HCMC – Italy is expanding its business footprint in southern Vietnam, with over 100 Italian companies now based in HCMC, the highest concentration nationwide, Italian Consul General in HCMC Enrico Padula said at a ceremony marking Italy’s 79th National Day on June 2.
The event was held in District 1, HCMC, bringing together diplomats, city officials, and business representatives to highlight growing Italy–Vietnam ties.
Padula noted that southern Vietnam, especially HCMC and surrounding provinces, has become a key area for bilateral trade and investment, supported by Italian institutions such as SACE, SIMEST, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM).
“Here, in fact, there is a real Italian system that can support and accompany the development of economic and commercial relations in the coming years,” Padula said.
He highlighted the city’s role in Italy’s globalization efforts and underlined continued support for key Made-in-Italy sectors such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, electronics, fashion, design, and gastronomy, which are promoted through initiatives like Vietnam International Fashion Week, Italian Cuisine Week, and Italian Design Day.
Italy’s ties with Vietnam date back to 1868, when it established its first consulate in HCMC. The opening of the Consulate General in the city 11 years ago marked a turning point, followed by years of intensified engagement, aside from the pandemic pause.
Vo Van Hoan, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, praised Italy’s cultural legacy and values, which are creativity, passion, heritage, innovation, style, and diversity, and their resonance with international partners like Vietnam.
“Although Italy has chosen ‘Italy is simply extraordinary’ as its national brand message, the world does not perceive Italy as merely simple,” he said. “Italy’s spirit lives in its cultural heritage and the tireless work of its people.”
Italy is among Vietnam’s leading EU partners, and Vietnam is Italy’s top trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching US$6.9 billion in 2024, he noted.
He also pointed to new opportunities arising from the forthcoming merger of HCMC, Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau to create a greater HCMC.
“With many shared development priorities from digital and green transformation to climate adaptation, HCMC will continue to be a strategic choice for Italian businesses and investors,” Hoan added.
