Vietnam steps into golden decade for innovation and private capital

Vietnam steps into golden decade for innovation and private capital

Amid global geopolitical turbulence, Vietnam is continuing to solidify its position as a strategic beacon in innovation and high-tech industries, poised to lead the next wave of growth in Asia by drawing a substantial influx of private capital.

Vietnam marked an important milestone in the private capital flow map of Asia on April 22 with the official opening of the Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Summit (VIPC) 2025, which attracted over 1,000 delegates and more than 200 investors from Asia, the Gulf region, and Europe.

The forum, organised by the National Innovation Centre (NIC) and the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Vietnam Private Capital Investment Organisation (VPCA), was supported by Golden Gate Ventures and Do Ventures.

Highlighting the crucial role of innovation funds and private capital in boosting the innovation ecosystem, deputy prime minister Nguyen Chi Dung reiterated the government's commitment to being proactive, supportive, and facilitating the participation of all stakeholders in the innovation-driven development process.

“The ongoing global supply chain shift is creating a significant leverage for Vietnam to increase its market share in key sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and AI. With support from the National Innovation Centre, many of the world's leading technology companies, such as Nvidia, Samsung, Qualcomm, Meta, and Google, have chosen Vietnam as the location for their research and development centres, innovation hubs, and new industrial centres,” said Dung.

“Private capital plays a key role in turning breakthrough ideas into reality, building new business models, and developing pioneering technology products. Venture capital funds and global technology giants are vital backers for future development. The proactivity and flexibility of the private sector, when effectively combined with government guidance and support, have created powerful and successful innovation ecosystems in many countries worldwide,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung at the Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Summit 2025. Photo: Ha Vy

The event brought together over 100 major investment funds and global financial organisations, including notable names such as CDH Investments, Partech Ventures, Temasek, Do Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, Vina Capital, Mekong Capital, Nasdaq representatives, and Tokyo Stock Exchange’s representatives.

VIPC Summit 2025 also reaffirmed Vietnam's national development strategy under the Politburo’s Resolution No.57, which recognises science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.

In his speech, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam emphasised that VIPC Summit 2025 is not just a platform for connections but a solid springboard positioning Vietnam as a promising destination for innovation capital in Southeast Asia.

"This event once again confirms the government's and the Ministry of Finance's commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the investor community, aiming to effectively attract financial resources for pioneering technology and innovation sectors,” said Tam.

Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam. Photo: Ha Vy

In alignment, Vinnie Lauria, VPCA board member, expressed optimism that the event would unlock global capital flows as Vietnam enters a transformative phase of development.

“VIPC Summit 2025 will become a strategic meeting point. We organise this conference to attract global capital at a pivotal time for Vietnam’s growth. Today, the event has become a strategic rendezvous, where trust meets funding,” said Lauria.

Le Hoang Uyen Vy, VPCA chairwoman and Do Ventures CEO, noted that Vietnam has transformed from a potential market to a country ready to break through.

Pointing to robust foreign direct investment (FDI) flows with $25 billion in disbursements in 2024, a 9 per cent increase from the previous year, Vy highlighted the rapid expansion of the middle class, which is expected to represent 46 per cent of the population by 2030, creating a promising consumer market.

“This is the decade that will shape Vietnam's future. Amid global instability, Vietnam has emerged as a destination for sustainable growth, ground-breaking innovation, and pioneering policies. Capital is ready, and the time is now,” she emphasised.

VIPC Summit 2025 featured discussions on key industries, policy announcements, and Vietnam’s vision on divestment opportunities, cross-border development in fintech, AI, and deep tech, reflecting Vietnam's long-term vision as a regional innovation hub, particularly in high-tech manufacturing, capital market development, and cross-border business expansion.

At the event, NIC and VPCA signed a series of bilateral MoUs with three leading Asian investment associations, ushering in a new era of investment cooperation between Vietnam and Asia’s economic powerhouses, including the Korea Venture Capital Association, Singapore Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, and Hong Kong Venture Capital & Private Equity Association.

These organisations collectively manage assets totalling $5 trillion. This is the first time that major private capital organisations in Asia have formally united to create a regional investment bloc with a shared goal and coordinated actions.

“This is not just an MoU, it is a historic moment,” said Max-F. Scheichenost, VPCA board member. “This MoU marks a new era for the convergence of Asia’s private capital ecosystem, based on trust, respect, regional cooperation, and sustainable growth. At the centre of this wave is Vietnam.”

A series of bilateral MoUs signed between NIC, VPCA, and three leading Asian investment associations. Photo: Ha Vy

In the context of increasing global economic instability and polarisation, this cooperation agreement connects four key Asian economies, forming an alliance with significant investment power, outstanding innovation capacity, and a broad domestic market.

The MoU committed to driving co-investment opportunities between Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong (China), supporting startups in expansion and talent circulation, while enhancing access to training, events, and policy dialogues. Additionally, the MoU will initiate joint policy advocacy programmes to harmonise legal standards across regions.

“This initiative will accelerate the development of ecosystems and exponentially increase capital sources in the coming years. This is a new door for Vietnamese startups and lays the foundation for Asian investors to lead the private capital flow in the region,” said Vy, Do Ventures CEO.

VIR