Australian tech delegation explores opportunities in thriving local digital economy

The delegation, led by Jonathan Saw, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to Vietnam, included 10 Australian tech and innovation businesses, as well as a State Government representative from Trade and Investment Queensland.

As part of the Landing Pad programme, this initiative seeks to support export-ready tech startups and scale ups in a bid to develop valuable connections, identify commercial opportunities, and refine value propositions.

Participating company founders and representatives used the occasion to engage directly with industry partners and key customers; to deepen understanding of the Vietnamese tech market dynamics, regulations, and opportunities; to refine value propositions and go-to market strategies in consultation with in-market experts and mentors; pitch to key industry players; and engage in targeted business matching opportunities.

During the course of the programme, the delegation visited VSV Capital, FPT Software, and Selex Motors to exchange knowledge, explore innovative business approaches, and establish long-term networks within the vibrant Vietnam tech ecosystem.

The Landing Pad also hosted the Australia - Vietnam Business & Innovation Partnership Forum at Techfest Vietnam 2024, a national technology and startup event led by the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Hai Phong People’s Committee.

The forum attracted approximately 100 Vietnamese enterprises, industry associations, technology leaders, experts, and venture capital firms, showcasing Australia’s cutting-edge tech capabilities whilst simultaneously fostering partnerships. In the context that the country is promoting dual transformation under the direction of the Prime Minister, the forum was highly appreciated for creating an initial bridge in which to promote business, innovation, and technology exchanges between both sides.

The delegates made good use of the time to establish several connections and engaged with productive discussions leading to potential mutually beneficial partnerships. This was done through business matching sessions organised by Austrade Landing Pad and Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre (NIC).

Delegates also explored NIC in Hanoi, gained greater insights into its ecosystem and initiatives driving the Vietnamese digital transformation agenda.

With regard to the programme, Saw noted that Vietnam represents one of the fastest growing digital economies in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese firms are also investing rapidly in technology and digitalisation of their existing business, with a specific focusing on areas such as digital payments, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence in order to meet customers' expectations for digital convenience, while also improving efficiencies, he added.