Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – An exhibition showcasing innovative startup products and services opened in Ho Chi Minh City on November 24. This event, running from November 23 to 25, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the HCM City People’s Committee. It forms part of the national festival for innovative startups (TECHFEST) and the Week of HCM City Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship (WHISE) 2023.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the exhibition features nearly 200 booths displaying a wide range of products and services from startup companies and projects. It also includes business matching activities aimed at enhancing connectivity within the startup ecosystems in Vietnam and the region. In addition to showcasing products, the exhibition provides insights into startup stories and strategies for developing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Discussions and workshops conducted by experts, business leaders, startups, and local officials focus on development strategies for innovative startups.
TECHFEST and WHISE 2023, themed ‘Unleashing the potential of national resources – Empowering Vietnam’s innovative startup ecosystem for global integration’, comprise over 40 events in HCM City throughout October and November. These events aim to facilitate connections with financial resources and partners, develop domestic and foreign markets, and share knowledge with startup founders for optimal resource utilization and development.
HCM City is recognized as having Vietnam’s most dynamic innovative startup ecosystem, ranking 114th among 1,000 global cities with vibrant ecosystems and third in ASEAN in ecosystem value, impacting the economy up to 5.22 billion USD. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting business and startup growth. He highlighted efforts to assist in capital and market access, technology, human resources, and to foster a favorable business environment with healthy competition. He expressed hope that HCM City will be the preferred destination for companies, startups, and young entrepreneurs to launch and prosper in their ventures.