HKAB Hosts Second ASEAN Seminar at HKMA, Spotlighting Vietnam’s Economic Outlook

Hong Kong, 17 July 2025 — The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) successfully hosted its second ASEAN Seminar at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on 17 July, bringing together over 140 participants, including representatives from 23 member banks and 45 corporations. The seminar focused on Vietnam’s dynamic economic landscape and its potential as an emerging growth market, offering practical insights for corporates developing regional strategies.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mr Kenneth Hui, Executive Director (External) of the HKMA; Ms Li Tong, Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong); and Mr Le Duc Hanh, Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong. Their remarks underscored the strategic importance of strengthening economic ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Mr Jinming Xie, economist at Bank of China (Hong Kong), delivered a comprehensive market update, providing participants with a macroeconomic snapshot of Vietnam and setting the stage for in-depth discussions on growth prospects, cross-border collaboration, and bilateral cooperation.

The seminar featured two engaging panel discussions:

• Bilateral Economic Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges — Moderated by Ms Rose Kay, this session featured speakers from BNP Paribas, Deloitte China, and Frasers Law Company, who shared insights into investment frameworks, regulatory developments, and market entry strategies for Vietnam.
• Growth Engine of Vietnam: Now and Future — Moderated by Ms Mayver Kwok, the panel included distinguished representatives from the Vietnam Trade Office, Bank of China, Sunwah Group, and the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam, highlighting key sectors and long-term growth drivers in Vietnam’s evolving economy.

Thank you to HKAB and to all speakers, participants, and supporting member banks—including Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, MUFG, and OCBC—for contributing to the success of this seminar and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for regional dialogue and investment in Southeast Asia.