On November 13, the 9th ASEAN–Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations took place, continuing to serve as a strategic bridge for investment, innovation, trade, and green development between ASEAN countries and Italy. The forum, themed Investment and Sustainable Development, was held at the Binh Duong Convention and Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh City.

This year’s dialogue was co-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, The European House–Ambrosetti (TEHA), and the Italy–ASEAN Association, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat and Becamex Corporation. The event gathered more than 500 participants, including leaders of ministries, local authorities, international organizations from ASEAN and Italy, diplomatic missions, businesses, and experts. Notably, this is the first time the dialogue has been organized after the administrative consolidation of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau—signaling continuity and responsibility in the international cooperation efforts of the newly established metropolitan region.

The forum is also a concrete step in the city’s ambition to become a “global mega-city” in Southeast Asia, one of the world’s top 100 most livable cities, and a pioneering growth engine contributing to national development. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the dialogue holds special significance in deepening cooperation between Vietnam, ASEAN, and Italy at a time when the world is shifting toward green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development. He emphasized that the event demonstrates Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role—especially that of Ho Chi Minh City—in fostering ASEAN–Italy cooperation across trade, investment, economic development, and innovation.

Mr. Duoc further noted that through this dialogue and upcoming events such as the Autumn Economic Forum and the ICF Smart City Summit, Ho Chi Minh City affirms its pioneering role in hosting and shaping national and regional multilateral platforms where ideas, resources, and global partners converge to create new value. During the dialogue, ASEAN and Italian delegates agreed on four strategic cooperation priorities: the first focuses on the Net-Zero Pathway, promoting green, circular, and inclusive economic models; the second emphasizes Smart Manufacturing 4.0–5.0, placing people at the center while applying advanced technologies to enhance creativity and productivity; the third concerns next-generation infrastructure, prioritizing multimodal connectivity, green urban development, and sustainable logistics systems; and the fourth centers on innovation and digital transformation, aligning with Vietnam’s goal of increasing the digital economy’s contribution to 30% of GDP by 2030.

The event also highlighted a decisive shift in cooperation—from traditional trade exchange to collaboration grounded in high-value production, advanced technologies, and creative knowledge. This provides a foundation for both sides to jointly develop green value chains, establish research and development (R&D) centers, advance high-tech startups, and create smart, green logistics corridors that enhance efficiency and sustainability across regional supply chains.