(28 January 2026)

Sunwah – To promote bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and China in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and green technology, the Vietnam–China Cooperation Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Green Technology 2026 was held on the afternoon of 28 January 2026 at Sunwah Pearl, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The event also marked the official launch of the Sunwah – Chinese Enterprises Go Global Center (Vietnam).

The Forum was jointly organized by the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance (GBA Alliance) and Sunwah Group, with the support of the Vietnam Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore.

The Forum attracted more than 150 participants, including leaders from government departments and agencies, diplomatic representatives, international organizations, business associations, experts, investors, and Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises operating in the fields of technology, finance, manufacturing, and trade.

Distinguished guests included Mr. Tang Li, Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Elsa Hung, Acting Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore; Mr. Le Truong Duy, Director of HCMC C4IR; Ms. Cao Thi Phi Van, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC); Mr. Pham Binh An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Research (HIDS); and Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the GBA Alliance and Sunwah Group.

Distinguished guests on stage

In his opening remarks, Dr. Jonathan Choi emphasized the importance of strengthening substantive cooperation between Vietnam and China in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and green technology – key drivers of sustainable growth in the new development phase. He noted that Vietnam is increasingly emerging as a strategic destination for technology enterprises and international investors, thanks to its improving business environment, young workforce, and clear development orientation toward innovation and the green economy.

Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance,
Chairman of Sunwah Group

Dr. Choi further affirmed that Sunwah Group remains firmly committed to serving as a bridge, connecting enterprises, resources, and innovation ecosystems between Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, not only through investment and trade promotion activities, but also via long-term cooperation platforms in technology, education, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Following this, Mr. Tang Li, Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a speech highlighting the deepening cooperation between China and Vietnam, particularly in high technology, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and green transition. He highly appreciated the role of the business community and cooperation platforms such as this Forum in promoting investment, trade, and innovation linkages, and expressed confidence in achieving more tangible cooperation outcomes between enterprises of the two countries in the coming period.

Mr. Tang Li, Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City

Representing the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, Ms. Elsa Hung stated that Hong Kong is ready to serve as a gateway and connectivity platform linking Vietnamese enterprises with the Chinese market and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. She underscored Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, trade, innovation, and professional services, and encouraged enterprises from both sides to further enhance cooperation through regional connectivity mechanisms and initiatives.

Ms. Elsa Hung, Acting Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore

Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Le Truong Duy, Director of HCMC C4IR, highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the context of digital transformation and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a regional innovation hub and expressed his expectation that the Sunwah – Chinese Enterprises Go Global Center (Vietnam) would become an effective bridge for advancing practical cooperation projects in AI, green technology, smart manufacturing, and the digital economy.

Mr. Le Truong Duy, Director, Vietnam Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR)

A major highlight of the program was the official launch of the Sunwah – Chinese Enterprises Go Global Center (Vietnam). The Center was established with the objective of supporting Chinese enterprises in accessing the Vietnamese market in an efficient, compliant, and sustainable manner, while also providing a platform for investment, trade, innovation, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Introducing the Center’s role and vision, Ms. Le Thu Lua, Center Director, stated that the Center will focus on investment advisory services, partner matching, project implementation support, and accompanying enterprises in priority sectors such as high technology, smart manufacturing, finance and banking, e-commerce, and the green economy.

Ms. Le Thu Lua, Director, Sunwah – Chinese Enterprises Go Global Center (Vietnam), introducing the Center’s mission

Launching Ceremony of the Sunwah – Chinese Enterprises Go Global Center (Vietnam)

Within the framework of the launching ceremony, 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises, promoting investment cooperation and project implementation in Vietnam across key sectors including healthcare, technology, finance and banking, and e-commerce.

At the same time, the innovation joint venture between Sunwah Innovations and Brinc (Hong Kong) was officially announced, aiming to build a global startup ecosystem to support innovative initiatives in Vietnam.

Representatives of enterprises signing MoUs with representatives of the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Centers

The innovation joint venture between Sunwah Innovations and Brinc (Hong Kong) announced at the event

The Forum continued with a series of in-depth presentations, offering practical insights, experience sharing, and policy recommendations, thereby clarifying cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises amid accelerating digital and green transitions.

Mr. Pham Binh An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Research, presented on “Green Transition Towards Sustainable Development: Roadmaps, Policies, and Cooperation Opportunities.” His presentation analyzed global and domestic drivers of green transition, Vietnam’s roadmap toward its Net Zero 2050 commitment, key policies such as green growth and carbon markets, and Ho Chi Minh City’s pioneering role in piloting new mechanisms and policies—opening up significant cooperation and investment opportunities for enterprises pursuing sustainable development.

Mr. Pham Binh An, Deputy Director, Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Research

Mr. Zhang Chen, Founder and General Manager of Create Link Zhejiang Technology Co., Ltd., delivered a presentation on “Smart Manufacturing for the Future: AI Empowering Traditional Manufacturing Towards Industry 4.0.” The presentation focused on AI applications in manufacturing, including automation, data analytics, value chain optimization, and smart factory development, helping traditional manufacturers enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness in the era of digital transformation and Industry 4.0.

Mr. Zhang Chen, Founder & General Manager, Create Link Zhejiang Technology Co., Ltd.

Mr. Chen Haiwen, FMCG Category Manager for Chinese Vendors at TikTok Shop Vietnam, and Mr. Wu Lin, Deputy Director of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited – HCMC Branch, both emphasized the strong potential of the Vietnamese market. They highlighted trends in localization, leveraging digital platforms and partner ecosystems, as well as increasingly stringent requirements in legal compliance, financial governance, risk management, and sustainable development. To succeed in Vietnam, Chinese enterprises must adopt long-term strategies, demonstrate flexibility in adapting to local market conditions, and align with the evolving economic and policy environment.

The Forum concluded with an active networking session among delegates, enterprises, and investors, opening up numerous concrete cooperation opportunities for the future. Through the Forum and the launch of the Sunwah – Chinese Enterprises Go Global Center (Vietnam), the organizers expect to facilitate high-quality investment flows, strengthen technology and innovation cooperation, and make positive contributions to the sustainable development of Vietnam and the region.