British Columbia and Vietnam

Vietnam’s economy is one of the fastest growing markets in Asia and the most open to trade globally. Vietnam possesses a growing population with a rising purchasing power and has shifted significantly towards a value-added economy. The country’s economy is export-focused and has been a leader in attracting foreign investment in manufacturing industries. As a country with a prominent international trade presence, there are many opportunities for B.C. companies to seek new collaborations and partnerships in a variety of sectors.

Trade & Investment Highlights

  • B.C. and Vietnam maintain a stable economic relationship that is supported by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Transpacific Partnership – the CPTPP supports B.C. exporters by eliminating tariffs on Canadian exports into Vietnam.
  • Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN, of which Vietnam is a member.
  • In 2022, Canada and Vietnam established the Canada-Vietnam Joint Economic Committee (JEC), a non-legally binding mechanism dedicated to advancing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. This mechanism provides an ongoing opportunity to discuss current and emerging trade and commercial issues.
  • Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will contribute to Vietnam’s transition to more renewable and sustainable energy sources, and support Vietnam’s commitments to strengthen inclusive governance.

Vietnam at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Vietnam Top Industries (2018-2022)

Industries for Outward Investment
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Food & Beverages

Food & Beverages
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Electronic Components

Electronic Components
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Automotive (OEM)

Automotive OEM

Source: FDI Markets

Import Industries
(by value)
Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Electrical Machinery & Equipment
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

Machinery & Mechanical Appliances
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Plastics

Plastics

Source: International Trade Centre

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities
Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Electrical Machinery & Equipment
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Automotive (OEM)

Vehicles & Associated Parts (other than railway or tramway rolling stock)
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Man-Made Textiles

Man-made Textile Materials

Source: International Trade Centre

BC Export Industries to Market
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Mineral Fuels & Oils
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Pulp & Recovered Paper

Wood Pulp & Recovered Waste Paper
Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

Wood Products

Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada

How We Help

  • Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
  • Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
  • Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
  • Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
  • Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
  • Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.
  • Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
  • Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
  • Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
  • Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Introductions to local venture capital networks.
  • Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
  • Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
  • Support Team BC missions and trade events.
  • Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
  • Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
  • Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
  • Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices

Ho Chi Minh City

The British Columbia trade and investment office for Vietnam is located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  The office provides B.C. companies with direct market access into Vietnam and other countries in the rapidly growing ASEAN economic region. 

Our experienced trade and investment professionals help export-ready companies network and capitalize on business opportunities in the region; we invite you to contact us to learn more.

Vietnam Office:
Consulate General of Canada
The Metropolitan, Suite 1002,
235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Rohan Belliappa - Trade and Investment BC
Rohan Belliappa
Managing Director, ASEAN
An Vuong - Trade and Investment BC
An Vuong
Senior Commercial Officer
Nguyen The Hien -Trade and Investment BC
Nguyen The Hien
Trade and Investment Representative

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.