GITEX EXPANDS TO VIETNAM, IGNITING US$200BN NATIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY POTENTIAL

- Hanoi to host the Vietnamese inaugural edition of the world’s largest tech event next October following announcement during GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore

- KAOUN International & Vietnam National Innovation Center finalise partnership to deliver new markets, capital, talents, relationships & opportunities access through GITEX VIETNAM

Hanoi, Vietnam – 24 April, 2025: Vietnam’s burgeoning tech ecosystem is poised to ignite a vibrant new era of cross-continental collaboration and innovation following the official announcement that GITEX, the world’s largest and best-rated tech show brand, is expanding into the Vietnamese market. 

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC), the first-ever GITEX VIETNAM debuts in Hanoi from 1-2 October, 2026. Facilitated by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), the strategic partnership represents the next chapter in this global expansion, serving as an anchor event during Vietnam’s National Innovation Week whilst propelling a national ecosystem on course for a potential US$200 billion digital economy by 2030[1]. [1] Vietnam - Digital Economy

GITEX continues to offer unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talents, relationships, and opportunities – possibilities that only the world’s largest brand can deliver. Throughout an illustrious 45-year history, international engagement and expansion have become synonymous with a brand which now stages shows in seven countries and four regions globally, including Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, UAE and Vietnam. 

The announcement came on Thursday during the ongoing GITEX ASIA x AiEverything Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. It follows the recently signed joint declaration of intent between Vietnam and the UAE to launch talks on establishing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and elevate existing trade and economic ties to new heights. 

GITEX Expansion ‘A Defining Moment’ For Southeast Asia

As GITEX’s global tech ecosystem converges to spark transformative collaborations, the inaugural Vietnamese edition aims to spotlight the nation’s vast potential to global audiences, facilitate digital investment opportunities, inspire new partnerships, and amplify new opportunities for Vietnam’s tech ecosystem to scale globally. Alongside global tech enterprises, thought leaders, policymakers, startups, and investors, the show will examine the pressing shifts driving the next-gen of tech innovation – from startup economics, semiconductors, industry 5.0 and advanced manufacturing to AI, IoT, DevOps, cybersecurity, and talent acceleration.

Celebrating the partnership, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC & CEO of KAOUN International, said: "The inaugural GITEX VIETNAM shall represent a watershed in the digital transition of Vietnam and the rising Southeast Asia emerging economies. GITEX shall spotlight and amplify the accomplishments, forward policies, talents, developing infrastructure, and growing aspirations of a steadfast and ambitious young economy to the rest of the world. This shall unleash a surge of new business collaborative opportunities between government and private sectors across the world. GITEX shall elevate the vibrant and highly motivated regional ecosystems, often understated and unfamiliar to global communities, onto the international tech universe. I think the tech world will be in for a pleasant surprise.”

Kim Ngoc Thanh Nga, Deputy Director, Vietnam National Innovation Center, added: “The announcement of GITEX coming to Vietnam marks a transformative milestone for our country’s technology, innovation, and digital investment ecosystems — and a defining moment for Southeast Asia. With its legacy of bridging digital divides and shaping global tech narratives, GITEX’s expansion into Vietnam will undoubtedly serve as a powerful catalyst for socio-economic advancement at local, regional, and international levels. We are embracing an extraordinary opportunity to build a future anchored in innovation, collaboration, and global connectivity.”

“The partnership between DWTC/ KAOUN International and NIC is pivotal in bridging the global innovation ecosystem with Vietnam through GITEX. TBI is proud to have facilitated this collaboration, highlighting our commitment to leverage technology for impactful results.  This partnership is essential not only for emerging markets like Vietnam but also for enhancing bilateral relations between the UAE and Vietnam” remarked Jalil Rasheed, TBI Managing Director, Asia Pacific.  

The Next Premier Tech, Startup & Investment Platform In A Vibrant & Emerging Market

Vietnam is becoming an increasingly pivotal catalyst in Southeast Asia’s tech emergence, consolidating its status as a vibrant regional tech hub and a global supply chain leader.

Currently ranked second and fifth globally in smartphone and computer exports, respectively, the Vietnamese semiconductor industry alone exceeded US$18 billion in 2024 (SEMI)[1], and its manufacturing and construction sector remains at the national economic development forefront, employing 17.4 million and accounting for 33.4% of total employment nationwide (GSO)[2].

Additionally, Vietnam’s future-focused National Strategy on Digital Economy and Digital Society Development aims to position the country as a prominent regional IT and network security hub by 2030, prioritising advancements in AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, high-speed internet, green data centres, specialised IT parks, and more. 

Kim Ngoc Thanh Nga added: “Looking ahead, we are thrilled by the prospect of staging meaningful conversations, forging new partnerships, showcasing co-investment opportunities, and deepening the understanding of emerging technologies alongside our global partners and friends. GITEX VIETNAM will stand as a premier platform for the tech, startup, and investment communities to connect, exchange insights, and drive the future of the AI-powered economy.”

Further news and updates surrounding the event will follow in due course. For more information on GITEX, please visit gitex.com.

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[1] Vietnam - Digital Economy
 [2] Vietnam semiconductor brief (2024)
 [3] Vietnam Manufacturing Tracker: 2024-25