The Vietnam-UAE Business and Investment Forum is set to take place on April 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. This event marks a significant advancement in strengthening the economic ties and trade relations between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The forum is organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It serves as a vital platform for promoting trade and is part of Vietnam’s broader economic diplomacy strategy aimed at establishing the UAE as a key link to the Middle Eastern market.

Themed “Vietnam-UAE Trade Door: Connecting the Right Needs, Cooperating with the Right Partners,” the forum is expected to gather experts, investors, and business leaders from both countries. Nguyen Thanh Diep, the Vietnamese Ambassador to the UAE, expressed his optimism about the forum, stating, “This event will unlock many new cooperation opportunities to bring our two businesses closer to common development goals.” He highlighted that the forum would facilitate in-depth discussions on market trends, economic policies, and investment opportunities within the UAE.

Participants can look forward to a range of key activities designed to provide tangible benefits for businesses. These include strategic discussions led by economic leaders from both Vietnam and the UAE, alongside investment experts. Such sessions aim to offer valuable insights into trade policies and the overall business environment, fostering stronger commercial relationships. Additionally, the forum will feature one-on-one business connection opportunities, enabling Vietnamese companies to meet potential partners and explore avenues for bilateral cooperation.

Many companies from both nations are anticipated to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during the event, establishing the groundwork for long-term partnerships. Exhibits showcasing Vietnamese products and services will also be a key feature, highlighting the diverse offerings for the UAE market. Furthermore, tours to major manufacturing facilities and supermarket chains are planned, allowing Vietnamese firms to understand market demands and collaboration prospects better.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 30 years ago, the relationship between Vietnam and the UAE has evolved across multiple sectors, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, labor, and tourism. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2024 has facilitated an estimated annual trade turnover of nearly 5 billion USD, making the UAE Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. By early 2024, trade volume had surged by more than 40% compared to the previous year.

Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Diep pointed out that Vietnam primarily exports household goods, phones, and agricultural products like black pepper and cashews, with demand in the UAE market continuing to rise. This growing relationship not only enhances the exchange of goods but also showcases significant investment potential, as many large-scale investment funds in the UAE are eager to partner with emerging markets like Vietnam.

Additionally, the Vietnamese embassy in the UAE has contributed to the establishment of the Vietnamese Business Association in the UAE. This association plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance and procedural support for Vietnamese enterprises aiming to expand operations in the Middle East. It also acts as a bridge for UAE investors looking to access the rapidly growing Vietnamese market, thereby enhancing direct foreign investment between the two nations.

With its strategic location and economic strength, the UAE is positioned as a critical hub for Vietnamese exports to the Middle East. Given that the UAE has been recognized by the Vietnamese government as an emerging market for various products, the upcoming forum presents a vital opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to explore and solidify their presence in this dynamic market.

Overall, the Vietnam-UAE Business and Investment Forum is expected to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation, stimulating trade and investment initiatives that will positively influence the economic landscapes of both countries. As Vietnam and the UAE move forward, the forum reflects their commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering regional collaboration, potentially transforming commerce between Vietnam and the promising markets of the UAE.