Toronto, June 8, 2026 — Dr. Bach Hoang, President of the Canada-Vietnam Tech Association, attended the Vietnam–Canada Business Forum 2026 in Toronto, joining government officials, diplomatic representatives, business leaders, policy experts, and institutional partners to discuss new opportunities for strengthening economic and technology cooperation between Vietnam and Canada.
Held under the theme “Re-shaping Economic Partnerships to Enhance Quality Growth and Economic Resilience,” the Forum took place at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre, 250 Yonge Street, 35th Floor, Toronto, on the occasion of the 3rd Session of the Vietnam–Canada Joint Economic Committee (JEC 3).
The event came at an important moment when global trade patterns, supply chains, and investment strategies are being reshaped by geopolitical changes, market diversification needs, and rising demand for resilient international partnerships. As two open and trade-oriented economies, Vietnam and Canada have strong potential to deepen cooperation through frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the ASEAN–Canada Strategic Partnership, and other bilateral and regional mechanisms.
The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Export Development Canada, and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
A Vietnamese business delegation of approximately 20 companies attended the Forum, representing key sectors such as energy, minerals, infrastructure and construction, food processing, and industrial–technological manufacturing.
The opening session featured remarks from H.E. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, who addressed the bilateral economic partnership in the context of the Joint Economic Committee and Vietnam’s strategic priorities. Welcoming remarks were delivered by The Honourable Senator Yuen Pau Woo, Chair of the Canada-Vietnam Interparliamentary Group.
The keynote session included Dr. Quynh Tran, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada, who discussed the current state of the Canada–Vietnam economic relationship, CPTPP utilization, and the outlook for deeper partnership. Mr. Alan Bowman, Director General for Southeast Asia and Oceania at Global Affairs Canada, also delivered a keynote address on Canada–Vietnam economic cooperation, policy signals, and business implications.
A major highlight of the Forum was the panel discussion “Turning Policy into Prosperity: Sector Opportunities and Strategic Pathways for Vietnam–Canada Business Cooperation.” Moderated by Ms. Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the panel examined how both countries can better leverage trade agreements and bilateral frameworks to unlock market opportunities, strengthen supply chain integration, and build a more resilient economic partnership.
Panelists included representatives from major Canadian and Vietnamese institutions:
Ms. Vina Nadjibulla, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, discussed Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement and economic partnership priorities with Vietnam.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong, Deputy Director of Division, Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, shared perspectives on Vietnam’s export structure, free trade agreement network, and market diversification strategy.
Mrs. Pham Thi Hong My, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Construction of Vietnam, addressed infrastructure and transport connectivity for resilient Canada–Vietnam trade.
Mr. Patrick Quealey, Deputy Director, South and Southeast Asia Department, Natural Resources Canada, spoke about energy supply chains and the development of a trans-Pacific LNG shipping corridor.
Mr. Bernie Derible, Ontario Agent General and Ontario First Military Defence Representative, highlighted Ontario’s priority sectors, including energy and dual-use defence industries, as engines for growth.
Mr. Bill Hawkins, Senior Advisor at the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, discussed business perspectives on Vietnam–Canada trade, including barriers, opportunities, and the role of government frameworks.
Ms. Saina Fan, Regional Director at Export Development Canada, presented on financing and de-risking Canadian investment and trade with Vietnam.
The Forum also included an open discussion between panelists and participants, followed by closing remarks and key takeaways from H.E. Pham Vinh Quang, Ambassador of Vietnam to Canada. The afternoon concluded with a networking session connecting Vietnamese businesses, Canadian partners, government officials, and institutional stakeholders.
For Dr. Bach Hoang and the Canada-Vietnam Tech Association, the Forum provided an important platform to advance the association’s mission of connecting the technology and business ecosystems of both countries. As Vietnam accelerates industrial upgrading, digital transformation, green transition, and supply-chain diversification, there is significant potential for Canada–Vietnam collaboration in areas such as ICT, artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, digital solutions, clean technologies, critical minerals, and innovation-driven business partnerships.
Dr. Hoang’s attendance reflected the growing role of technology associations and professional networks in supporting practical, cross-border cooperation. By engaging with policymakers, business leaders, and institutional partners, the Canada-Vietnam Tech Association continues to promote stronger connections between Canadian and Vietnamese technology communities and to help identify meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
The Canada-Vietnam Tech Association looks forward to continuing its work in strengthening bilateral technology cooperation, supporting business partnerships, and contributing to the broader Canada–Vietnam economic relationship.