The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) and Confindustria (the Italian General Confederation of Industry), organized an event on 4/9 at the Melia Hanoi Hotel. The event, which included the Vietnam - Italy Business Forum and B2B matchmaking sessions, brought together over 200 Vietnamese businesses and nearly 100 Italian businesses. The goal was to provide access to advanced technologies and promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Mr. Valentino Valentini, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, delivers the opening speech at the forum. Source: ITA

Mr. Valentino Valentini, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, delivers the opening speech at the forum. Source: ITA

According to event organizers, economic cooperation has been a pillar of the Vietnam - Italy bilateral relationship for many years. Two-way trade in 2024 reached over 6.9 billion USD, an increase of nearly 50% in 5 years, making Italy Vietnam's third largest partner in Europe. Both countries continue to focus on promoting trade and investment, creating conditions for businesses to access each other's markets.

The long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations connects the two economies, promoting growth in trade, investment, and innovation. Italy is known for its modern technology, global design, and superior manufacturing capabilities, while Vietnam is a dynamic market with high potential and a young workforce. This synergy opens up prospects for broad and sustainable cooperation.

At the event, Mr. Fabio De Cillis, Director of the ITA in Vietnam, noted Vietnam's young workforce and GDP growth of approximately 8%. He highlighted Italy's strength in advanced technology. The forum focused on 4 strategic areas: high technology, infrastructure, and healthcare, aiming to combine Italian technology with Vietnam's human potential to promote economic and trade cooperation across multiple aspects.

Concurrent specialized discussion sessions within the forum focused on machinery and agricultural technology; energy transition and the circular economy; infrastructure and transportation; and high technology and innovation. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony also took place, marking strategic agreements between associations and businesses from both countries.

The hall where Vietnamese and Italian businesses connected. Source: ITA

The hall where Vietnamese and Italian businesses connected. Source: ITA

Mr. Massimo Ferro, Member of the Board of Directors of the ITA, expressed his impression with the professionalism of Vietnamese businesses. The event, with over 500 attendees, clearly demonstrated the mutual interest of both sides. The afternoon matchmaking sessions were particularly well-attended, focusing on cooperation in high technology, machinery, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and even defense.

The B2B matchmaking program took place in the afternoon with an industry-specific structure to help businesses quickly find suitable partners. Through direct one-on-one exchanges, businesses expanded trade opportunities, laid the foundation for long-term cooperation, joint ventures, and participation in global supply chains.

Within the framework of the Forum, over 10 MoUs were signed. Source: ITA

Within the framework of the Forum, over 10 MoUs were signed. Source: ITA

The areas of connection ranged from aerospace, defense, architecture, interior design, automation, consulting, cosmetics, energy, environment, food, beverages, industrial components, machinery, engines, glass, lifting equipment, mechanics, packaging, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

The Vietnam - Italy Business Forum and the B2B matchmaking program are expected to bring about concrete cooperation agreements, while contributing to promoting green growth, innovation, and sustainable development for both countries.

(Source: ITA)