(18 December 2024)

Sunwah –  Meeting with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on December 18, 2024

The delegation, comprising 60 enterprises from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, visited and held discussions with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung

In the afternoon of December 18, 2024, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Hong Kong, Chairman of the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Ma Cao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance (GBA Alliance), Founding Chairman of the Hong Kong-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of Sunwah Group, led a delegation of 60 enterprises from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to visit and meet with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and his officials.

Dr Jonathan Choi speaking at the meeting

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude to Dr. Choi for Sunwah Group’s enduring contributions to investment in Vietnam and its promotion of economic and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China. The Minister emphasized that Vietnam is in a critical phase of development, with several new projects underway, such as the North-South high-speed railway, metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City. He encouraged businesses from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to actively participate in building infrastructure in Vietnam, including cross-border railways, highways, and bridges.

Minister Dung also outlined Vietnam’s economic growth goals, with GDP growth projected at 7% in 2024, 8% in 2025, and an average of 10% during 2026–2030. He called for Chinese enterprises’ cooperation and investment to help achieve these targets.

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung warmly welcomed the delegation

Dr. Jonathan Choi expressed gratitude to the Minister and officials for their warm reception. He highlighted that Sunwah Group has been investing in Vietnam for three generations and considers it their second home. He reaffirmed Sunwah’s commitment to Vietnam’s development and aspirations to build a century-old corporate brand. Dr. Choi also shared opportunities for comprehensive cooperation between Greater Bay Area businesses and Vietnam in high-tech, infrastructure, and trade services. He noted prior discussions with Minister Nguyen Chi Dung about critical projects, such as the international financial center, the China-Vietnam high-speed railway, and special economic zones. Dr. Choi recognized Vietnam’s implementation of new development policies and goals, focusing on long-term infrastructure design.

Representatives from the delegation, such as Ms. Zhang Yan, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr. Zhang Kai, Vice President of Chengzhi Intelligent Machinery Technology Company, and Ms. Lai Xiaofen, Founder of Foshan Kafendi Furniture Company, introduced their businesses’ strengths in areas such as the comprehensive development of Guangzhou’s rail industry, drone technology applications, low-altitude aviation economic trends, smart manufacturing, and green production.

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung valued the opportunities for collaboration presented by the delegation and reaffirmed the importance of areas such as infrastructure, high technology, and green production for Vietnam. He expressed his hope that Dr. Choi would continue to lead more Chinese business delegations to Vietnam to support rail projects, human resource training, and capacity-building in rail industry operations. The Minister also expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation in high-tech talent development, international finance, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Minister Dung reiterated that the Vietnamese government is committed to providing supportive policies and solutions to address challenges faced by Chinese businesses in Vietnam, thereby fostering comprehensive cooperation between the two parties and contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable economic development.

Dr. Jonathan Choi, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and leaders representatives from Sunwah Group at the meeting.

Meeting with Representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade – December 18, 2024 

The GBA Business delegation led by Dr Jonathan Choi visited the Ministry of Industry and Trade

In the afternoon of December 18, 2024, the delegation of entrepreneurs from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area met with representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, chaired by Mr. To Ngoc Son, Deputy Director General of the Asia-Africa Market Department. Representatives from affiliated departments such as the Export-Import Department, the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, the Industry Department, and the Trade Promotion Agency also attended the meeting.

Deputy Director General To Ngoc Son, on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, warmly welcomed Dr. Jonathan Choi and the delegation. He explained that initially, the meeting was scheduled to be chaired by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade. However, due to an emergency meeting of the government, the Deputy Minister authorized Mr. To Ngoc Son to represent him in welcoming the delegation.

Deputy Director General To Ngoc Son, on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, warmly welcomed Dr. Jonathan Choi and the delegation.

Dr. Jonathan Choi expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s reception, emphasizing the ministry’s critical role in Vietnam’s development. He highlighted that this was the third time he had led a delegation from the Greater Bay Area to Vietnam this year, with the current visit focusing on trade cooperation opportunities. He introduced the delegation as representatives from major cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Foshan, operating in fields such as high technology, innovation centers, infrastructure, trade exhibitions, commercial services, and manufacturing.

Dr. Choi shared that during previous discussions with the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City and the Minister of Planning and Investment, he had addressed key projects, including infrastructure, international financial centers, low-altitude aviation, and zero-emission green manufacturing in Vietnam. He noted that with the continuous development of friendly relations between the two countries, bilateral investment and trade between Vietnam and China are expected to grow strongly. He underscored the importance of strengthening export-import connectivity between the Greater Bay Area and Vietnam. Hong Kong, being a global financial, transportation, and trade hub, and Guangzhou, as the “southern trade gateway” of China, present significant advantages in fostering trade. Once transportation routes such as maritime, high-speed rail, and roadways between China and Vietnam become operational, customs clearance, logistics, and supply chains will be substantially improved, facilitating the export of Vietnamese agricultural products to China and the import of Chinese high-tech products to Vietnam. He proposed bilateral collaboration through trade and exhibition centers to boost mutual trade exchange.

Dr Jonathan Choi speaking at the meeting with MOIT officials

During the meeting, members of the delegation introduced their business strengths and proposed opportunities for collaboration with Vietnam. Ms. Zhang Yan, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized the geographical advantages and development potential shared by Guangzhou and Hanoi. As twin cities, she hoped for enhanced mutual understanding and comprehensive cooperation for shared growth.

Ms. Ou Haijing, General Manager of Guangzhou Baima Commercial Management Co., Ltd., presented Yuexiu Group and Baima Company as one of China’s largest state-owned enterprises, operating in sectors such as finance, real estate, transportation, and commerce, with a vertically integrated business model across agriculture, industry, and services.

Mr. Chen Guilin, General Manager of Guangzhou Hannover Milano Exhibition Company, shared plans to organize an exhibition in Vietnam in 2025. He invited representatives of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade to participate and observe the event, where advanced global smart equipment could be introduced to Vietnam to invest in and apply to major infrastructure projects. This would improve quality and efficiency and promote automation cooperation between China and Vietnam.

Currently, the total trade volume between China and Vietnam and between Vietnam and the Greater Bay Area continues to grow, reaching $250 billion and $12.3 billion in 2023, respectively. Building on this foundation, the two sides discussed future cooperation directions, including developing construction material hubs, textile raw material centers, trade exhibition areas, and complementary facilities in Vietnam. They also agreed to strengthen the export of Vietnam’s agricultural and aquatic products to China, creating more opportunities for businesses from both countries.

The GBA business delegation’s meeting at the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam.

Meeting with the Government of Hai Phong City – December 19, 2024

The business delegation visited and held discussions with the leadership of Hai Phong City.

On December 19, 2024, the delegation of 60 entrepreneurs from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, led by Dr. Jonathan Choi, visited Hai Phong City. The delegation held a meeting with Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, along with local government representatives and businesses to discuss strategies for enhancing economic and trade cooperation.

During the meeting, Chairman Nguyen Van Tung emphasized the city’s remarkable economic achievements in recent years, with double-digit GDP growth sustained over a decade, even during the pandemic, reaching 10–11%. Hai Phong is currently one of Vietnam’s key investment hubs, supported by the approval of Southern coastal economic zones and the establishment of several other economic zones, offering significant opportunities and incentives for both domestic and international businesses. He also noted the joint collaboration between the Vietnamese and Chinese governments on the planned Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong high-speed railway project, scheduled to commence by the end of 2025. This project is expected to enhance trade connectivity and foster closer ties between the two nations.

Hai Phong currently hosts over 1,000 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, positioning itself as a dynamic coastal city attracting substantial investment. Chairman Tung highlighted the city’s appeal as a gateway for international commerce and invited businesses from the delegation to explore investment opportunities in sectors such as industrial development, logistics, and green manufacturing.

Dr. Jonathan Choi and Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee, at the meeting

Dr. Jonathan Choi expressed his admiration for Hai Phong’s impressive economic development, particularly its similarity to Tianjin City in China, an important industrial hub. He stated that Hai Phong’s infrastructure and industrial structure are highly complementary to cities in the Greater Bay Area, such as Guangzhou. Dr. Choi believed the collaboration between the two regions would lay a solid foundation for future partnerships. He suggested that Greater Bay Area businesses could assist Hai Phong in developing free trade zones, special economic zones, automated port management, and strengthening connections with international markets.

Representatives of the Guangzhou Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) shared insights into Guangzhou’s unique strengths as China’s trade hub. Both parties agreed on the strong complementarities in their industrial structures and their roles as transportation hubs, opening significant potential for collaboration. Businesses in the delegation also expressed their interest in fostering cooperation in fields such as textiles, logistics, and finance, with a focus on achieving balanced trade and sustainable development between Vietnam and China.

Mr. Kevin Fan, representing the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, emphasized the role of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an international trade bridge for China. He noted that the region could leverage its “super-connector” advantages to expand and deepen economic cooperation between Vietnam and China, combining domestic and international economic cycles.

Chairman Nguyen Van Tung reaffirmed Hai Phong’s commitment to improving the investment environment, enhancing administrative efficiency, and resolving business challenges. He assured the delegation that Hai Phong would provide the best services for enterprises, including those from the Greater Bay Area. He expressed hope that this visit would strengthen mutual understanding and lay a robust foundation for extensive collaboration in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and upgrading industrial value chains.

Overview of the business delegation’s meeting at the Hai Phong City People’s Committee

Following the meeting, the delegation toured key industrial areas in Hai Phong, including Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Zone, Xuan Cau Lach Huyen Free Trade Zone, and the Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HICT). These visits provided insights into the city’s development plans, preferential policies, and logistics capabilities, creating opportunities for potential partnerships.

The business delegation conducted a site visit to the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Hai Phong

The business delegation conducted a site visit to the Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HICT)

Meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu– December 19, 2024

In the afternoon of December 19, 2024, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, led the Sunwah Group delegation to visit and meet with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Nguyen Minh Vu.

Dr Jonathan Choi and Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu at the meeting

Dr. Jonathan Choi shared the purpose and outcomes of the GBA business delegation’s visit to Vietnam, emphasizing this was the third visit he had led to the country within the year. The delegation included representatives from prominent businesses in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Foshan, active in high technology, infrastructure, trade exhibitions, and manufacturing.

Dr. Choi emphasized that through discussions with Vietnam’s ministries, sectors, and local governments, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s economic development plans. He underscored Vietnam’s pivotal phase of development, predicting accelerated growth in the coming years. He highlighted that enterprises from the Greater Bay Area could play a vital role in infrastructure development, green manufacturing, and the creation of international financial centers in Vietnam.

He also appreciated the improvement of Vietnam’s logistics system and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, which provided favorable conditions for cooperation in trade, agricultural exports, and high technology. Dr. Choi further emphasized Sunwah Group’s longstanding commitment to Vietnam and its plans for future collaboration. He announced that 2025 would mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China, as well as 55 years of Sunwah’s presence in Vietnam. He affirmed Sunwah’s commitment to supporting Chinese businesses investing in Vietnam and facilitating deeper economic, educational, and cultural ties between the two nations. He proposed offering short-term Chinese language courses for officials of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Planning and Investment to enhance bilateral communication. Additionally, he expressed interest in promoting education and innovation partnerships between universities and further investment in Vietnam’s innovation sectors.

The Sunwah Group delegation and Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the meeting

Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu acknowledged Sunwah Group’s contributions to Vietnam’s economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. He commended Dr. Jonathan Choi’s visionary leadership. The Deputy Minister emphasized that Dr. Choi’s efforts to lead delegations from the Greater Bay Area to Vietnam demonstrated a strong commitment to the Vietnamese market. He reiterated Vietnam’s position as a key investment destination for Chinese businesses, with promising development prospects.

The Deputy Minister expressed his hope for Dr. Choi to continue supporting Vietnam and leading more Chinese business delegations to invest in Vietnam. He also encouraged Sunwah Group to expand its cooperation in education and innovation to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh – December 20, 2024

As part of the forum connecting business investments and trade between Vietnam and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, met with Mr. Pham Thanh Binh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

Dr Jonathan Choi and Deputy Minister Pham Thanh Binh

During the meeting, Dr. Choi shared the activities and outcomes of the delegation’s recent visits to Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong Province, Hanoi, and Hai Phong City. Deputy Minister Pham Thanh Binh commended Dr. Choi’s efforts in fostering collaboration between businesses from the Greater Bay Area and Vietnam, particularly in areas such as high technology, infrastructure development, and the establishment of international financial centers.

Sunwah Group Leadership and Deputy Minister Pham Thanh Binh

Deputy Minister Pham emphasized that relations between Vietnam and China had been progressively strengthening in recent years, and the Vietnamese government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had actively sought to attract Chinese investors and partners to explore Vietnam’s market potential. He highlighted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China. He looks forward to Dr. Choi continuing to lead delegations not only from the Greater Bay Area but also from other regions of China, such as the Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Economic Rim, to explore further cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.

Meeting with Leaders of Lao Cai Province – December 20, 2024

As part of the forum, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group, met with Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lao Cai Province. During the meeting, Mr. Khanh outlined progress on several key infrastructure projects in the province and expressed his hope that Sunwah Group would continue to support Lao Cai in attracting investors and exploring local collaboration opportunities.

Dr. Jonathan Choi and Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Standing Vice Chairman of Lao Cai Province, at the meeting

Dr. Choi acknowledged Lao Cai’s strategic role in border infrastructure development and expressed his support for the province’s ongoing projects. He proposed that Lao Cai consider offering more preferential policies to build investor confidence, facilitating investment and economic growth in the region.

Additionally, Dr. Choi suggested a potential partnership in the production and marketing of tea. He proposed that Sunwah Group and Lao Cai collaborate to develop a locally branded tea product with the ambition of becoming a “national tea.” The product would be processed, packaged, and promoted as a diplomatic gift for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present to foreign heads of state worldwide. This idea aimed to elevate Lao Cai’s brand image and international influence. Mr. Khanh highly appreciated Dr. Choi’s suggestion, and both parties pledged to work together to realize this vision while advancing specific collaborative projects in the future.

Meeting with Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Nguyen Quang Vinh – December 20, 2024

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Business Delegation visited VCCI

In the afternoon of December 20, 2024, the delegation of entrepreneurs from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, led by Dr. Jonathan Choi, met with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of VCCI, along with representatives of Vietnamese businesses.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of VCCI, welcomed the business delegation at the VCCI Headquarters in Hanoi

Dr. Choi introduced the members of the delegation, highlighting the economic characteristics of major cities in the Greater Bay Area. He summarized the activities and outcomes of the delegation’s visits to Binh Duong Province, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong City, and Hanoi. Dr. Choi expressed his hope that this exchange would further strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two regions and encourage investment from key industries in the Greater Bay Area into Vietnam.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh emphasized that in recent years, economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and China, especially with the Greater Bay Area, has achieved significant progress. Currently, over 4,000 Chinese businesses are investing in Vietnam, making China the second-largest foreign investor in Vietnam, after South Korea. He highlighted the upcoming 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations in 2025 as an important opportunity to promote collaboration in areas such as technology, education, high technology, and trade.

Mr. Vinh also introduced VCCI’s scale and functions. VCCI, headquartered in Hanoi, employs more than 1,000 staff and has approximately 200,000 member businesses across various sectors. It plays a key role in fostering economic and trade cooperation.

During the meeting, Vietnamese businesses introduced their fields of expertise, including e-commerce, medical equipment, plastic packaging, building materials, organic products, and industrial park development.

The overview of GBA Business Delegation’s meeting with VCCI leaders and local Vietnam businesses

Ms. Zhang Yan, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), elaborated on the organization’s functions, particularly in supporting bilateral trade promotion, investment, and technology exchange. CCPIT committed to helping businesses from both sides maximize collaboration opportunities.

Mr. Kevin Fan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, spoke about the chamber’s role, particularly in connecting Vietnamese businesses with the resources of the global Chinese business community. As the secretariat of the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, the chamber offers Vietnamese businesses an expanded global cooperation network.

Delegation members introduced their business operations and expressed their desire to find distributors, agents, and long-term partners in Vietnam. The meeting concluded with an open discussion where both sides explored further possibilities for cooperation, opening up numerous opportunities to strengthen economic and trade collaboration between Vietnam and China.

Meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. He Wei – December 20, 2024

In the afternoon of December 20, 2024, Dr. Jonathan Choi led the delegation of entrepreneurs from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to meet with Mr. He Wei, the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam. The meeting involved in-depth discussions about Vietnam-China economic and trade cooperation and future development directions.

Dr Jonathan Choi and Ambassador He Wei at the meeting

Dr. Jonathan Choi shared the details of the delegation’s activities and achievements during their visit to Vietnam. He noted that this was the third time in the year he had led a delegation to Vietnam. The delegation consisted of leading enterprises from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Foshan, operating in fields such as high technology, infrastructure, trade exhibitions, and manufacturing. Dr. Choi highlighted that through meetings with leaders of various Vietnamese ministries, including the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as with leaders of provinces such as Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong, the delegation had gained a deep understanding of Vietnam’s economic development plans.

He emphasized the significant role that businesses from the Greater Bay Area could play in areas such as infrastructure construction, green manufacturing, and the development of international financial centers, contributing to the high-quality growth of Vietnam’s economy. Dr. Choi also reflected on Sunwah Group’s extensive experience and long-standing commitment to Vietnam, noting that 2025 would mark the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations and the 55th anniversary of Sunwah’s presence in Vietnam.

Dr. Choi reaffirmed Sunwah Group’s commitment to supporting Chinese businesses in investing and cooperating with Vietnam and fostering deeper connections in economic, educational, and cultural sectors. He proposed introducing short-term Chinese language training courses for officials from Vietnam’s ministries to improve communication and deepen bilateral cooperation. Additionally, he emphasized Sunwah’s interest in promoting innovation, university partnerships, and investment in education sectors. Dr. Choi sought the support of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The meeting between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Business Delegation and Ambassador He Wei at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi

Ambassador He Wei praised Dr. Choi and Sunwah Group’s efforts in promoting Vietnam-China economic and trade cooperation. He emphasized that the two countries are currently expanding collaboration in various fields, including infrastructure construction, technological innovation, and logistics development. The ambassador expressed his hope that Dr. Choi and Sunwah Group would continue to act as a bridge, bringing more enterprises from the Greater Bay Area to invest in Vietnam and further enhancing the cooperation between businesses from both nations.

Ambassador He also highlighted that the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations in 2025 would be an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral friendship and collaboration. The Chinese Embassy in Vietnam pledged to support projects that fostered cooperation between the two countries.

Visit to the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Center in Hanoi – December 20, 2024

On the same afternoon, the delegation of entrepreneurs from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area visited the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Center in Hanoi. Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Group and the Sunwah Foundation, warmly welcomed the delegation and shared insights about the center’s role in fostering cultural and educational exchanges, youth innovation, social services, and international collaboration between Vietnam, China, and other countries.

Dr Jonathan Choi speaking at the ULIS-Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre

Since its establishment, the Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Center has hosted numerous global leaders and notable figures, including Peng Liyuan, First Lady of China. The center underscores Sunwah Group’s significant contributions to Vietnam and its positive role in promoting international cooperation in education and culture.

Ms. Zhang Yan, Deputy Director of Guangzhou CCPIT, commended the center’s achievements and Dr. Choi’s credibility. She noted that the visit was highly valuable for Guangzhou CCPIT and expressed optimism about leveraging Dr. Choi’s platform to foster deeper cooperation with Vietnam. The inauguration of the CCPIT Hanoi Liaison Office marked a crucial step in strengthening cooperation between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Vietnam. It created a more efficient platform for bilateral business interactions, contributing to comprehensive economic and trade collaboration between the two regions.