Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hoà Bình attended the Việt Nam–US Financial and Technology Roundtable in San Francisco. — VNA/VNS Photo

WASHINGTON DC — Continuing his working visit to the US, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hoà Bình on March 27 (local time) addressed the Việt Nam–US Financial and Technology Roundtable, met with an Oregon delegation, held talks with California’s State Treasurer, and worked with companies exploring investment opportunities in Việt Nam.

The dialogue, themed “Technology and the future of global finance,” drew more than 50 US firms spanning digital finance, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), crypto assets, startups, biotechnology and data infrastructure.

In his remarks, Bình outlined Việt Nam's strategy to build a modern, transparent international financial centre integrated with global markets. The proposed “one centre – two destinations” model would position HCM City as a traditional capital market hub, while Đà Nẵng focuses on fintech, digital assets and innovation. He reaffirmed Việt Nam's commitment to a pro-investment environment, with breakthrough policies and stronger protections for foreign investors.

Participants said Việt Nam is entering a critical phase of converting potential into tangible growth, echoing earlier trajectories of economies such as China and the Republic of Korea. Ongoing reforms, institutional streamlining and innovation-led policies were seen as strong signals for global investors. Companies pointed to Việt Nam's skilled workforce, strong technical capabilities and entrepreneurial drive as key advantages.

Businesses also called for clearer and more forward-looking regulatory frameworks to accelerate fintech cooperation, including mechanisms to recognise AI-driven economic entities and pilot sandbox models for emerging technologies. Strengthening innovation ecosystems and attracting international talent were highlighted as priorities, alongside new concepts such as “pop-up cities” to rapidly channel capital and ideas.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hoà Bình (right) at the meeting with Oregan State Senator Mark Meek. — VNA/VNS Photo

In meetings with Oregon officials led by State Senator Mark Meek, the US side described Việt Nam as a complementary partner across high-tech industries, clean energy, agriculture and logistics. Both sides noted longstanding ties and frequent exchanges, bolstered by the Vietnamese community in Oregon.

Oregon representatives signalled readiness to support Việt Nam's goal of training 50,000 engineers by 2030 and to link innovation ecosystems with the state’s “Silicon Forest.” Proposals also included boosting exports of key products such as blueberries and exploring direct multimodal transport links to the Port of Portland, alongside cooperation in clean energy transition.

Building on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development, Bình reiterated Việt Nam's openness to investors, financial institutions and banks from Oregon, particularly in the planned international financial centre.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hoà Bình (right) had talks with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma in San Francisco. — VNA/VNS Photo

In a separate engagement, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma described Việt Nam as a key partner, highlighting the growing influence of the Vietnamese-American community. Businesses and universities in California expressed interest in expanding investment and trade ties.

Drawing on California’s experience managing large pension funds and issuing municipal bonds, Ma suggested ways Việt Nam could diversify green capital mobilisation. Both sides discussed cooperation in trade, education, infrastructure, clean energy and people-to-people exchanges, alongside proposals such as agro-tourism development and applying AI to enhance governance and operational efficiency.

At a business roundtable, Hong Fang, President of OKX, described Việt Nam as a high-potential market with a young, tech-savvy population and strong engineering talent. She welcomed the government’s openness to policy dialogue and international practices, and expressed interest in contributing to Việt Nam's fintech ecosystem. Fang proposed deeper policy exchanges and sharing global experience in building sandbox frameworks for digital assets, while committing to bring international compliance standards to support a transparent and secure investment environment.

Meanwhile, Beau Perry, founder and CEO of Blue Evolution, said the company is keen to partner with Việt Nam in regenerative agriculture, aquaculture and sustainable development, particularly in developing seaweed value chains.

Bình welcomed the proposals, noting they align with Việt Nam's priority sectors and reaffirming the country’s readiness to attract high-quality foreign investment, including into the future international financial centre.

During his visit, the Deputy PM also met staff at the Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco. He wrapped up his US trip on March 28. — VNA/VNS