DMCC, a leading free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, briefed 412 Vietnamese businesses and industry leaders from key sectors like commodities and technology on the available opportunities to expand their operations through the free zone during a roadshow in the country.

The Made for Trade Live roadshow, held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, aimed to boost trade, investment, and business connectivity between Vietnam and the UAE ahead of the expected finalisation of a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) later this year.

With bilateral trade growing annually, Vietnam is an increasingly vital trade partner for the UAE, providing a strategic gateway to South East Asia with significant potential for expansion once the CEPA takes effect. The UAE is also Vietnam's largest Arab world trading partner.

The discussions at the roadshows centred on the growing potential for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian markets to expand their international role, particularly as the global economy shifts towards greater bilateral trade partnerships and regional trade blocs.

"We are happy to see DMCC's roadshow in Vietnam, which will contribute to the ongoing growth of economic development between the UAE and Vietnam. It illustrates the opportunities seen by the private sectors," said Dr Bader Al Matrooshi, UAE Ambassador to Vietnam.

He added: “As the UAE broadens its network of trade partners across the world, our collaboration with Vietnam is set to reach new heights.”

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC's Executive Chairman and CEO, stated: “With a landmark UAE-Vietnam CEPA in the final stages of negotiation, DMCC’s presence here demonstrates our intent to drive business connectivity at this pivotal moment.”

He noted that through industry ecosystems and expanded physical infrastructure, DMCC can support Vietnamese companies set up and connect to global markets, deepening the UAE-Vietnam bilateral corridor as well as regional trade flows in the process.

DMCC's roadshow programme spotlights Dubai as a premier business destination, emphasising the emirate's distinctive value proposition for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) – which DMCC contributes 11% to annually. In 2023, the business district achieved its second-best year, welcoming nearly 2,700 new companies to its over 24,000 global businesses.