opportunities to build connections and identify new drivers of growth.

The Vietnamese leader described the establishment of C4IR in Ho Chi Minh City as a timely initiative in response to current trends in digital transformation and technology.

Outlining Vietnam’s development priorities, the Prime Minister said the country is pursuing strategic breakthroughs to achieve rapid and sustainable economic growth, with the private sector playing a particularly important role.

Vietnam is working to reform institutions, adopt international standards and protect investors’ legitimate rights, while developing transport infrastructure, seaports, aviation, energy and high-quality human resources, he said.

The Prime Minister proposed that the WEF continue to help Vietnam share knowledge, facilitate technology transfer, attract investment and connect international corporations with Vietnamese businesses, particularly private-sector enterprises.

Ahead of APEC 2027, he also expressed support for closer coordination with the WEF to promote policy dialogue and economic cooperation.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung welcomed the results of the Vietnam–WEF cooperation for 2023–2026 and called for continued coordination to develop and sign a strategic cooperation framework for the next period. He also highlighted the importance of effective public-private partnerships in contributing to development across the region and the world.

Vietnam calls for deeper WTO and WEF partnership to boost integration, economic development

VOV.VN - Vietnam has called for stronger cooperation with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) to deepen international economic integration, strengthen institutional reforms and attract high-quality investment as the country pursues its long-term development goals.