On June 5th, Fidal Asiattorneys was delighted to attend the CCE Vietnam Plenary in Ho Chi Minh City, held in the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of France to Vietnam and the Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City. This event brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the macroeconomic, geopolitical, and technological shifts shaping the region.
As businesses look to expand in Vietnam, understanding these dynamic trends is crucial. Here are the main takeaways from the plenary and how our legal experts can help you seize these emerging opportunities.
Vietnam: The Most Dynamic Economy in ASEAN
The presentation on the “Economic situation of Vietnam” highlighted the country’s impressive and exceptional market appeal.
- Record-Breaking Growth: Vietnam achieved an outstanding +8.02% growth in 2025. By Q1 2026, growth had already reached +7.8%, with the government aiming for a 10% target for the year.
- Industrial and Service Booms: This trajectory is driven by a booming industrial sector (+9%), a +19% increase in exports, and a thriving services sector (+8.6%) that now represents 42% of the GDP. Furthermore, the tourism sector saw a +20% dynamic increase with 21.2 million visitors.
- Foreign Investment: The country attracted record-breaking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), reaching $38.5 Billion. For instance, Samsung invested $1.5 Billion in electronics assembly.
- Economic Vulnerabilities: Despite the boom, the market faces fragilities such as banking liquidity reserves, divergences between foreign and domestic companies, and a strong trade deficit and dependency regarding China. Conversely, a trade surplus with the United States has led to three Section 301 investigations on goods produced by forced labor, industrial overcapacity, and intellectual property violations.
Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Shifts
Global geopolitics play a direct role in local operations. Tensions in the Gulf are economically influencing Vietnam, particularly regarding energy importation and supply.
- Energy and Inflation: Energy stock challenges are leading to increased fuel prices and subsequent inflation.
- Logistics Challenges: Blockages in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are forcing international shipping to reroute via the North or around Africa, complicating international supply chains.
- Strategic Solutions: To navigate this, experts suggest strengthening strategic autonomy, accelerating technological upgrading, and diversifying foreign partnerships.
Understanding the Next Generation of Vietnamese Talent
Our Managing Partner, Albert Franceskinj, Attorney at Law at the Paris Bar, delivered an insightful keynote on the “New trends of young Vietnamese”.
- A Crucial Demographic: The 18-35 generation represents 30% of the Vietnamese population.
- Core Traits: This generation is defined as ultra-connected, ambitious, and pragmatic.
- Business Impact: Understanding their behavior and career expectations is a major asset for any business looking to expand or recruit in Vietnam.
The Technological Shift: Generative vs. Agentic AI
French Tech discussions at the event highlighted a revolution in corporate technology. While Generative AI acts as a consultant, AI Agent is moving beyond to fully automate workflows, taking over entire roles like project management, accounting, and strategy definition.
- The Benefits: This autonomy provides an immense boost to productivity.
- The Risks: It triggers critical challenges, such as uncontrolled proliferation and the risk of the AI choosing its own tools.
- Best Practices: Companies must ensure data confidentiality by using certified tools like Claude or Copilot. Implementing this corporate tech in Vietnam requires strict legal frameworks to protect your assets.
Secure Your Business Growth with Fidal Asiattorneys
Navigating this fast-evolving market requires a sharp understanding of local regulations, supply chain shifts, and international trade compliance.
Whether you are planning to set up a business, protect your intellectual property amidst the AI revolution, or manage human resources and recruitment strategies, Fidal Asiattorneys is your trusted legal partner. From corporate setup to comprehensive legal support, we secure your investments and guide you through every legal and HR step in Vietnam.
Contact our experts today to secure your legal strategy in ASEAN’s most dynamic economy!
