Mr. Pham Tan Cong – Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (center) at the press conference introducing Vietnam's key ABAC meeting in 2025. Photo: Truong Dang

The ABAC III meeting and its related events are scheduled to take place from July 15 to 18, 2025, in Hai Phong City, marking a major highlight of the APEC 2025 Year in which Vietnam plays a vital role.

According to Mr. Phạm Tấn Công – Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Chairman of ABAC Vietnam – ABAC is the official advisory mechanism of the business community within the APEC framework, established in 1995.

The Council is tasked with putting forward policy recommendations directly to APEC economic leaders, focusing on strategic issues such as trade and investment liberalization, sustainable development, innovation, and regional economic integration.

Mr. Dang Thanh Tam – Chairman of Saigon Investment Group. Photo: Trường Đặng

Each APEC member economy is allowed to appoint up to three distinguished business representatives to participate in ABAC. In 2025, ABAC operates under the chairmanship of South Korea, with Peru and China serving as co-chairs. The overarching theme led by ABAC Vietnam is "Bridge – Business – Beyond," emphasizing the connecting role of businesses in promoting growth aligned with sustainable development and international cooperation.

Vietnam’s representatives to ABAC 2025 include Mr. Pham Tan Cong – Chairman of VCCI, Mr. Dang Thanh Tam – Chairman of Saigon Investment Group, and Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Hùng – Founding Chairman of Sovico Group. ABAC Vietnam is also actively involved in five of the Council’s thematic working groups: regional economic integration, sustainable development, digital transformation & artificial intelligence, green finance, and healthcare & biotechnology.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh – Vice Chairman of VCCI – emphasized that ABAC III is one of the four major annual meetings of the ABAC Council, held on a rotating basis in major cities of the 21 member economies. This year’s event holds special significance as it takes place against the backdrop of global geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges, requiring APEC economies to strengthen coordination in restructuring supply chains, accelerating digitalization, and promoting inclusive growth.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Hai – Deputy Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority – affirmed that the city holds many advantages for hosting international events such as ABAC III. Photo: Truong Dang

The ABAC III Conference in Hai Phong is expected to attract around 250 delegates, including official and alternate ABAC members, regional business leaders, economic experts, and representatives from trade and investment promotion organizations. The conference will focus on key topics such as: sustainable trade and investment, digital transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, green finance, health security, and the role of business in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A highlight of ABAC III will be the opening address by President Luong Cuong on the morning of July 16. The outcomes of the meeting will be compiled into an official report to be presented to APEC Leaders during the ABAC–APEC Leaders’ Dialogue in November in South Korea, playing a critical role in shaping regional economic and trade policy.

In addition to the official sessions, a series of large-scale sideline events will also be held in Hai Phong to foster connections between domestic enterprises and international partners. A key example is the Hai Phong Investment Promotion Conference, scheduled for the afternoon of July 15, which will bring together about 700 guests from both Vietnam and abroad. The event aims to showcase Hai Phong’s investment potential and provide a meaningful platform for dialogue between APEC businesses and local stakeholders.

The Organizing Committee expects ABAC III to reinforce Vietnam’s credibility in the regional economic integration process, while promoting economic diplomacy and attracting investment. Photo: Truong Dang

On the same day, a welcome reception hosted by the Hai Phong City People’s Committee will serve as a platform for cultural and economic exchange between international business leaders and the Vietnamese business community.

Additionally, from July 15 to 18, the Pullman Hai Phong Hotel will host an exhibition area showcasing local specialties, cultural highlights, and signature products from Hai Phong and other provinces across Vietnam. The exhibition aims to promote Vietnam’s image as a friendly, dynamic, and culturally rich country to international delegates.

According to VCCI Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh, VCCI is committed to working closely with partners such as the Hai Phong City People’s Committee, Saigon Investment Group, and SOVICO Group to ensure the event’s overall success in terms of content, protocol, and logistics. This is a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to connect and expand their cooperation networks with global corporations, investors, and international organizations.

More than just a prominent diplomatic event, ABAC III offers long-term practical value for Vietnam. It underscores the country’s proactive and reputable role in regional economic integration, while advancing economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing the nation’s image during the APEC 2025 Year.