Ho Chi Minh City seeks stronger cooperation with China in AI, blockchain

The initiative was emphasized at the ‘Vietnam–China Business Connection’ seminar, co-hosted on Thursday by the municipal Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and the China Business Association in Vietnam.

The event took place on the sidelines of the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum, held from November 25 to 27.

At the opening session, Nguyen Loc Ha, deputy chairman of the municipal administration, noted that Ho Chi Minh City has become one of the top destinations for Chinese investment in Vietnam, hosting more than 800 Chinese-funded projects with nearly US$3 billion in registered capital.

He added that Chinese investment in the city has mainly targeted information technology and digital transformation, smart manufacturing and supporting industries, logistics and e-commerce, as well as renewable energy and green technologies.

Looking ahead, Ha said the city is building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, with the aim of becoming the leading startup hub in Southeast Asia.

In this effort, the metropolis seeks to expand collaboration with Chinese businesses in emerging technologies, including AI, big data, IoT, and blockchain.

As a growing financial center, Ho Chi Minh City is also prepared to collaborate with Chinese partners in developing digital financial products, cashless payment systems and green finance to meet the needs of businesses in both countries.

Ha reaffirmed the city’s commitment to enhancing the investment climate, streamlining administrative procedures and creating favorable conditions for Chinese investors.

He added that special cooperation mechanisms will be developed to help Chinese enterprises access the ASEAN market, while fostering partnerships in sustainable development, the green economy, and climate change response.

“With its role as Vietnam’s economic driving force, Ho Chi Minh City is ready to serve as a reliable bridge and strategic partner for Chinese enterprises expanding into the region and the global market,” he said.

In his remarks, Chinese Consul General in the city Tang Li said the Vietnam–China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership continues to deepen, providing a strong foundation for business collaboration.

He highlighted steady growth in bilateral trade, progress in infrastructure connectivity, and closer integration of industrial and supply chains.

Tang noted that 2025 marks the year China formulates its 15th five-year plan for the 2026–30 period, emphasizing high-quality development and creating new opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam in technology, trade, and investment.

He pledged that the Chinese Consulate General will continue supporting practical cooperation between local authorities and businesses in both countries.

At the seminar, Vietnamese and Chinese companies, along with representatives from Chinese localities, shared their views on cooperation opportunities and investment policies in various areas.

Participants agreed that there is still considerable potential for deeper Vietnam–China collaboration, with Ho Chi Minh City playing a strategic role in linking supply chains and promoting sustainable growth.