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Message from CanCham

Dear $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$ $[UD:LAST_NAME||]$,

The CanCham Vietnam team warmly wishes all our members and partners a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year – the Year of the Horse. We hope the new year brings energy, success, and new opportunities for you, your teams, and your businesses.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Laurence Newman as our new Executive Director, marking an new and exciting chapter for CanCham as we look ahead to an active year of collaboration, events, and community engagement.

We are excited to kick off the month with The 21st Annual CanCham Crystal Ball Luncheon 2026, taking place tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, at Park Hyatt Saigon. This flagship event brings our community together to exchange insights and perspectives on the key business trends shaping the year ahead.

Looking ahead, preparations are in full swing for the Children’s Cancer Run 2026 on March 29. This meaningful community initiative unites our network in support of an important cause, and we warmly encourage our members and partners to join us and be part of this special event.

Please note that the CanCham office will be closed from February 14 to 22, 2026 for the Lunar New Year holiday, and will reopen on February 23, 2026. 

We look forward to connecting with you throughout the month and continuing our collaboration in the year ahead.

Warmest regards,
The CanCham Vietnam Team.

     

CanCham appoints new Executive Director

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (CanCham) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurence Newman as its new Executive Director.


Laurence is a communications professional who has lived and worked in Vietnam for the last decade. Before joining CanCham, he worked as a consultant for international trade associations, law firms, and non-profits in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.


Laurence has also worked for the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. He was Head of Communications during ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, organizing missions to Brussels, building relationships in the European Parliament, and working with a cross-sector coalition of EU business associations.


Laurence will join us as Executive Director after Tet, bringing a wealth of experience in event management, trade promotion, and membership organizations alongside a strong understanding of the Vietnamese business environment.


Laurence would love to hear from CanCham members - please get in touch on: exe.director@canchamvietnam.org

     

CANCHAM NEWS & UPDATES

Happening Tomorrow – Don’t Miss It ! The 21st Annual CanCham Crystal Ball Luncheon 2026 takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, at Park Hyatt Saigon.


Under the theme “The Future Looks Bright,” this flagship event brings together leading economists, industry experts, and business leaders to unpack Vietnam’s economic outlook for 2026 - from growth drivers and consumer trends to real estate, infrastructure, e-commerce, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

📍 Park Hyatt Saigon 🕦 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

We look forward to welcoming you for an insightful afternoon of perspectives, discussion, and high-level networking.


See you tomorrow.

     

Children’s Cancer Run 2026 officially opened

The Children’s Cancer Run (CCR) 2026, organized by CanCham Vietnam, is a flagship fundraising initiative uniting the business community to support children battling cancer in Vietnam. Building on nearly 30 years of trusted cancer fundraising since 1997, CCR delivers measurable, nationwide impact.


In 2024, funds raised supported Can-Clover (Chồi Non Kiên Cường) of the VinaCapital Foundation, providing direct treatment support, psychosocial care for pediatric patients, and capacity building for oncology hospitals.


📅 Sunday, March 29, 2026
📍 The Global City, Thu Duc City, HCMC
🏃‍♀️ 5km Fun Run / Walk / Wheel

✨Together, we turn participation into lasting impact for Vietnam’s little warriors.


👉Learn more and register: https://www.canchamvietnam.org/ccr-2026

     

 Event Recap

Canadian Connections Eh! – Cheers to 2026

CanCham Vietnam kicked off 2026 on a high note with over 80 guests at our first networking night of the year, bringing together familiar faces and new connections for lively conversations and warm reunions.

We sincerely thank Mediterra Restaurant & Bar for the wonderful venue and hospitality. Our appreciation also goes to our generous in-kind sponsors - Hera Jewelry & Diamonds, zumwhere, latire.shop, Đại Phát Food, Bitex, and Phintify Canada for their thoughtful prizes that added extra excitement to the evening. 

From friendly greetings to the fun “Lucky Horse Passport” networking game, the night was full of energy. Here’s to stronger connections and more CanCham moments in 2026. Cheers! 🥂

     

CanCham Welcomes Business in Vancouver  for a Discussion on Vietnam’s Growing Role

On January 20, 2026, CanCham President, Zach Herbers, welcomed Daisy Xiong, a business reporter from Business in Vancouver, to the CanCham office for a conversation on Vietnam’s growing role in the Canadian supply chain.
They discussed the evolution of the Canadian business community in Vietnam, increasing interest from B.C. and Canadian companies, and emerging opportunities across key sectors.

Zach highlighted Vietnam’s strong position as a manufacturing hub, supportive government policies, and the promising outlook for Canadian products and investment.

The interview underscored the strengthening Canada–Vietnam business relationship as more companies look to diversify and grow.

   

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

   

Maple Leaf Sponsor
  • VinaCapital: leading Vietnam-focused investment management firm with a diversified portfolio across public and private markets

Maple Leaf Sponsors
  • Forvis Mazars: global professional services firm providing audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services to businesses across industries

  • InCorp: leading Asia-Pacific corporate services provider, supporting businesses with market entry, compliance, and growth solutions across the region.

Silver Sponsor
  • Terax: Vietnam-based company specializing in technology solutions and services that support digital transformation and business efficiency

Thank you to our sponsors for your continued trust and engagement with CanCham Vietnam. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to another year of collaboration.

     

Corporate Member

  • Becamex Hotel: hospitality provider in Vietnam offering premium accommodation and event services for business and leisure travelers

  • Protrade: new generation industrial park in Binh Duong, provides excellent infrastructures and extensive supporting amenities for companies seeking quality business space in a safe and conducive environment

  • GeoComply: global cybersecurity and fraud prevention company providing geolocation compliance solutions for regulated digital industries

  • Tilleke & Gibbins: leading full-service law firm in Southeast Asia, offering legal and commercial advisory across multiple jurisdictions

SME Members

  • VinaCapital Foundation: non-profit organization focused on improving healthcare and education outcomes for disadvantaged children in Vietnam

  • Trade & Invest British Columbia: the Government of British Columbia’s trade agency, supporting international trade and investment opportunities

     

Corporate Member

  • MiTek: global engineering and construction technology company delivering software, services, and building solutions for the construction industry

Individual Members:

  • Matthew Mohr

  • Ben Collings Mackay

Thank you to our renewing members for your continued trust and engagement with CanCham Vietnam. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to another year of collaboration.

     

Empowered Startups Expands Reach with New Office in Vietnam

Empowered Startups is excited to announce their the opening of a new international office in Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion and its continued commitment to supporting clients and partners worldwide.

     

Manulife Vietnam launches Manulife REWARDS - Customer Loyalty Program

Manulife Vietnam is pleased to share exciting news at the start of the year: beginning January 2026, the customer loyalty program – Manulife REWARDS – has officially launched, offering attractive privileges and unique experiences for all individual customers.

     

Becamex Hotel New City officially launches its new banquet hall, TASTES MEZZANINE

TASTES MEZZANINE, a newly renovated banquet hall located on the mezzanine floor of the Tastes restaurant, spans 231 m2 and offers flexible themed arrangements and can accommodate up to 170 guests, including a stage.

   

NEWS & UPDATES

Vietnam Economic Performance in 2025: GDP, FDI, and Trade

Vietnam’s economy demonstrated a robust performance in 2025, achieving 8 percent GDP growth, maintaining resilient FDI, keeping inflation stable, and expanding trade.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2026 – New Publication Out

“An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2026”, the latest publication from Vietnam Briefing and supported by Dezan Shira & Associates

GDP growth reaches 8.02% in 2025: A foundation for higher growth targets

GDP growth of 8.02% in 2025 reflected Vietnam’s macroeconomic recovery and stability while creating new momentum and space for higher growth targets ahead.

[Avison Young] Real estate M&As remain active, next growth cycle expected

Vietnam’s real estate M&A activity stayed strong in 2025, driven by domestic investors. Regulatory improvements, evolving urban classification, and major infrastructure projects are supporting the market as it moves into a new growth phase.

Vietnam’s New Food Safety Regulation (Decree 46/2026): Implications and Strategies for Foreign Investors

Vietnam has launched an important update to its food safety regulation through Government Decree No. 46/2026/NĐ-CP, effective from January 26, 2026.

   

CLASSIFIEDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Mekong Gateway Summit is a one-day conference and exhibition connecting business leaders and decision-makers across the Mekong region, with a strong focus on key sectors including digital innovation, finance, construction, F&B, green economy, supply chain, and education.

     

🚀 Manulife Future Leaders 2026 – The journey to accelerate and break through has officially begun!


Manulife Future Leaders (M-FLs) is a program designed for fresh graduates who are passionate about the financial and insurance industry and aspire to become future leaders.

     

Canada Lobster – Premium Seafood from the Atlantic Ocean

Hoang Gia Royal Seafood, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, a valued member of CanCham—is proud to introduce premium live Canada Lobster to the Vietnamese market.


Canada Lobster is widely regarded as one of the finest lobsters in the world. Harvested from the cold, pristine waters off the coasts of Canada and parts of the United States, these lobsters thrive in rocky seabed habitats where temperatures remain extremely low. This natural environment gives Canada Lobster its signature firm, white meat and rich, sweet flavor that is highly prized by seafood lovers worldwide. It is also a key contributor to the seafood export industries of both Canada and the U.S

     
   
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