Within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the 32nd APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting (MRT 32) was held in Suzhou city, China, on May 22 and 23, 2026. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the meeting, accompanied by representatives from the Multilateral Trade Policy Department and the Department of Foreign Market Development. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Deputy Minister held bilateral meetings with several partners as follows:

Meeting with Yeo Han-koo, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan and Minister Yeo Han-koo exchanged views on bilateral economic and trade cooperation, as well as orientations for promoting industrial, energy, and supply chain cooperation between the two countries in the coming period, particularly in implementing the outcomes of the state visit to Vietnam by President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea last April. Both sides highly appreciated the positive development of the Vietnam - Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in which trade, investment, and industrial cooperation continue to serve as important pillars.

The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination in effectively implementing existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while promoting the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to USD 150 billion in a more balanced manner. The Deputy Minister proposed that the Republic of Korea continue supporting Vietnamese enterprises in integrating more deeply into regional and global supply chains, particularly in electronics, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and supporting industries, while also promoting cooperation in technology transfer, human resources training, and the development of strategic industries.

Regarding energy cooperation, the Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam welcomes cooperation proposals from the Republic of Korea in such areas as pre-feasibility studies, human resources training, sharing of management experience, and technology development in line with Vietnam’s long-term development orientation.

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister highly appreciated the Republic of Korea’s successful hosting of APEC 2025 and shared that Vietnam is actively preparing for APEC 2027. Vietnam expressed its hope to continue receiving active coordination, support, and experience-sharing from the Republic of Korea to contribute to the successful organization of APEC 2027 in Vietnam.

Meeting with Glenn Purves, Deputy Minister for International Trade of Canada

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan and Deputy Minister Glenn Purves exchanged views on economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries, while also discussing cooperation within the framework of the CPTPP, negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and APEC.

Deputy Minister Glenn Purves highly appreciated Vietnam’s coordinating and leadership role in the CPTPP and expressed support for Vietnam’s priorities during its 2026 CPTPP chairmanship. Canada affirmed that it would closely coordinate with Vietnam in implementing CPTPP initiatives and activities, while also appreciating the CPTPP-EU Dialogue and CPTPP-ASEAN Dialogue as channels for strengthening cooperation with partners sharing a commitment to a rules-based trading system.

For his part, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to its cooperative relationship with Canada and wishes to continue promoting bilateral trade and investment in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner. The Deputy Minister shared that Vietnam hopes to continue receiving Canada’s active coordination and support during its 2026 CPTPP chairmanship and committed to working closely with members to effectively implement CPTPP activities.

The two sides also discussed the progress of negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and reaffirmed their shared goal of making efforts to conclude negotiations for the benefit of the business communities of both sides. The two Deputy Ministers agreed on the need to promote intersessional exchanges and strengthen coordination to achieve substantive progress in the coming period, while recognizing the importance of technical negotiation sessions scheduled for next June in advancing negotiation contents toward the ASEAN-Canada Economic Ministers’ Consultations to be held this September.

The two sides also exchanged views on preparations for APEC 2027, which will be hosted by Vietnam. Deputy Minister Glenn Purves expressed his desire for close coordination and affirmed that Canada stands ready to support Vietnam in the preparation and implementation of related activities.

Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation to promote bilateral trade and investment growth, while maintaining close coordination in regional and multilateral economic cooperation mechanisms in the coming period.

Meeting with Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Deputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia

At the meeting, both sides highly appreciated the positive momentum in Vietnam-Indonesia trade relations in recent years, with bilateral trade turnover continuing to maintain stable growth, reaching USD 17.2 billion in 2025 and aiming for USD 18 billion by 2028. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of continuing to promote trade, investment, and business connectivity to effectively tap cooperation potential between the two economies, while contributing to strengthening economic linkages within ASEAN.

The Indonesian side expressed its wish for Vietnam’s support in the process of considering accession to the CPTPP, while also showing interest in regional economic cooperation opportunities in the coming period.

For his part, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan shared that Vietnam, in its capacity as Chair of the CPTPP in 2026, would actively engage and work with members in a spirit of construction, cooperation, and consensus. Vietnam also stands ready to share experience with Indonesia regarding the accession negotiation process and related procedures within the CPTPP framework.

The two sides also agreed to continue strengthening exchanges and close coordination within regional and multilateral economic cooperation mechanisms in the coming period.

Meeting with Horii Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan thanked the Japanese Government for its continued support and close cooperation with Vietnam in recent years, while highly appreciating the positive outcomes of the recent visit to Vietnam by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, which contributed to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Both sides noted that Vietnam - Japan economic and trade cooperation has continued to develop positively and effectively, while affirming that they are actively implementing cooperation contents in line with the joint statements of senior leaders of the two countries. The two sides agreed to continue promoting market access for each other’s goods, while strengthening cooperation in animal and plant quarantine, food safety, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to facilitate import-export activities.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan proposed that the two sides continue supporting their business communities in strengthening connectivity and promoting trade promotion activities, particularly through e-commerce and business matching activities between the two countries.

Regarding energy cooperation, both sides emphasized the importance of promoting cooperation in energy transition, energy security, and supply chain development. The Deputy Minister highly appreciated Japan’s energy cooperation initiatives for ASEAN, including Vietnam, and shared that the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently implementing energy and power development plans to meet investment and development needs in the coming period.

Horii Iwao said he would continue coordinating with Japanese enterprises to promote energy cooperation projects in Vietnam, while expressing the hope that Vietnam would continue to pay attention, listen, and support efforts to address difficulties and obstacles facing businesses during project implementation.

Regarding cooperation within the APEC framework, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan thanked Japan for its attention and coordination with Vietnam in preparations for APEC 2027, which Vietnam will host. The Deputy Minister said Vietnam is actively consulting member economies in order to develop appropriate priority themes, ensuring continuity and building on APEC’s cooperation outcomes in recent years.

Japan affirmed that amid ongoing volatility in the global economy and trade, strengthening the rules-based trading system and enhancing cooperation within the APEC framework are of great significance. Japan committed to closely coordinate with and support Vietnam in successfully hosting APEC 2027.

The two sides also discussed cooperation within the CPTPP framework. Accordingly, Vietnam requested Japan’s support as it assumes the CPTPP chairmanship in 2026, with a focus on enhancing implementation efficiency, promoting the agreement’s upgrading process, further expanding connectivity channels between the CPTPP and key partners, and advancing accession negotiations. Japan highly appreciated Vietnam’s initiatives and proposals in its capacity as CPTPP Chair in 2026, and expressed support and close cooperation with Vietnam toward delivering practical results for businesses and people.

Concluding the meeting, both sides agreed to continue strengthening coordination to further promote economic, trade, and energy cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in the coming period.

Meeting with the US - APEC Business Coalition

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan held a working session with the US - APEC Business Coalition, attended by representatives of major US corporations such as Citi, Visa, UPS, Mastercard, Google, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Organon, and other businesses operating in logistics, technology, finance, and digital payments.

At the working session, the US business community exchanged views with the Vietnamese side on a number of issues related to digital trade, digital payments, logistics, supply chains, trade facilitation, as well as regional economic cooperation frameworks such as the CPTPP and DEFA.

Addressing the session, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed that Vietnam is striving for “double-digit” economic growth associated with macroeconomic stability and improved quality of life for its people, while continuing to promote institutional reform, with science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation serving as key drivers. He also emphasized efforts to advance international economic integration in order to create a more transparent, favorable, and stable investment and business environment for the business community. At the same time, the Deputy Minister stressed that Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation with US businesses in key areas such as finance, technology, logistics, digital trade, and supply chains.

The Deputy Minister also acknowledged the recommendations and proposals put forward by US businesses and said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade would continue coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to promote exchanges and appropriately address issues of concern to the business community.