HCMC — The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) today, November 28, launched an initiative in HCMC aimed at strengthening agrifood cooperation between Canada and Vietnam ahead of the Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC) 2026.
The launch of the “Momentum Ho Chi Minh City” initiative brought together more than 70 leaders from the agriculture, trade and innovation sectors. It was organized with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (CanCham Vietnam) and the Canadian Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam.
Discussions focused on opportunities in sustainable agriculture, food processing, innovation and commodity trade. The program also served as a platform for businesses and policymakers to outline cooperation priorities before CIAC 2026, which will take place in Singapore in February 2026.
The initiative aligns with APF Canada’s recommendations on food security in the Asia-Pacific, which call for sustainable innovation, inclusive value chains and stronger public–private cooperation.
Canadian Ambassador Jim Nickel said Vietnam’s packaged food retail market reached US$55.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to continue growing. He said Canada can support Vietnam’s expanding retail and food-processing sectors through reliable supply chains.
Diedrah Kelly, executive director of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office, said Vietnamese companies can benefit from Canada’s technologies, supply chains and value-added agriculture expertise.
“Momentum Ho Chi Minh City” is one of three programs leading up to CIAC 2026. APF Canada said discussions in HCMC will support Vietnam’s participation in the conference and strengthen cooperation with Canadian partners in Vietnam.
