Vietnam invites foreign investors to co-develop and master technology

Can made the statement at the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026, which was held in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time on Tuesday to promote investment and business cooperation in the region.

The summit was organized by Fortune, the U.S.-based business magazine that publishes the annual Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking.

Addressing the event, Can said Vietnam remained an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly in high technology, clean energy and strategically important industries, amid global geopolitical uncertainties and growing trends toward green transition, sustainable development and technological applications.

Vietnam is entering a new phase of development, with the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045, he said.

To achieve this target, the country is seeking to transform its growth model by placing greater emphasis on productivity, quality and added value, with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation serving as key drivers.

Vietnam seeks deeper technology partnerships

Can said Resolution No. 10 of the Politburo reaffirmed that the foreign-invested economic sector was an important component of the national economy and would be encouraged to develop over the long term on an equal footing and under conditions of healthy competition.

Vietnam was no longer focused solely on attracting investment capital but also sought to establish strategic partnerships, develop industry clusters and value chains, and build innovation ecosystems, he said.

A key priority is moving beyond simply receiving technology to jointly researching, creating and developing it with international partners.

The country also aims to attract investment in strategic sectors, including high technology, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, data, clean energy, advanced materials and high-value-added services.

Vietnam also wants to work with domestic businesses to develop autonomous and sustainable value chains, strengthen links between foreign-invested enterprises and local companies, and improve the country's position in global supply chains.

For its international financial centers, the government hopes to attract global financial institutions, multinational investment funds and leading financial technology corporations.

"Vietnam is committed to protecting the lawful rights and interests of investors and creating favorable conditions for investment cooperation, innovation and long-term development," Can said.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to strengthen global value chain links

Nguyen Loc Ha, standing deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration, said the city was one of Vietnam's largest economic centers, with a population of more than 14 million and a significant contribution to national economic growth.

The city was benefiting from more favorable institutional and policy conditions that would help drive development breakthroughs.

National orientations identify Ho Chi Minh City as a center for the economy, finance, science, technology and innovation, while new policies issued since October 2026 would give it greater room and autonomy to improve its investment environment and implement strategic projects, he said.

Ha outlined several priority areas for cooperation with international corporations, including large-scale infrastructure projects, data centers and high-tech industries, as well as stronger links with neighboring localities to make better use of regional resources and advantages.

The city also wants to strengthen connections among manufacturers, suppliers and service providers to expand cooperation opportunities and domestic and export markets, enabling Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply in global value chains.

Another priority is improving business productivity and operational efficiency through better access to capital and skilled workers, alongside the adoption of technology, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy management solutions.

The city is also working to improve information and support services and strengthen coordination among government agencies to promptly address difficulties and guide businesses through project preparation and implementation.

Ha said Ho Chi Minh City wanted international corporations not only to explore business opportunities in its market but also to participate in major infrastructure projects, develop commercial and financial centers, advance technology and innovation, and connect with local businesses and suppliers.

Before the summit, the city had received more than 30 submissions from corporations in the Fortune network across eight topic areas, reflecting their strong interest in the city's investment priorities, project implementation conditions and post-dialogue support mechanisms.

Representatives of major corporations in the network also held direct talks with city leaders to explore investment and cooperation opportunities in the city's expanded development landscape.