Vietnam – Kuwait Business Conference Highlights Strong Trade Ties, New Opportunities
The Vietnamese Embassy in Kuwait, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center, organized the “Vietnam–Kuwait Business Conference” on Wednesday, showcasing Vietnam’s business environment, key export products, and Kuwait’s import needs.
The event brought together senior officials and business leaders from both countries. On the Vietnamese side, attendees included Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang, representatives of the Vietnamese Trade Office in Kuwait, and delegates from the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center. From Kuwait, officials from the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry and members of the media were present.
More than 60 companies from Vietnam and Kuwait participated in the conference, representing sectors such as trade, import and export, services, and investment, including several leading enterprises from both countries.
Strong bilateral growth
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang highlighted the steady development of Vietnam–Kuwait relations across multiple sectors, particularly in trade and economic cooperation. He noted that bilateral trade has consistently ranged between $7.3 billion and $7.5 billion annually over the past three years, marking Vietnam’s highest trade volume with any partner in the Middle East and North Africa.
He also pointed to the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit to Kuwait in November 2025, describing it as a key step that has created new momentum for deeper cooperation.
Expanding trade and investment
Kuwait remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the GCC, importing a wide range of Vietnamese goods, including agricultural products, seafood, fruits, food and beverages, construction materials, and household items—products that enjoy strong demand among Kuwaiti consumers.
In return, Kuwait plays a vital role as a supplier of energy and crude oil to Vietnam, supporting its industrial development and energy security.
Ambassador Thang stressed that the conference comes at a critical time amid global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and regional tensions. He described the event as both economically and diplomatically significant, offering practical opportunities for businesses to connect and expand trade. The conference also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Kuwait (1976–2026).
Vietnam’s export strengths
Le Anh Hoang, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center, presented Vietnam’s investment climate and export capabilities. He highlighted Ho Chi Minh City as a major economic and financial hub with strong export potential.
Key Vietnamese exports include rice, fresh fruits, coconuts, fresh and frozen seafood, household goods, and processed foods. These products have attracted growing interest from Kuwaiti importers. He also noted that Vietnamese companies are increasingly focusing on Halal-certified products to meet demand in Middle Eastern markets.
Kuwait market offers strong potential
Nguyen Tuan Dung, Head of the Vietnamese Trade Office in Kuwait, emphasized the attractiveness of the Kuwaiti market, citing high income levels, strong purchasing power, and heavy reliance on imports.
He noted that Kuwait offers relatively easy market access with limited trade barriers, and that local consumers show a clear preference for imported goods. He encouraged Vietnamese exporters to actively participate in trade fairs and promotional events in Kuwait to strengthen their market presence.
Business networking drives deals
A key highlight of the conference was the business networking session, where Kuwaiti companies outlined their import requirements across a wide range of sectors. These included agricultural and seafood products, fruits, spices, as well as industrial and consumer goods such as wood, paint, furniture, food and beverages, construction materials, medical equipment, and healthcare services.
Vietnamese companies responded by presenting their products and capabilities, expressing readiness to meet market demand. Many participants reported establishing direct business contacts, identifying potential partners, and preparing to sign agreements in the near term.
Continued support for businesses
At the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang thanked participants for their strong engagement and reaffirmed the Vietnamese Embassy’s commitment to supporting businesses from both countries.
He emphasized that the embassy will continue to facilitate trade, investment, and commercial cooperation, creating favorable conditions for companies to expand their activities in both Vietnam and Kuwait.
