VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem receives Argentine Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski

At the meeting, Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski and Director Tran Ngoc Liem discussed recent socioeconomic developments and business activities in Vietnam and Argentina. Liem highlighted the untapped potential in their trade and investment ties, expressing hope for improvement, especially as US-China trade tensions impact the Chinese economy. He suggested Vietnam focus on investing in Argentina for Latin American production, while Argentina could invest in Vietnam to meet its own needs and capitalize on Vietnam's FTAs for broader market access.

Ho Chi Minh City has always led the country in all indicators from FDI attraction, import and export value to contributions to budget revenue, he added. With more than 10 million people, the city is a high potential consumer market for Argentina. In trade, Argentina is currently the fourth largest export market of the city. In investment, the country has four investment projects in HCM City with a total registered investment capital of nearly US$38,000. “HCM City is a dynamic economic locomotive, with an open and transparent investment and business environment. The city’s leaders are always concerned about generating the most favorable conditions for FDI investors, including Argentine investors, with the desire to enhance the cooperative relationship between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Argentina,” Liem emphasized.

Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski said that Vietnam and Argentina celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year. He highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, marked by high-level visits and achievements in economic, educational and medical cooperation. He hoped that business cooperation will further strengthen, elevating Vietnam-Argentina relations to new heights.

Highlighting that Vietnam is Argentina's third-largest market in Asia, Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski emphasized the importance of strengthening trade with Vietnam for Argentina's economy. He expressed hope for more collaborative events and opportunities between VCCI and the Argentine Embassy to boost trade and investment, thereby further enhancing diplomatic ties between the two countries. “Vietnam has strong economic growth and Argentina will actively accompany Vietnam on this development journey. The two sides will give top priority to advocating the signing of the Vietnam - Argentina Free Trade Agreement to expand trade relations,” Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski emphasized.

In response, VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem said that, as a representative of the business community, VCCI, including VCCI-HCM, is focused on trade and investment promotion, policy advocacy, and labor relations. Recently, VCCI and the Argentine Embassy have maintained strong cooperation by jointly organizing events during visits by senior Argentine leaders to Vietnam and regularly sharing information about trade and investment promotion activities with the business communities of both countries. “VCCI looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the Argentine Chamber of Commerce - Industry and the Argentine Chamber of Commerce - Services, as well as welcoming Argentine business delegations to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam. Through these trade and investment activities, Vietnam can connect with business associations in Argentina and other countries like the US, South Korea and Japan. With its strong ties to domestic trade associations, VCCI is confident in its ability to connect the business communities of both countries. VCCI-HCM is ready to support Argentine businesses in the southern region, offering a dedicated trade and investment promotion department to ensure their success in Vietnam,” he said.