Since then, the partnership has evolved into a model of dynamic, practical, and effective subnational cooperation within the framework of the Vietnam–Italy Strategic Partnership. Leveraging their strategic economic positions, the two localities have built a comprehensive partnership that continuously translates diplomatic commitments into concrete cooperation programs, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, port logistics, and the sustainable development of cultural heritage.
Regarding its economy and key industries, Veneto is located in northeastern Italy and has a population of nearly 4.9 million. It is the third-largest regional economy in Italy, contributing more than 9% of the country's GDP. Veneto possesses a modern industrial base and strong export capacity, with exports reaching an impressive EUR 82 billion in 2023. The region's leading industries include precision engineering, industrial machinery, luxury fashion, food processing, and maritime logistics. In the new era, with the world-renowned heritage city of Venice as its capital, Veneto is emerging as a center of innovation by strengthening its network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promoting green manufacturing, eco-technologies, and the sustainable development of its heritage economy.
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Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue visits the Veneto Region to strengthen economic and higher education cooperation – Photo: Voice of Vietnam (VOV)
Over the years, cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Veneto has achieved significant and practical results in economic development, trade, urban management, and education. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on friendship and cooperation, bilateral economic ties have continued to deepen through investment promotion forums, support for Italian enterprises expanding into Southeast Asia, and collaboration in food technology and interior design. Recent initiatives have also produced meaningful outcomes, particularly academic exchanges, language training, and heritage tourism management programs between universities in Ho Chi Minh City and prestigious institutions in Veneto, including Ca' Foscari University of Venice and the University of Padua.
Future Cooperation Priorities looking Ahead As Ho Chi Minh City continues expanding its development space, it seeks to strengthen strategic cooperation and attract investment from the Veneto Region in the following five priority sectors:
1. Smart Manufacturing and Precision Engineering: Promote industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and investment in advanced machinery assembly, industrial equipment, and supporting industries by leveraging the expertise of Italy's mechanical engineering sector.
2. Logistics and Maritime Transport Infrastructure: Enhance multimodal transport systems, strengthen maritime logistics connectivity, and transfer smart port management solutions, including the Green Port model from the Port of Venice, to improve the competitiveness of Ho Chi Minh City's international logistics network.
3. Environmental Technology and Renewable Energy: Exchange expertise on green growth, circular water and waste treatment systems, and collaborate with the Venetian Cluster to develop eco-technologies and sustainable green materials for climate resilience.
4. Tourism and High-Value Heritage Economy: Cooperate on research and the exchange of best practices in smart heritage city management based on Venice's experience, while jointly developing sustainable tourism products and premium tourism services.
5. Design and Smart Urban Development: Expand cooperation in interior design, industrial design, and high-end fashion to support innovative urban architecture and smart city development through partnerships with leading industrial associations in the Veneto Region.