The event attracted representatives of government agencies, trade promotion organisations and businesses from both countries to explore new drivers for trade, investment and supply chain cooperation.

The forum took place in the context of continued global economic uncertainty and the restructuring of traditional supply chains, while both Vietnam and Canada are seeking to diversify markets, expand partnerships and strengthen economic resilience.

Key sectors discussed at the forum included energy, green technology, infrastructure, food processing, supporting industries, high technology, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and solutions supporting the green transition.

From the perspective of Canadian businesses, Rahul Malhotra, owner of RM Venturex, said the forum helped the business community better understand how Canada and Vietnam can advance cooperation in trade, investment and business. He noted that support through diplomatic channels, together with participation from both the public and private sectors, is offering favourable conditions for expanding cooperation between Vietnam, Canada and ASEAN.

Many participants highlighted the importance of existing trade frameworks, particularly the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership. These frameworks were described as an important foundation for businesses in both countries to expand trade, increase investment and strengthen links with regional supply chains.

According to Malhotra, Vietnam is among the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN, with exports, imports and trade recording strong growth. Canada should engage more deeply in this growth process, while existing cooperation frameworks provide solid support for stronger trade and investment ties, he added.

From a trade policy perspective, Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong, Deputy Head of the WTO and Trade Negotiations Division under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the CPTPP and negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement will continue to provide an important legal foundation for bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

These frameworks help reinforce rules-based trade relations between Vietnam and Canada, not only in goods trade but also in services, investment and other areas of mutual benefit, she emphasized.

According to Vietnamese businesses, one of the most valuable outcomes of the forum was access to specific market information on products, technical standards and demand in Canada, helping them better understand market requirements and opportunities for cooperation.

Participants noted that Canada’s strengths in high technology, sustainable development and emissions-reduction solutions offer opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to find partners, learn from experience and adapt suitable models for domestic use.

They also highlighted strong cooperation potential in areas such as AI, semiconductors, new energy, technology infrastructure and green transition. Some Vietnamese companies have already begun connecting with Canadian partners on energy and green-transition projects, including battery and energy-system solutions for manufacturing.

Representatives of participating enterprises said the forum provided opportunities to engage with Canadian partners interested in investing in Vietnam’s green transition and technology sectors.

The forum showed that bilateral trade cooperation is moving beyond policy orientation towards more concrete business-to-business connections. While frameworks such as the CPTPP and ASEAN-Canada FTA negotiations continue to provide favourable conditions, future momentum will depend increasingly on the ability of businesses to connect with the right market needs, standards, partners and sectors.

As Vietnam advances green and digital transformation and industrial upgrading, while Canada seeks a stronger presence in the Indo-Pacific region, both countries have additional opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation in a practical, sustainable and resilient manner amid global uncertainties.

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