Message from CanCham

Dear ,

Welcome to the October edition of the CanCham Vietnam newsletter.

September was a productive month for CanCham as we continued to strengthen Canada–Vietnam business ties following the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. A key milestone was the launch of our Hanoi Committee at the Friends of Canada Reception, expanding our presence and engagement in northern Vietnam.

We also facilitated trade meetings for the Nova Scotia delegation, hosted the second webinar in our Canada–Vietnam Trade and Investment Webinar Series on agri-food partnerships, and shared economic insights at our Ascentium breakfast briefing. Our members also enjoyed an excursion to the CAE Flight Training Centre and a business lunch hosted by Saigon Newport Corporation.

Looking ahead, October brings a busy calendar of events. Join us on 11 October for the Thanksgiving Dinner & Business Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding business achievements and community impact. On 22 October, our Consumer Trends Seminar will explore the forces shaping Vietnam’s consumer market and economic growth. We will close the month on 29 October with the final webinar in our Canada–Vietnam Trade and Investment Webinar Series, followed by the Joint Chamber Halloween Mixer, co-organised with CEEC and ICHAM.

Thank you for your continued support of CanCham Vietnam. We look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events and continuing to grow our community together.

Warm regards,

CanCham Team.

CanCham News

CanCham’s 3rd Annual Consumer Trends Seminar 2026

Is Consumerism Driving Vietnam’s Ambitious GDP Growth, If Not, What Is?

Organised by CanCham Vietnam | Supported by the Consulate General of Canada in HCMC

With Vietnam’s 2026 GDP growth projected between 7.1% and 9.5% and the domestic sector contributing roughly 65% of the total economy, how is the consumer market shaping this expansion? CanCham’s 3rd Annual Consumer Trends Seminar convenes leading economic and market analysts from VinaCapital, Dragon Capital, Cimigo, NielsenIQ, and Kantar to unpack emerging consumption patterns, examine sector shifts across the value chain, and explore the future of Vietnam’s retail landscape.

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 🕗 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Hilton Saigon Hotel, 11 Me Linh Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Tickets (includes breakfast):

CanCham Members: VND 250,000
Co-host Members: VND 300,000
Non-Members: VND 500,000

CANCHAM THANKSGIVING DINNER & BUSINESS AWARDS 2026

An Evening of Celebration, Connection & Impact!🍁

Join us for an elegant evening honouring the people, partnerships, and businesses that continue to strengthen the Canada–Vietnam business community as CanCham proudly presents the Thanksgiving Dinner & Business Awards 2026.

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 🕗 6:00 PM onwards

📍 Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan Boulevard, Saigon Ward, HCMC

👗 Dress Code: Autumn Chic | Cocktail Attire

This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner brings together business leaders, members, and partners for a special celebration highlighted by the CanCham Business Awards 2026. Placing positive impact at the core of recognition, the awards will honour outstanding contributions across two categories: Large Enterprise and SME.

Guests can look forward to a full Thanksgiving-inspired buffet dinner, live music, the interactive Great CanCham Thanksgiving Challenge, an exclusive live auction, and valuable networking throughout the night.

View details

Webinar 2:

Manufacturing for Competitiveness

Canada–Vietnam Manufacturing Trade Partnerships: Resilient and Responsible Supply Chains

As Vietnam moves rapidly up the global value chain with priorities in semiconductors, electronics, and sustainable production, machinery and advanced equipment already represent over 53% of Vietnamese exports to Canada. To capitalise on this momentum, CanCham Vietnam and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) invite you to the third and final session of our Canada–Vietnam Trade and Investment Webinar Series, delivered under the Global Affairs Canada-funded IIRV Project.

📅 Thursday, 29 October 2026 | 🕕 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (GMT+7)
🖥️ Online via Zoom

Gain direct strategic insights from industry leaders, cross-border investors, and trade experts on leveraging CPTPP advantages, adopting green manufacturing technologies, and unlocking capital for sustainability upgrades.

The session features a keynote briefing, real-world case spotlights, an interactive panel, and dedicated post-webinar B2B matchmaking for Canadian and Vietnamese enterprises.

🎟️ Registration Now Open!

Registration Link

🎃SAVE THE DATE: Joint Chamber Mixer Halloween Night🦇

Leave the daily grind behind and step into the most wickedly spirited networking evening of the season! CanCham Vietnam, CEEC, and ICHAM invite you to cast off formalities and join a lively, cross-cultural mixer where business communities converge to connect, collaborate, and brew new opportunities under the spell of Halloween.

Come dressed to thrill for our spine-tingling Best Costume Competition🎭, break the ice through hauntingly interactive Halloween Networking Games🕷️, and see what treats await in our thrilling Halloween Lucky Draw🎁!

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Café Cardinal, The Reverie Saigon

🪄Tickets (Includes a complimentary first drink & pass-around canapés):

Members: VND 150,000
Co-host Members: VND 200,000
Non-Members: VND 350,000

CanCham on the News:

Elevating the Vietnam–Canada Strategic Partnership

Following the official elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary and President To Lam’s state visit to Canada, CanCham Vietnam President Zach Herbers joined Vietnam Today across two broadcast features to share his perspective on what this diplomatic milestone means for business.

With bilateral trade exceeding CAD 20 billion, Herbers emphasised moving beyond traditional commodity exchange toward long-term, trust-based partnerships. Key opportunities lie in high-value sectors where Canadian expertise matches Vietnam's strategic priorities, including AI, semiconductors, clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development. CanCham continues working closely with partners on both sides to translate this diplomatic momentum into tangible cross-border investments.

📹 Watch the full interviews here:

Vietnam - Canada deepen bilateral ties | Vietnam Today

The Point 2: Elevating the Vietnam - Canada strategic partnership

Webinar 2:

Agri for Growth: Building Sustainable and Resilient

Agri-Food Value Chains

On 24 September, CanCham Vietnam hosted the second session of its webinar series on Impact Investment for Trade & Supply Chains, titled Agri for Growth. Gathering over 100 participants across Canada and Vietnam, the session explored how trade, digital innovation, and impact investment can foster resilient, sustainable agricultural supply chains. Discussions examined market opportunities under the CPTPP, climate-smart agriculture, agri-tech, traceability, food processing, and cross-border commercial pathways.

The program brought together distinguished industry, institutional, and diplomatic leaders:

Opening & Keynote Remarks: Ms. Francesca Bellone (Embassy of Canada in Vietnam), Ms. Kathy-Thuy Nguyen (IIX), and Mr. Martin Sullivan (Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office).
Case Spotlights & Industry Perspectives: Ms. Lien Nguyen (Hoang Phong Dana), Mr. Kim McConnell (Canada West Foundation), Mr. Calvin Xiao (Export Development Canada), Mr. Nitin Verma (Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office of Canada), Ms. Tran Hai Yen (Dan On Foods Corporation), Mr. John Duffill (John Crop Development Vietnam Ltd), and Dr. Ngoc Anh Dao (Detech Coffee).

CanCham Vietnam extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and attendees for their active engagement and practical insights. We look forward to continuing these valuable discussions and welcoming you to our upcoming session, Webinar 3: Manufacturing for Competitiveness–stay tuned for details.

Economic Breakfast Briefing:

Vietnam Half-Year Review & Outlook

On 25 September, CanCham Vietnam, in partnership with Ascentium, hosted the Economic Breakfast Briefing: Vietnam Half-Year Review & Outlook, bringing together business leaders and professionals for an in-depth assessment of the country’s economic landscape. The session offered diverse perspectives on macroeconomic trends, trade, investment flows, and real estate market developments shaping operations across Vietnam. Alongside the core presentations, an interactive Q&A allowed attendees to address critical business questions and exchange views directly with the panel.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our guest speakers, Michael Kokalari (VinaCapital Fund Management), Jack Nguyen (Ascentium), and Tuyen Huynh (Knight Frank), for sharing their time and market insights, as well as to Ascentium for collaborating on this briefing.

☕Thank you to all members and guests who joined us and contributed to an engaging morning of dialogue!

View details

Building New Bridges for Canadian Food and Agriculture:

Nova Scotia Delegation to Vietnam

On 8–9 September, CanCham Vietnam facilitated a series of targeted bilateral meetings between representatives from the Nova Scotia Departments of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Agriculture and key Vietnamese industry partners, including MM Mega Market Vietnam, Hand & Hand, the Restaurant Association of Vietnam (RAV), and Royal Seafood.

The sessions offered the delegation direct market intelligence on Vietnam’s evolving retail landscape, consumer preferences, and import channels. Discussions focused on practical pathways to introduce Nova Scotia’s premium seafood, agricultural products, and high-quality apples into local retail networks and foodservice sectors. Special thanks to the Trade Commissioner Service at the Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City and all participating businesses for driving these valuable trade connections forward.

CanCham Vietnam Launches Hanoi Committee

at Friends of Canada Reception

Marking a new chapter for our community in Northern Vietnam, CanCham Vietnam introduced the Hanoi Committee at the Friends of Canada Reception on 8 September, supported by the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam. The evening, held at the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi and attended by nearly 100 business leaders, officials, and partners, brought together key stakeholders from both government and the private sector to celebrate this milestone.

The initiative establishes a dedicated presence in the capital, providing a structured foundation to host focused roundtables, facilitate bilateral business dialogues, and connect Canadian companies with regional opportunities across Hanoi and surrounding provinces.

As Ambassador Jim Nickel highlighted, this expansion underscores the strengthening ties between Canada and Vietnam as we embark on this exciting next chapter.

Read the full press release here

Exploring Global Opportunities for Vietnamese Produce with John Crop Development

On 14 September, CanCham Vietnam welcomed Mr. John Duffill, CEO of John Crop Development Vietnam Ltd and a long-standing chamber member, to our office for an insightful discussion on agricultural export development.

Drawing on over 35 years of global experience across the UK, EU, US, and Australian markets, John shared practical perspectives on navigating international buyer requirements, managing export certifications, and building resilient supply chains for Vietnamese fresh and processed produce. The session also opened valuable discussions on connecting his expertise with Canadian partners and exploring collaborative trade opportunities across our network.

Explore John Crop Development’s work and agricultural solutions: https://jcdvn.com

View details

A Productive Lunch Between CanCham Members: Growth & New Opportunities

On 4 September, CanCham Vietnam members from the logistics, manufacturing, and export sectors gathered for a focused lunch hosted by Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP).

The session provided an engaging setting for attendees to connect, share current business updates, and discuss practical advantages and challenges in today's market. Throughout the meal, participants exchanged candid perspectives on emerging industry trends and explored actionable areas for bilateral collaboration. CanCham Vietnam sincerely thanks Saigon Newport Corporation for hosting, and all members who joined and contributed to the discussion.

CanCham Excursion to CAE Training Centre

CanCham Vietnam was pleased to welcome our members for an insightful visit to the CAE Training Centre on September 15.

The morning featured an introduction to CAE, a facility visit, and a flight simulator experience, offering our members a closer look at the world of aviation training and CAE’s work in the field.
We extend our sincere thanks to the CAE team for the warm welcome and generous support, and to all our members for joining us and making the visit a meaningful experience.

We look forward to creating more opportunities for our community to connect, learn, and explore together.

View details

CanCham Voices: 3rd Floor Meats

Since 2018, 3FM (3rd Floor Meats) has been delivering restaurant-quality frozen foods and tailored culinary solutions to households and foodservice businesses across Vietnam.

In this edition of our CanCham Voices series, 3rd Floor Meats shares their journey as an active chamber member, highlighting the value of community, cross-industry connections, and collaboration in scaling their market presence. CanCham is proud to support 3FM's ongoing growth as they continue expanding their reach in Vietnam’s evolving food sector.

Website: www.3rdfloormeats.com

Email: sales@3rdfloormeats.com

Watch full story

Member's Spotlight

Dan Oh Food Corporation: Established in Vietnam in 1999 as a business unit of Richmond-based DAN-D FOODS Group, Dan On Foods is a global producer and distributor of premium nuts, seeds, and specialty food ingredients. Operating major facilities in Binh Duong, including its advanced plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Zone, the company serves international markets backed by a 600+ workforce and numerous global certifications. Dan On Foods is also expanding its regional footprint through the US$70 million East Pacific Foods Project, featuring three sustainable, solar-powered facilities across 95,000 square metres.
Learn more >>

Corporate Member:

AESC: A Hanoi-based aviation engineering firm with regional facilities, delivering comprehensive MRO, aircraft teardown, GSE manufacturing, and technical training certified under CAAV, FAA, and EASA standards.

SME Members:

Alex Import-Export Inc: A Metro Vancouver trade partner connecting Canadian industrial materials, metals, and advanced technologies with Vietnam's manufacturing sector. Through joint ventures and flexible distribution, the company helps Canadian enterprises establish sustainable trade partnerships in Vietnam.
CMCV (Crompton Manufacturing Consultants Vietnam): A Northern Vietnam-based consultancy delivering end-to-end manufacturing and sourcing solutions across electronics, components, and industrial materials. The firm supports international businesses with supplier sourcing, factory audits, quality assurance, and compliant supply chain execution.
Maple Bear Vietnam: A leading Canadian bilingual education system delivering inquiry-based curricula across 35+ countries globally. Operating 17 facilities throughout Vietnam since 2011, the network provides early childhood and K-12 education while actively fostering bilateral educational and business partnerships.
Shinec Joint Stock Company: A Vietnamese industrial infrastructure developer and pioneer in eco-industrial parks, recognized for its flagship circular-economy Nam Cau Kien IP in Hai Phong. The company provides sustainable industrial properties and integrated business ecosystems to support domestic and foreign manufacturing enterprises.
VTN and Partners: A Vietnamese law firm with offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, delivering tailored legal counsel for international enterprises across banking, energy, technology, and infrastructure. The firm supports cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance, connecting global businesses with Vietnam's market.
Worlds Edge Group: A Canadian advisory firm specializing in economics and practical AI validation to support board-ready decisions. The firm delivers data-backed economic impact analyses, market intelligence, and structured AI proofs of concept to help organizations navigate high-stakes investments with confidence.

Individual Member:

Kimble Ngo: An expert in finance, supply chain, and technology with extensive advisory experience across investment banking, fintech, ESG, and blockchain for multinationals such as UBS and Standard Chartered Ventures.
Winnie Lam: A seasoned leader with over 25 years of international management experience across Canada and Asia, specializing in operational growth, strategic negotiations, and business expansion in Vietnam.

Thank you to our new members for your trust and engagement with CanCham Vietnam.

SME Member:

Be Better Foundation: A non-profit organisation dedicated to creating positive social impact through community-focused initiatives and support programs.

Thank you for staying connected with us. We are looking forward to creating meaningful connections and a greater impact in the future.

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[Member Event] The Makeover 2026: RE.verse

Amid rapid market shifts, sustaining growth requires focusing on the core driver of enterprise value: people.

Organised by Talentnet Corporation, The Makeover 2026 convenes C-suite executives and business leaders to explore data-driven strategies for workforce resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation.

Date: October 15, 2026
Venue: White Palace Pham Van Dong, HCMC

[L'MAK] Meet the Team Behind L’MAK & LITE – Featured in Forbes Vietnam

CanCham member L’MAK Investment Corporation was recently featured in Forbes Vietnam, spotlighting the ESTA Property Management team powering the operations behind L’MAK & LITE. From proactive maintenance and smart tech integration to tenant experience, ESTA plays a vital role in sustaining long-term property value.

Read more >>

Join DFDL & Blackstone & Gold for a Practical Discussion on VIAC vs. SIAC

CanCham member DFDL, in collaboration with Blackstone & Gold, is hosting a practical webinar assessing arbitration forum selection for Vietnam-related contracts under the new VIAC Rules 2026. The session benchmarks VIAC against SIAC across key criteria, including speed, costs, interim relief, and enforceability, offering essential insights for investors, developers, and corporate counsel.

Read more >>

News & Updates

[Avison Young] Vietnam’s young people and homeownership decisions

Homeownership remains an important aspiration for Vietnam’s young generations, but rising housing prices, limited affordable supply, inflation, and changing lifestyle priorities are influencing how they pursue this goal. Young people are adopting different strategies towards homeownership. These shifting preferences are reshaping housing demand and encouraging the development of affordable housing and professional rental markets.

Read more >>

Canada’s pivot to Asia is finally real. The challenge is that neither side knows much about the other

Driven by mounting tariff pressures, Canada’s accelerating economic pivot to Asia marks a decisive move toward trade diversification. As traditional corridors shift, new opportunities are emerging across vital sectors from technology to sustainable supply chains.

Read more >>

ASEAN, Canada deepen strategic partnership, with Vietnam as key bridge

Amid geopolitical and international trade uncertainties, ASEAN and Canada are expanding cooperation under their Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade, market diversification, technology and clean energy, and Vietnam is seen as well-positioned to play a positive role.

Read more >>

CLASSIFIEDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Catalysing Business Ties in the Indo Pacific – Canadian Indo Pacific Business Summit 2026

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (CanCham Vietnam) is proud to partner with CanChams of the Indo-Pacific for the 2026 Canadian Pacific Business Summit co=hosted with the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa.

The Summit is bringing together business and government to discuss the Indo-Pacific and Canadian business partnerships, trade and investment ties. A clear focus is on connecting Canadians businesses with non-Canadian businesses operating in the region.

📌 November 20, 2026 | Asia Society Hong Kong

🔷Join us in catalysing Canadian and Indo-Pacific business and Investment!

For more information and to register, head to: https://canchamsindopacific.ca/event/canadian-indo-pacific-business-summit-2026/

[Co-host] CONNECTING VINH LONG, TAY NINH - HONG KONG

Organiser: HKBAV
Co-Hosted: CanCham Vietnam

Bringing together provincial leaders from Vinh Long and Tay Ninh alongside the Hong Kong and international business communities, this targeted forum explores cross-border investment, trade expansion, and supply chain connectivity across agriculture, food processing, industrial parks, and logistics.

📅 Date & Time: Monday, 19 October 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Venue: Eden Star Saigon Hotel, 38 Bui Thi Xuan, Ben Thanh Ward, HCMC
🎟️ Entry: Complimentary (Pre-registration required; first-come, first-served)

🌐 Language: English – Vietnamese (Simultaneous interpretation provided)

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Train-the-Trainer is officially happening on 14–15 November in Ho Chi Minh City! 🎉

Designed for coaches, HR & L&D professionals, team leaders, consultants, and educators, this 2-day certification gives you a hands-on experience to learn the LSP methodology, practise facilitation, and receive real-time feedback from experienced LSP facilitators.

What you’ll get
🏆 LSP Facilitator Certificate
🧰 Complete facilitation toolkit
📖 LSP eBook
🌏 Access to our regional facilitator community

Event details
📍 Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📅 Date: 14–15 November 2026
⏱️ Duration: 2 full days

Note: We keep the group small, so every participant gets personalised attention and time to practise.
🌟 Early bird pricing is available until 25 October 2026.
👉 Register now: https://forms.gle/Zg7RDBfTq71TaLWbA

Have questions or wondering if it’s the right fit for your work? Contact Ms. Ngoc at ngoc.tran@equestasia.com.au

📢 Join Rapid Aid as Our General Manager, Asia Operations

Rapid Aid, a leading global manufacturer of hot and cold therapy solutions with retail distribution across North America and Europe, is seeking a General Manager, Asia Operations based in Vietnam (with travel to China). Reporting to the COO, this executive role holds full P&L accountability to lead manufacturing facilities, optimise supply chains, and drive regional operational growth.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

🌐canchamvietnam.org
📞 (+84) 28 3535 0688
📩 info@canchamvietnam.org

CanCham Newsletter - October 26'