Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), on the sidelines of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, on October 28.
Mr. Mergenthaler highlighted Vietnam’s strategic role in the current global context, and proposed exploring ways to elevate relations between Vietnam and the WEF to the highest level, and enhane cooperation in science and technology, innovation, and business connectivity.
He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s growth and development goals.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung praised the WEF’s role in promoting economic cooperation, public-private partnerships and Vietnam’s socio-economic development and international integration.
PM Hung said Vietnam was determined to achieve double-digit economic growth, driven by science and technology, innovation and digital transformation to strengthen national competitiveness.
To achieve this goal, Vietnam focuses on mobilising domestic and international resources, enhancing the roles of the private and foreign-invested sectors, reforming institutions, improving the business and investment environment, developing transport and energy infrastructure, and upgrading workforce skills.
The PM called on the WEF to work with Vietnam on a new cooperation framework for the next phase, establishing a shared vision and priorities aligned with the country’s development objectives.
He also urged the forum to provide further advice on transforming Vietnam’s growth model and advancing science, technology and innovation; strengthen the role of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Ho Chi Minh City; connect WEF member companies with investment opportunities in Vietnam; and help Vietnamese businesses participate more deeply in global supply chains.
Google translate