13 October 2021

As one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies, Vietnam is dynamic and bursting with potential. Despite Covid 19, Vietnam GDP growth in 2020 reached 2.9% (one of the few economies with positive growth in 2020), and it is projected to maintain at 6.5% in 2021 (IMF 2021). Vietnam also ranks 12th out of 66 emerging markets in terms of its financial strength.

Beyond the attractive economic statistics, Vietnam also presents various opportunities due to its manufacturing capacity and skillsets, strategic location being next to China, strengthening institutional and regulatory framework that encourages foreign participation and protection of intellectual property, a large consumer market of more than 97 million with median age of 32.

The SEA CAPE ‘Let’s Talk Vietnam’ seminars and webinars are the perfect introductory course for Kiwi entrepreneurs, founders, business managers and anyone wanting to explore the economy, diverse culture and ways of doing business in Vietnam.

HE. Ta Van Thong – Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand

His Excellency Ta Van Thong is the Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand and the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Wellington.

With a Bachelor of International relations, His Excellency has held a variety of roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was also a Member of ASEM Summit Organizing Committee in 2004 and APEC Summit Organizing Committee in 2006.

HE. Ta Van Thong has been Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand since May 2018.

Associate Professor Thu Phuong Truong – School of Accounting and Commercial Law at Victoria University of Wellington

Phuong’s research interests include financial regulation, corporate governance, corporate disclosure, corporate strategy and firm valuation, and she has been a member of the management committee of the Quantitative Accounting Research Network in New Zealand since 2012.

Khoa Nguyen – Director, Viet River Holdings Ltd

Khoa is a proud New Zealand citizen of 31 years with deep Vietnamese roots and heritage and is an Independent Director and Managing Director of Viet River Holdings Limited. As a seasoned professional and entrepreneur executive with deep expertise and substantial experience in financial leadership and commercial effectiveness, Khoa has been working alongside the Boards of Directors, Chief Executives and Senior Leadership teams as a trusted advisor with exposure to a wide range of sectors and organisations for over 15 years.

Khoa was the Vietnam Chapter Chair of the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council for over 10 years and brings expertise in trading with the ASEAN market and best commercial practice in a trans-border cultural environment. His company, Viet River Holdings Ltd specialises in creating and connecting business links between New Zealand and Vietnam. Khoa helps organisations enter ASEAN, especially the Vietnam market, providing commercial linkages and forming high network relationships for a wide range of businesses and enterprises.

He is currently on the Board of Barnardos New Zealand, the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Iwi Board – Tu Mai Ra Investment and has also held several Directorships with not-for-profit organisations and privately-owned companies in NZ and abroad. In the past Khoa has also served as a National Board member of the Social Workers Registration Board, New Zealand Greyhound Racing, Racing Integrity Unit Board, Birthright New Zealand, and AIESEC Victoria University of Wellington.