US-ASEAN Business Council Leads 2026 Digital Economy Mission to Vietnam
(Hanoi) – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) led its 2026 Digital Economy Mission to Vietnam, from January 12 to 14, 2026, in Hanoi. The mission brought together 15 leading American technology and financial services companies, on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) hosted by Vietnam this year. The Mission was co-led by Mario Masaya, Vice President of Research, Technology and Financial Services, and Vu Tu Thanh, Acting Regional Managing Director and Vietnam Chief Country Representative.
The Mission took place at a critical time as Vietnam advances its digital transformation agenda, with ambitious national targets for the digital economy to contribute at least 30% of GDP by 2030 and 50% by 2045, and ahead of the 14th National Party Congress, Vietnam’s most significant political event. It provided a timely platform for U.S. companies to engage with government stakeholders, share industry perspectives, and contribute to the development of Vietnam’s digital policy framework.
Throughout the Mission, USABC members held high-level bilateral meetings with senior officials from the Government of Vietnam including: Vice Chairman Nguyễn Phương Tuấn of the Vietnam National Assembly Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment; Lieutenant Colonel Triệu Mạnh Tùng, Deputy Director of the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05), Ministry of Public Security; Deputy Director General Nguyễn Việt Chi, Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade; Director Vũ Quốc Huy, Director, National Innovation Center (NIC) and Deputy Director Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Foreign Investment Agency, Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance. Delegates also met with Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Beale and officials from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Department of Commerce on the sidelines of ADGMIN.
Discussions focused on building a secure, interoperable, and investment-friendly digital ecosystem—strengthening digital infrastructure, enabling trusted cross-border data flows, aligning with international standards, and reducing market access barriers to unlock the tremendous potential of Vietnam’s digital economy. The delegation also emphasized the importance of continued, open consultation with the U.S. business community as Vietnam implements key laws adopted in 2025.
The Mission further explored opportunities to deepen U.S.-Vietnam collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, including workforce development, integration into global value chains, and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance cybersecurity and digital resilience across sectors.
In addition, mission delegates participated in USABC’s Working Luncheon hosted for ADGMIN and ADGSOM officials on January 14, titled “Unlocking ASEAN’s Digital Economy Opportunity: Pathways to Resilient Growth”, featuring keynote remarks H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and Mr. Russ Headlee, Senior Bureau Official, U.S. Department of State Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy.
“Vietnam’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation presents tremendous opportunities for U.S. companies to partner in shaping a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy,” said Mario Masaya, Vice President of the USABC. “The Council and our members are committed to working closely with the government of Vietnam to foster a trusted, predictable, and attractive environment for investment and long-term growth.”
Participating companies included Akamai Technologies, Amazon, Bitdeer, Cisco Systems, Google, IBM, Meta, Mastercard, Qualcomm Inc., Salesforce, The Asia Group, Tilleke & Gibbins, and Workday.