UAE-Vietnam Trade Cooperation Discussed By SCCI And Vietnamese Delegation In Sharjah

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry met a high-level trade delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to deepen economic and investment ties. Discussions centred on private sector cooperation, expanding UAE–Vietnam trade flows, and using Sharjah as a regional hub. Participants viewed the meeting as a practical step to channel growing bilateral trade into long-term partnerships.

Both sides highlighted strong momentum in trade figures between the UAE and Vietnam, alongside prospects in advanced industries. They emphasised the role of non-oil sectors, with Sharjah positioned as a key gateway for Vietnamese companies into Gulf and wider Middle East markets, and Vietnam serving as an entry point for UAE firms into ASEAN economies.

The meeting reviewed updated trade statistics showing rapid expansion in UAE–Vietnam trade. Trade exchange reached about $7.02 billion in the first half of 2025, a 16.9% increase year-on-year. The UAE’s non-oil exports to Vietnam rose 58.4% during the same period, reflecting stronger demand for Emirati products and improving integration along regional value chains.

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Participants noted that this growth is supported by the UAE–Vietnam Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in October 2024. The agreement is seen as a key framework for reducing trade barriers, attracting new investments, and encouraging sector-focused projects. Officials stressed that the CEPA can help companies in both countries scale up operations across manufacturing, services, and logistics.

The session at the Sharjah Chamber’s headquarters gathered business leaders and institutional representatives. Attendees included Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, and Chu Viet Cuong, Director of the Industrial Development Support Center at Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, alongside entrepreneurs from logistics, furniture, pharmaceuticals, and smart technology companies.

Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi welcomed the Vietnamese delegation and described the visit as an important moment in strengthening economic relations. Al Shamsi said the Sharjah Chamber gives strong priority to broadening partnerships with Vietnamese businesses. This approach aligns with the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which targets AED 4 trillion in non-oil foreign trade for the UAE.

UAE–Vietnam trade, investment sectors and market potential

Discussions outlined priority investment sectors, including technology and electronics, logistics and supply chains, food production and food security, furniture, and advanced manufacturing. Participants also examined opportunities in technology-driven innovation and pharmaceutical production. These sectors were viewed as suitable for joint ventures and supplier partnerships, taking advantage of Sharjah’s infrastructure and Vietnam’s industrial base.

Al Shamsi underlined Vietnam’s importance as a high-growth market with more than 100 million consumers. Vietnam was also highlighted as a strategic link for UAE enterprises seeking to expand across ASEAN markets. Al Shamsi indicated that energy, infrastructure development, and technology-led industries present strong medium-term prospects for Emirati and Vietnamese investors.

UAE–Vietnam trade, industrial cooperation and B2B platforms

For Vietnam’s side, Chu Viet Cuong confirmed a clear commitment to closer industrial and technology cooperation with Sharjah. Cuong praised the role of the Sharjah Chamber in supporting the private sector and creating a business-friendly environment. Cuong explained that the Industrial Development Support Center focuses on strengthening supporting industries and improving supply chain integration.

Cuong added that the centre aims to position Vietnamese manufacturers within international production networks. This includes helping factories upgrade capabilities, meet global standards, and link more effectively with foreign partners. Such efforts are expected to make cross-border projects with UAE and Sharjah-based firms more attractive and operationally efficient.

The meeting also addressed practical measures to increase B2B engagement between SCCI members and Vietnamese enterprises. Participants discussed partnership prospects in innovation, digital transformation, fintech solutions, and green economy initiatives. Officials considered targeted B2B matchmaking, sectoral roadshows, and joint workshops as useful tools to translate policy frameworks into concrete business agreements.

UAE–Vietnam trade, re-export opportunities and future missions

Re-export operations were another focus, with both sides exploring how Sharjah’s logistics ecosystem could serve as a distribution base for Vietnamese products into regional markets. Delegates reviewed successful Emirati investment models in Vietnam, valued at nearly $4 billion, covering energy, port infrastructure, logistics, and real estate projects that illustrate existing investor confidence.

Participants agreed on the need to speed up mutual trade missions and industry visits. They highlighted the value of participating in specialised exhibitions hosted by Expo Centre Sharjah, which can showcase Vietnamese products and services to Gulf buyers and introduce UAE companies to Vietnamese partners. Such activities are expected to reinforce the broader UAE–Vietnam trade and investment partnership.

With inputs from WAM