FOSTERING INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HO CHI MINH CITY AND BUSAN: VIETNAMESE ENTERPRISES EXPAND GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
As part of a business trip to Korea marking the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Busan, the SoiHub Open Innovation Center participated in a bilateral business meeting to discuss future cooperation, global supply chain development, and innovation-driven growth. The event not only reaffirmed SoiHub’s role in bridging the Vietnam – Korea startup ecosystem but also opened new avenues for international collaboration toward a more creative, sustainable, and globally integrated economy.
1. 30 Years of Partnership: A New Chapter in the HCMC – Busan Relationship
On August 14, 2025, in Busan, South Korea, a business meeting between enterprises from both cities was held to celebrate 30 years of friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Busan.
The event, jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (HCMC C4IR) and the SoiHub Open Innovation Center, with support from key strategic partners, aimed to enhance economic, trade, investment, and innovation collaboration between the two cities.
It served as a strategic platform to foster meaningful connections between Vietnamese and Korean enterprises amid the ongoing transformation of global supply chains.
2. A Dialogue Space for Businesses from Both Cities
The meeting gathered representatives from leading organizations, associations, and enterprises in manufacturing, logistics, smart industry, and high technology, creating an open, multi-dimensional exchange forum. Participants discussed emerging trends in cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region and shared best practices in technology adoption, supply chain optimization, and sustainable production models.
3. SoiHub’s Role in the Strategic Discussion
During the event, Ms. Bui Thanh Hang, Director of the SoiHub Open Innovation Center, moderated and presented in the strategic discussion session titled:
“Strengthening Infrastructure Platforms to Support Global Supply Chain Development – with Ho Chi Minh City and Busan as Key Connection Hubs.”
The session opened up strategic perspectives on developing smart industrial infrastructure, green logistics, and innovation ecosystems, all aimed at improving enterprise competitiveness and resilience in the global economy.
4. Expanding Cooperation and the Vietnam–Korea Startup Ecosystem
Delegates from both countries exchanged insights on future collaboration, particularly in startup ecosystem development, technology transfer, and high-quality human resource training. Both sides agreed to continue promoting industrial transformation and innovation projects, creating a bridge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate more deeply in global value chains.
5. SoiHub: A Bridge for International Innovation Collaboration
SoiHub’s presence at the event marks an important milestone in expanding its international cooperation network and reaffirms its pioneering role in open innovation, connecting businesses, academia, and policymakers. With a vision to become a gateway for Vietnamese enterprises to access global knowledge, technology, and investment opportunities, SoiHub continues to accompany the business community in building a sustainable, collaborative, and innovative future, positioning Ho Chi Minh City and Busan as two strategic innovation hubs in the region.
