This year's forum was held with the participation of more than 500 guests including leaders of ministries, branches, localities and representatives of international organizations from ASEAN and Italy, diplomatic missions, businesses, experts...
According to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, this is the first time the forum has been held after the merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Thereby demonstrating the responsibility and inheritance in Ho Chi Minh City's international cooperation activities after the merger.
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that it is always ready to accompany Italy and Europe in key areas such as developing a green economy and renewable energy towards Net Zero 2050. Build smart infrastructure, sustainable logistics and multi-center urban areas. At the same time, promote cooperation in education, research and international human resource training.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc - Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that the forum took place at a time of great significance, when Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular are entering a historic transformation period to enter a new era of development. The merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau provinces is a particularly important milestone, marking 3 economic centers, 3 poles of dynamic convergence, forming the largest urban - industrial - seaport area in the country and having an important position in the region.
Entering the new era, Ho Chi Minh City is restructuring the development space according to the multipolar - integrated - super connected thinking. Mobilize resources to invest in building a synchronous, civilized and modern urban infrastructure system.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Ho Chi Minh City is proud to be one of the pioneering localities of Vietnam in promoting cooperation with ASEAN countries, playing an important role as a bridge between Vietnam and the region.
Italy is Vietnam's third largest trading partner in Europe, with two-way trade turnover reaching more than 4 billion USD in the first 6 months of 2025. In Ho Chi Minh City, Italy is currently the 24th largest investor among 129 countries and territories, with a total investment capital of nearly 135 million USD.
On the basis of vibrant cooperation with ASEAN partners as well as strong relations with potential Italian partners, Ho Chi Minh City has favorable conditions to play a role as a connecting point in promoting exchanges and cooperation between Italy and ASEAN, especially in the context of Italy strengthening relations with the ASEAN region and considering ASEAN as one of the key partners... Ho Chi Minh City is ready to coordinate with representative agencies, promotion organizations and the Italian business community in strengthening connections and expanding economic cooperation activities with ASEAN countries. Thereby promoting the deepening of the Vietnam - Italy Strategic Partnership as well as economic and trade relations between Italy and ASEAN countries - Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized.
