INTRODUCTION
The Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum (HEF), established in 2018 and organized annually by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, serves as a premier international platform for dialogue. It convenes government leaders, eminent experts, and business representatives from around the world to deliberate on critical economic issues in alignment with Vietnam’s development priorities.
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Under the direction of the Prime Minister, the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum 2025 (HEF 2025) marks a pivotal milestone in its evolution with a new name - The Autumn Economic Forum 2025. The Forum is hosted by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), relevant municipal departments, and a broad network of domestic and international collaborators, under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
With the theme “Green Transition in the Digital Era”, the Forum stands as a pioneering platform for global dialogue and cooperation on the twin transitions — digital and green. It seeks to build a robust foundation for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth in Viet Nam, the region, and the world through coherent strategies and actionable initiatives that place people at the centre of progress. By leveraging the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation, the Forum aims to advance long-term sustainable development.
The Forum will focus on three main pillars:
- Smart manufacturing and global supply chains;
- Smart logistics and seaports aligned with twin transition goals;
- Smart governance in the digital era.
By concentrating on these pillars, the Forum reaffirms Viet Nam’s global standing and determination to act as a creator and shaper of the future.
A key highlight of this year’s programme is the Dialogue with the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, co-hosted with the World Economic Forum on 26 November 2025. In addition, the Forum will feature a working luncheon with Government and WEF leaders, the CEO 500 Tea Connect Programme, inspirational talk shows for young people, and a series of diverse and substantive activities designed to foster collaboration, connect resources, and open up new opportunities for all stakeholders.
The Autumn Economic Forum 2025 provides an invaluable occasion for the Government and City leadership to learn from the experiences and practical models of developed nations in policy implementation and the application of science and technology. These insights will help to shape appropriate policy directions for Viet Nam. At the same time, the Forum represents an opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to reaffirm its vision and pioneering role in international cooperation, twin transitions, smart manufacturing, and smart urban development, all serving the overarching goal of sustainable development.
16:00 - 18:00
GRECO 2025 Opening - 3rd Exhibition on Green Growth Products & Services
Theme: AI and Industry 4.0 Innovations
08:30 - 10:00
WISE HCMC+ 2025 Launching Ceremony
08:00 - 11:00
YOUTH INSPIRATIONAL TALK
Theme: Intelligent Generation NOW
14:30 - 18:00
CEO 500 – TEA CONNECT
Theme: Ho Chi Minh City: Towards an International Metropolis in the Digital Era
18:00 - 20:30
WELCOME DINNER
07:00 - 08:00
Welcoming delegates
08:00 - 08:05
Introduction of distinguished guests
08:05 - 08:12
Welcome and Introduction video of the Autumn Economic Forum 2025
08:15 - 08:25
Welcome remarks by Mr. Trần Lưu Quang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
08:25 - 08:45
Opening address by Mr. Phạm Minh Chính, Prime Minister of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
08:45 - 08:50
The Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam, Ito Naoki delivers the congratulatory letter from the Prime Minister of Japan to the Forum
08:50 - 08:55
Welcoming remarks by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation of Kingdom of Cambodia
08:55 - 09:00
Welcoming remarks by Y.B. Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Federation of Malaysia
09:00 - 09:05
Welcoming remarks by the Mr. Long Guoqiang, Vice President of Development Research Center, People's Republic of China
09:05 - 09:10
Welcoming remarks by Mr. Saysana Sitthiphone, Vice minister of the Ministry of Technology and Communications of Lao People's Democratic Republic
09:15 - 09:25
Keynote 1:
Green transition in digital era
09:25 - 09:35
Keynote 2:
Towards an intelligent economy: Opportunities and Challenges
09:45 - 09:55
Keynote 3:
Smart manufacturing and Global Supply Chains
09:55 - 10:05
Keynote 4:
Governing Megacity and Responsibilities of Stakeholders
10:05 – 10:15
Keynote 5:
The journey of the green transition in the digital era: Case study of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City
10:15 – 10:20
Commemorative photo session
10:50 - 12:30
Smart Manufacturing and Global Supply Chains
10:50 - 12:30
Smart Logistics and Ports in line with twin transition
10:50 - 12:30
Smart Government in Digital Era
11:00 - 12:45
WORKING LUNCH WITH GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP
Theme: Collaboration for Green Goals in the Digital Era toward an Intelligent Economy
(Co-organized with the World Economic Forum – WEF)
14:10 - 15:40
PART I: PANEL DISCUSSION WITH VIETNAMESE MINISTERS, EXPERTS, AND BUSINESS LEADERS
15:40 - 16:00
PART II: ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP
16:00 - 18:10
PART III: PROGRAM “60 MINUTES WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF VIET NAM”
(Co-organized with the World Economic Forum – WEF)
18:30 - 20:30
GALA DINNER
08:00 - 11:00
Seminar on Connecting Science and Technology Between Overseas Vietnamese Experts and Domestic Enterprises
08:30 - 11:15
ROUNDTABLE: DEEP TECH COMMERCIALIZATION
14:00 - 17:00
Vietnam - China Business Connect Seminar
13:20 - 20:30
International Conference: Breakthrough in Innovation and Technology
(Focus: HCMC IFC – the new Heartbeat of APEC Finance)
16:00 - 20:30
C4IR GLOBAL NETWORKING CONNECT - EVENING
HEF is honored to convene a distinguished gathering of visionaries, innovators, and policymakers at the forefront of the intelligent economy revolution. Our speakers are chosen for their exceptional expertise and demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into practical outcomes, spanning cutting-edge technologies to real-world applications.
About HCMC
Where Technology Meets Tradition
Ho Chi Minh City stands as Vietnam’s commercial capital and one of Asia’s most dynamic emerging metropolises. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Investment, the city consistently attracts over 30% of the nation’s total foreign direct investment (FDI). Its strategic location, youthful and tech-savvy population, and pro-business policies position it as a premier destination for investment in high-growth sectors, including:
- Technology and the Digital Economy
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Financial Services
- Real Estate and Smart Infrastructure
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