A Strategic Milestone for Vietnam–UAE Economic Partnership

The Vietnamese Business Council in the UAE (VNBC) was honored to accompany the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the UAE H.E. Nguyen Thanh Diep, on an official visit to the Free Zones Authority - Ajman (FZA), where the delegation was warmly welcomed by H.E. Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of FZA — a visit that marks a pivotal step in the expanding cooperation between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.

A Turning Point in Bilateral Relations

This engagement comes at a crucial time as Vietnam and the UAE elevate their partnership beyond trade, embracing a shared vision rooted in innovation, sustainability, and regional growth. With bilateral trade now nearing US$5 billion annually, Vietnam stands as the UAE’s top trade partner in Southeast Asia. The 2024 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has unlocked new pathways for business, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

• The UAE serves as a gateway to the Gulf, Africa, and Europe

• Vietnam, through its leadership role in ASEAN, gives the UAE access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economic blocs

Together, they form a strategic corridor connecting over 2 billion consumers globally.

VNBC & Ajman Free Zone Sign MoU to Empower Vietnamese Businesses

During the visit, Chairman of VNBC, Harry Nguyen, also engaged in in-depth discussions with FZA leadership on fostering bilateral startup exchange, trade facilitation, and support programs for Vietnamese SMEs entering the UAE market. VNBC and Ajman Free Zone signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — a critical milestone that cements long-term cooperation between the two entities.

Through this agreement, VNBC and AFZ will jointly:

• Provide end-to-end support for Vietnamese investors

• Simplify business setup and licensing in the UAE

• Facilitate matchmaking, trade missions, and market entry strategies

• Offer access to exclusive business events and networks

• Deliver tailored support to MSMEs and growth-stage companies

Ajman Free Zone — known for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and investor-friendly processes — is well positioned to become a launchpad for Vietnamese companies entering the UAE and wider Middle East region.

Looking Ahead

This collaboration is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a strategic action plan to accelerate Vietnamese enterprise expansion into global markets. With VNBC’s guidance and AFZ’s robust infrastructure, businesses across sectors such as logistics, tech, F&B, manufacturing, and services now have a clear runway for success in the UAE.

Join the Movement

Vietnamese entrepreneurs and companies looking to grow beyond borders are encouraged to join VNBC and explore how this partnership with Ajman Free Zone can support your international ambitions.

Together, we are not just growing businesses — we are building bridges