HM&P lawyers attended the Vietnam–Argentina business opportunity conference in Ho Chi Minh City

On July 3, 2025, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Managing Partner of HM&P Law Firm (“HM&P”), attended the Vietnam–Argentina business opportunity conference held at Novotel Saigon. The event was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI-HCM) and the Embassy of Argentina. It brought together nearly 80 delegates representing competent authorities, trade promotion organizations, and businesses from both countries operating in the sectors of agriculture, food, processing, technology, and logistics.

The conference served as a valuable platform for Vietnamese and Argentine enterprises to share their market needs, explore potential cooperation, and promote partnerships in high-potential sectors such as agricultural products, food, processing technologies, and logistics services. Through direct networking activities, businesses from both countries were able to gain practical market insights, showcase their products, and foster substantial and effective trade relations.

According to data released at the conference, bilateral trade in the first four months of 2025 reached USD 1.48 billion, marking a 67% increase compared to the same period last year. Specifically, Vietnam’s exports to Argentina amounted to USD 357 million (a 316% increase), while imports from Argentina totaled USD 1.12 billion (up 40%). Commenting on these figures, Lawyer Phúc noted that the impressive growth signals tremendous potential for expanding cooperation between the two economies, especially as both countries are committed to diversifying markets and supply chains.

In addition to business networking activities, Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem, Director of VCCI-HCM, shared at the conference that all parties expressed a mutual commitment to advancing the negotiation process for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). This is considered a strategic move toward establishing a comprehensive and stable legal framework for bilateral trade, especially given the strong complementarity between the export–import structures of the two economies.

Mr. Phuc remarked: “If concluded, the Vietnam–MERCOSUR FTA will significantly facilitate market access for businesses, reduce tariffs, and harmonize technical and legal barriers—thereby mitigating risks and fostering sustainable cooperation.”

From a legal perspective, promoting negotiations and gradually finalizing the FTA will help establish a clear legal corridor that supports businesses in formulating long-term investment and trade strategies with partner markets. As a legal advisor that accompanies many international businesses in Vietnam, HM&P consistently monitors policy developments and international economic cooperation opportunities. Participating in this conference is part of HM&P’s proactive strategy to connect with the business community and provide in-depth legal insights for enterprises seeking investment and business opportunities in Vietnam - particularly in the priority sectors for bilateral cooperation such as agriculture, food processing, and goods trade.

Read more: Thúc đẩy hợp tác thương mại giữa Việt Nam - Argentina