Entrepreneurs Forum & Business Networking 2025: Opening New Cooperation Opportunities between Vietnam and India

04/06/2025

CHIA SẺ:

Entrepreneurs Forum & Business Networking 2025: Opening New Cooperation Opportunities between Vietnam and India

On June 2, 2025, the “Entrepreneurs Forum & Business Networking 2025” was held at the Friendship House in Ho Chi Minh City. This marked the first official co-organization between the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association, the Friendship Entrepreneurs Club under the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Vietnam. The event reaffirmed a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable strategic partnership between Vietnam and India.

At the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân—President of the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association, Director of the Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities, and Director of the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies—remarked:

“This event holds special significance as Vietnam accelerates its green transition toward sustainable development and deeper global integration.”

She also introduced her research on the dynamics of multicultural families in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly highlighting the Vietnamese–Indian family heritage, as a testament to the shared commitment to cultural diversity and inclusive growth.

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân delivering congratulatory remarks.

GOPIO is the largest and most prestigious global network for the Indian diaspora, connecting over 40 countries and thousands of enterprises. The organization works closely with the Government of India, especially the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, to support diaspora communities and promote international cooperation.

As green and sustainable products become a global consumer trend, the formation of sustainable alliances has never been more imperative.

Mr. Thao Le, Representative of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) and Founder of Ăn Chay TV, also serving as Vice President of the GOPIO International Business Council (GIBC) in Vietnam, shared:

“I believe Vietnam is becoming a strong strategic partner in Southeast Asia, especially in trade, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.”

The Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities and IVU Vietnam plan to co-organize an international scientific conference on vegetarian food culture in collaboration with the Faculty of Cultural Studies.

Photo: Mr. Thao Le speaking at the forum.

The forum welcomed GOPIO leadership including Mr. Gunasekaran Sreerangan – President of GOPIO Malaysia and GIBC, Mr. Ganesan Arunasalam – Secretary General of GIBC and Vice President of GOPIO International (North America), and Mr. Thirunal Karasu – Advisor to GIBC Singapore.

Mr. Gunasekaran delivered an overview of GOPIO's history:

“From a community initiative, GOPIO has evolved into a global organization with highly educated human resources and modern education for children across nations. With a diaspora of over 35 million and 1.4 billion Indian nationals, GOPIO aims to nurture entrepreneurship and promote strong connections in trade and education reform. To achieve this, we seek collaboration with enterprises from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, the U.S., and beyond.”

Photo: Mr. Gunasekaran Sreerangan sharing GOPIO’s mission and development path.

Mr. Ganesan Arunasalam, Secretary General of GIBC, also introduced the upcoming GOPIO-GIBC International Business Summit, scheduled for August 23–26, 2025 in Puducherry, India. The summit is expected to attract over 600 delegates from more than 50 countries, featuring over 200 exhibition booths across key sectors such as:

Information Technology and IT services
Real estate development
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Finance and investment
Education and skill development
Food and agriculture
Renewable energy and sustainable technologies
Manufacturing and export
Tourism and hospitality
Fashion and textiles
Entertainment and media
E-commerce and retail

Mr. Ganesan also highlighted the environmental and economic potential of vetiver (khus) grass, particularly in soil restoration, erosion control, and its aromatic root extract used in perfumery and cosmetics.

Photo: Mr. Ganesan Arunasalam presenting about the GOPIO-GIBC Summit.

Mr. Anand Ramesh, Executive Committee Member of INCHAM and former INCHAM Vietnam President, positively assessed Vietnam’s growing appeal for investment and business, especially in technology, healthcare, and education. He emphasized INCHAM’s commitment to continuing its role as a bridge between the Indian business community in Vietnam and local partners, contributing to sustainable development in both countries.

Ảnh: ông Anand Ramesh phát biểu tại diễn đàn.

Photo: Mr. Anand Ramesh speaking at the forum.

Mr. Hồ Xuân Lâm, Permanent Vice President of HUFO, extended greetings to delegates and affirmed:

"Green development has become a key pillar of growth for many countries and enterprises. HUFO remains committed to supporting, connecting, and creating favorable conditions for both domestic and foreign businesses to build long-term, sustainable partnerships.”

Mr. Lâm noted that HUFO officially launched the Friendship Entrepreneurs Club of Ho Chi Minh City in October 2024 to foster strong networks among business leaders, promote leadership skills, encourage innovation, and contribute to community and social development.

This event marked a promising beginning for long-term, sustainable Vietnam–India cooperation not only in business but also in cultural and academic exchange.

Delegates capturing commemorative moments.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân presents research books to Dr. Humprey Arnaldo Russel, President of the ASEAN–China Research Institute, University of Indonesia.