On August 1, the Vietnam – Singapore Sustainable Trade and Innovation Forum (STIF 2025) officially opened at the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) office. The event was co-organized by the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA), and other partners.

According to Mr. Trần Phước Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Singapore, the digital economy and green economy are becoming central themes in international cooperation, especially within ASEAN. The launch of the Vietnamsgp.arobid.com e-commerce platform, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of Vietnam–Singapore diplomatic relations, carries special significance. It will serve as a tool for businesses from both countries to accelerate trade, seize opportunities from digital transformation, and integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

“In our cooperation with Singapore, Vietnam has always prioritized science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, e-commerce, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These are also key pillars within the ‘four resolutions package’: Resolution No. 57 on innovation; Resolution No. 59 on international integration; Resolution No. 66 on legal development; and Resolution No. 68 on private sector growth,” Ambassador Trần Phước Anh added.

He further emphasized that the launch of this digital platform not only helps materialize these resolutions but also reflects both countries’ determination to build a transparent, sustainable, and modern trade ecosystem. In the coming time, the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore will continue to accompany businesses from both sides, support innovation initiatives, and contribute to green transition and digitalization of the economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Hòa, Chairman of HUBA, representing the Ho Chi Minh City business community, noted that the city currently contributes over 22% of Vietnam’s GDP and nearly 17% of the nation’s export turnover, with ambitions to become a regional hub for finance, technology, and innovation. Its development strategy is built on three pillars: digital transformation, green transition, and deeper integration into global value chains.

However, he pointed out that Vietnamese enterprises face many challenges in restructuring to meet international standards, particularly regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements. Modern technology applications such as AI and Big Data, leveraged through the bilateral e-commerce platform, will help Vietnam–Singapore enterprises accelerate connectivity, reduce transaction costs, and access target markets more transparently and efficiently.

On the Singaporean side, Mr. Lennon Tan, President of SMF, highlighted that SMF brings together manufacturers from 10 key industries and increasingly views Vietnam as an attractive destination for supply chain expansion and investment. Many Singaporean firms choose Vietnam not only as a production base but also as a gateway to ASEAN and beyond.

He also emphasized that Singapore possesses an optimized logistics system, particularly in cold chain and cross-border e-commerce, which is critical for Vietnam as global requirements on product origin, emissions standards, and sustainable logistics become more stringent.

“Digital transformation is no longer optional but a survival requirement for Vietnamese enterprises to fully integrate. Platforms like Vietnamsgp.arobid.com are digital bridges fostering smart trade and sustainable development between the two countries,” Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Hòa added.

For Vietnamese enterprises, Mr. Cao Xuân Thắng, Commercial Counselor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, pointed out that Singapore is a strategic trade hub with annual import turnover reaching SGD 400–500 billion, of which around 60% is re-exported to third countries. However, Vietnam’s exports to Singapore currently stand at only SGD 8–9 billion annually, showing enormous potential.

Beyond industrial goods such as electronic components and machinery, Singapore has high demand for agricultural products and food. Vietnamese rice is highly regarded for its quality but is mostly sold under Singaporean importers’ brands. Similarly, Vietnamese seafood fits the diverse taste preferences of Singaporean consumers, but to expand market share, enterprises must focus on packaging, labeling, transparent information, and especially Halal certification to serve the Muslim community.

To capitalize on these opportunities, Mr. Cao suggested that Vietnamese enterprises should change their trade promotion approaches—actively participate in trade fairs and exhibitions in Singapore, proactively connect with the Vietnam Trade Office, and join B2B matching programs to access global sourcing ecosystems. With proper preparation and the right strategies, Vietnamese goods can fully capture the Singapore market and expand regionally.

Source: Hoàng Tuyết - Báo Tin tức

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