What are the Italian Trade Agency (ITA)'s expectations for the future of Italy–Vietnam economic relations as ASEAN continues to play an increasingly important role in global supply chains?
ASEAN has firmly established itself as one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, and Vietnam stands out as one of its most attractive markets thanks to its robust economic growth, expanding middle class, strategic geographic location, and deep integration into global supply chains.
Against this backdrop, I am highly optimistic about the future of Italy–Vietnam economic relations. Bilateral trade has continued to grow steadily in recent years, supported by the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which has created new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Looking ahead, the greatest potential for deeper cooperation lies in sectors where Italy's technological expertise naturally complements Vietnam's development priorities. These include advanced manufacturing, food processing and packaging technologies, renewable energy, environmental solutions, infrastructure, health care, and premium consumer goods.
The premium food and beverage sector also offers significant opportunities for growth. As Vietnamese consumers place increasing value on quality, authenticity, and international culinary traditions, Italian products are well positioned to further strengthen their presence in the market.
What enables Italian food and beverage companies to remain competitive in the global marketplace?
I believe Italian food and beverage companies remain globally competitive because of their unique combination of tradition, quality, innovation, and adaptability. While Italy's rich culinary heritage and long-standing reputation for excellence remain key competitive advantages, success today also depends on responding to evolving consumer preferences, sustainability expectations, and changing international market dynamics.
Italian producers continue to invest in product innovation, advanced technologies, traceability systems, and environmentally responsible production practices while preserving the craftsmanship and traditions that distinguish "Made in Italy" products around the world.
Another important strength lies in the diversity of Italy's production system, which enables companies to offer a broad range of high-quality products tailored to different market segments and consumer preferences.
I would also like to highlight that, at the end of 2025, UNESCO officially inscribed Italian cuisine on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the first time an entire national culinary tradition has received this recognition. This milestone not only celebrates the quality of Italian products but also acknowledges the cultural, social, and historical values behind them, qualities that increasingly resonate with Vietnamese consumers seeking authentic gastronomic experiences.
What investment opportunities in Vietnam are currently attracting the greatest interest from Italian companies?
Italian companies are showing growing interest in sectors that support Vietnam's industrial modernization, rising consumer demand, and sustainability objectives.
Among the most attractive sectors are food and beverage processing technologies, packaging solutions, industrial machinery, renewable energy, environmental technologies, medical devices and health care, as well as advanced agricultural technologies. At the same time, premium consumer goods - including wine, food products, furniture, and luxury brands - continue to attract strong interest, driven by Vietnam's rapidly expanding middle- and upper-income consumer base.
The most promising opportunities are those where Italian companies can contribute technological expertise, innovation, and specialized know-how rather than compete on cost alone. The implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has further enhanced Vietnam's attractiveness by improving market access and creating a more favorable environment for trade and investment.
How does the Italian Trade Agency support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into international markets?
Our mission is to support the internationalization of Italian companies and facilitate their access to the Vietnamese market. We do this through a comprehensive range of services and initiatives.
First, we provide Italian companies with market intelligence, supplier identification, regulatory guidance, and business matching opportunities through dedicated B2B events.
Second, we organize trade promotion activities, including Italian national pavilions at major international trade fairs, seminars, and business networking events, while providing tailored support to both Italian exporters and local business partners.
We also regularly organize sponsored buyers' delegations, enabling Vietnamese importers to visit leading trade fairs in Italy such as TuttoFood and Vinitaly. These initiatives facilitate direct engagement between Vietnamese buyers and Italian companies, creating valuable opportunities to establish long-term commercial partnerships.
Finally, we place strong emphasis on education and capacity building by supporting young professionals and industry experts through specialized training programs held both in Italy and internationally.
At the same time, we remain committed to supporting Vietnamese importers and businesses by helping them identify reliable Italian suppliers, better understand Italian products, and build successful, long-lasting business relationships.
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