High-Level Business Roundtable with His Excellency Tô Lâm, General Secretary and President of Vietnam
New York, NY – September 23, 2026 – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), and in coordination with Vietnam's Ministry of Finance and the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States, was honored to convene an exclusive business roundtable with His Excellency Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam, on the sidelines of his visit to the United States for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.
The roundtable brought together senior leaders from leading U.S. companies for a candid discussion on Vietnam's long-term development priorities and opportunities for deeper U.S.-Vietnam economic cooperation.
Held under the theme "Vietnam 2045 and Beyond: Building the Engines of Future Growth," the discussion focused on the strategic drivers that can help propel Vietnam's transformation into a high-income, innovation-led economy. Participants exchanged views on advancing science, technology, innovation, and industrial competitiveness to support Vietnam's evolution from a manufacturing base into an industrial and innovation powerhouse; accelerating the energy transition, green growth, and strategic infrastructure investments needed to sustain long-term development; and strengthening capital markets, investment quality, and private sector-led growth to mobilize capital for Vietnam's next phase of economic expansion.
In his remarks, General Secretary and President Tô Lâm highly valued the role of the U.S. private sector in strengthening ties between the two countries. He noted that significant opportunities remain for further cooperation and emphasized that current achievements mark only the beginning of a deeper partnership. He encouraged expanded collaboration in areas such as science, technology, innovation, and advanced industries, while underscoring the important role of USABC as a bridge between the business communities of the two countries and highlighting Vietnam's position as a dynamic member of ASEAN with tremendous potential.
"Vietnam has emerged as one of the world's most compelling growth stories. Yet the next chapter is even more important: the transition from being a successful participant in the global economy to becoming a leading industrial, technological, and innovation-driven nation," said Ambassador Brian McFeeters, President and CEO of USABC. "Across sectors and industries, our companies share a common belief in Vietnam's long-term potential and a commitment to being trusted partners in the country's next chapter of growth."
Joining General Secretary and President Tô Lâm at the roundtable were senior leaders of the Party and Government, including Head of the Party Central Policy and Strategy Commission Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang, Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang, Chief of the Office of the Party Central Committee Nguyen Hai Ninh, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang, Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dzung, and other senior leaders of the Vietnam Government.