Hanoi will host Vietnam’s inaugural edition of the world’s largest technology event next October, following the official announcement made during GITEX ASIA x AI Everything Singapore.
KAOUN International and the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) have formalised a strategic partnership to deliver expanded access to new markets, capital, talent, global networks, and innovation opportunities — part of the GITEX Asia expansion showcased at its Singapore edition — through GITEX AI VIETNAM.
Vietnam’s fast-growing technology ecosystem is set to enter a new phase of global collaboration and innovation with the confirmation that GITEX, the world’s largest and most influential technology exhibition brand, will launch in Vietnam.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, in partnership with the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), the inaugural GITEX AI VIETNAM will take place in Hanoi from 1–2 October 2026. Supported by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), the initiative — first shown at GITEX Asia in Singapore — marks a major milestone in GITEX’s international expansion.
Positioned as a flagship event during Vietnam National Innovation Week, GITEX AI VIETNAM is set to accelerate ecosystem-wide growth and strengthen Vietnam’s trajectory toward a projected US$200 billion digital economy by 2030.
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 AI ASIA x Ai Everything 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 AI 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.
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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), 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).
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 AI 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.
