Vietnam summit to bring together Kiwi and Southeast Asian entrepreneurs

Business leaders and entrepreneurs from New Zealand and Southeast Asia will gather in Vietnam for the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) Summit, taking place from July 23-27 in Danang and Hue.

The event is being hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The summit will bring together YBLI programme alumni and entrepreneurs from a range of industries, including agribusiness, technology, tourism, fashion, health, and food and beverages, to connect, collaborate, and explore new growth opportunities.

“Through this summit, we aim to build lasting connections among entrepreneurs from New Zealand and ASEAN,” said Suzannah Jessep, chief executive at the Asia New Zealand Foundation. “Vietnam is an important partner in the region and strengthening relationships, trade, and economic ties here benefits both sides.”

Nick Siu, director of business and entrepreneurship at the foundation, added, “This is a chance for business leaders to learn from each other, find ways to collaborate, and develop new ideas that could lead to partnerships.”

“YBLI opened doors for my business, helping to secure our first export customer in Singapore. I look forward to strengthening these connections at the upcoming event,” said Nick Carey, managing director of Green Meadows Beef in New Zealand.

“The summit will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow changemakers and discover ways to advance our sectors together,” said Bicky Nguyen, co-founder of Cricket One in Vietnam.

The summit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and both ASEAN and Vietnam, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

“New Zealand is proud to be a close friend and partner of ASEAN for more than 50 years,” says New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford. “Strengthening these ties goes beyond diplomacy, the summit will empower young leaders, builds partnerships, and creates mutually beneficial opportunities for ASEAN and New Zealand.”

Source: Vietnam Investment Review