Nguyễn Công Vinh, vice chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, speaks at a session of the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum in HCM City on Tuesday. — VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp

HCM CITY — Việt Nam needs to strengthen its technological capabilities and move into higher-value activities as global supply chains change amid shifting investment flows, digitalisation and the transition to greener production, officials and experts said at an economic forum in HCM City on Tuesday.

The thematic sessions of the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum brought together government officials, international organisations, researchers and business representatives to discuss how Việt Nam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could capture new opportunities as international businesses reorganise their production networks.

Nguyễn Công Vinh, vice chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said changes in global value chains were creating opportunities for economies to improve their positions in international production networks.

He stressed the importance of adapting to new economic conditions and strengthening cooperation among governments, businesses and international partners to make the most of emerging opportunities.

The city wanted the discussions to lead to practical cooperation initiatives and projects that could support economic development, he said.

The sessions focused on ways to strengthen the position of Việt Nam and ASEAN in global value chains, attract international investment, develop green logistics and improve the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers.

A key session, titled “Repositioning Việt Nam and ASEAN in Global Value Chains”, examined how Việt Nam and other ASEAN economies could strengthen their positions in international production networks and capture more value from shifting global supply chains.

Other sessions focused on attracting international investment, developing green logistics and improving the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers.

Speakers discuss ways to reposition Việt Nam and ASEAN in global value chains at the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum in HCM City on Tuesday. — VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp

Moving up the value chain

For Việt Nam, attracting foreign investment remains important, but the country also needs to increase the economic benefits generated by international manufacturing operations.

Moving into higher-value activities could help domestic businesses improve their technological capabilities, raise productivity and build stronger links with multinational companies.

However, attracting foreign investment alone does not guarantee stronger domestic industrial capabilities.

Local suppliers need to meet international standards, adopt advanced technologies and develop the skills required to participate in more sophisticated production processes.

Advanced manufacturing was another focus of the discussions, with participants examining ways to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses and strengthen their role in international supply chains.

The sessions also explored how HCM City could attract international capital through its planned international financial centre and develop more sustainable supply chains through green logistics.

The financial centre initiative is intended to strengthen the city's position in international financial networks and improve its ability to attract investment. Its success will depend on the development of an appropriate institutional framework, supporting infrastructure and skilled workers.

Green and digital transformation

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and the circular economy featured in discussions on the future of industrial production, reflecting growing pressure on businesses to reduce emissions and use resources more efficiently.

Green logistics was also highlighted as an area where Việt Nam could improve the sustainability and efficiency of its supply chains.

Participants discussed policies for the digital economy, workforce preparation for the wider use of artificial intelligence (AI), data protection and cybersecurity.

Other sessions examined the application of AI in urban management and industrial operations, the development of quantum technology ecosystems and agricultural technology solutions to make supply chains more transparent and sustainable.

International technology cooperation also featured prominently, with discussions on how HCM City could use partnerships to support economic growth and develop emerging industries.

An exhibition at Thiskyhall showcased technology solutions and innovation models from Vietnamese and international organisations and businesses.

The activities were held as part of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, held under the theme “The Convergence of New Global Growth Poles: The Spirit of Cooperation in a New Era”.

PM to address forum on Wednesday

The forum’s main sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, when Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng is due to address participants and take part in a dialogue with World Economic Forum (WEF) leaders.

The dialogue, titled “Positioning Việt Nam in the Global Future”, is expected to examine changes in the global economy, emerging sources of growth and Việt Nam’s role in international production, innovation and cooperation networks.

The programme also includes announcements of planned cooperation initiatives, investment projects and the first 10 official members of the Việt Nam International Financial Centre in HCM City.

For HCM City, the challenge is to turn international interest into actual investment, technology transfer and stronger links between foreign investors and domestic companies.

Strengthening these connections would help local businesses participate in more advanced production activities, improve their competitiveness and capture a greater share of the value generated by global supply chains.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation between governments, businesses and international partners in helping Việt Nam respond to changes in the global economy and support its longer-term development. — VNS