Ho Chi Minh Economic Forum: Global competition for projects in Vietnam is intense

Text: Petri Kangas
Photos: Tuyen Vo, Sami Puttonen

Tampere had a visible presence at the GRECO 2025 exhibition in Vietnam, participated in high-level sessions, and secured invitations for future cooperation. Discussions reinforced Tampere’s role in sustainability and innovation, and opened doors for continued collaboration.

Project Manager of Export Activities Sami Puttonen from Business Tampere took part in this year’s event. In total, a dozen participants joined from Tampere and the Pirkanmaa region, including Ilkka Porttikivi, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tampere, and Satu Vuorinen, Head of International Affairs.

“The purpose of Tampere’s delegation was to showcase Tampere as a smart city and education hub, strengthen ties with Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in education, innovation, and smart city development, and support Business Tampere’s export projects and talent attraction efforts,” says attaché spokesperson Tuyen Vo, who supported the delegation’s activities.

The event was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from November 25 to 30, 2025. Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest urban area with a population of 9.3 million. The capital, Hanoi, has 5.3 million inhabitants.

Strong alignment

The event was held under the theme Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovations in Industry 4.0 to foster international cooperation on economic growth, technology, and sustainable development, with a special focus on the Green Transition in the Digital Era. It aimed to position Ho Chi Minh City as a leading megacity and financial hub in Southeast Asia.

Future cooperation should focus on education export, smart city solutions, and talent attraction, representatives from Tampere International Affairs say. Vietnam is a rapidly growing market and a strategic partner for both Finland and Tampere.

“There is strong alignment between Vietnam’s goals and Tampere’s strengths. Global competition for projects in Vietnam is intense, and Finnish companies need stronger coordination and ownership strategies.”

Vietnam’s aims include dual transformation, achieving net-zero by 2050, and driving tech-based growth. These ambitions can be fully or at least partly supported by the Tampere region’s expertise in smart city solutions, education, and innovation.

Export initiatives targeting Vietnam are ongoing, Tampere representatives note. The same applies to Business Tampere’s work in the region.