In recent years, Vietnam, as an emerging market in Southeast Asia, has attracted investors and companies from around the world with its stable economic growth, preferential investment policies and labor cost advantages. Vietnam is not only an emerging center of global manufacturing, but also an important trade hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, the Vietnamese market has great potential, and by seizing this opportunity, they can effectively expand their business territory. However, although the Vietnamese market is rich in opportunities, it is also accompanied by many challenges, such as complex laws and regulations, fierce market competition, and cultural and language differences. To succeed in such a dynamic but complex market, companies must be adequately prepared and strategic.

In this context, Wanqibang, as a service organization focused on helping companies go overseas, plays a crucial role. We are committed to providing comprehensive support to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them gain a foothold in the Vietnamese market. By providing detailed information on the activities of major chambers of commerce in Vietnam, Wanqibang not only helps companies understand the latest market trends, but also provides them with a platform for direct communication with local business leaders, government officials and potential partners. We believe that chamber of commerce activities are an important way for companies to quickly integrate into the local market, obtain valuable resources and establish business networks. Therefore, we have integrated the event calendars of Vietnam’s major chambers of commerce to provide companies with clear participation guidelines to help them better plan and utilize these resources.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive chamber of commerce events calendar and participation strategies for entrepreneurs who want to go overseas in Vietnam. Through this guide, companies will be able to clarify the types, times and locations of chamber of commerce activities, and understand how to reduce the risks of entering the Vietnamese market and effectively enhance competitiveness by participating in these activities. Whether it is a company that is entering the Vietnamese market for the first time or a company that has already taken root there, this guide will provide them with practical help.

 Overview of major chambers of commerce in Vietnam

In the Vietnamese market, chambers of commerce play a pivotal role and are an important bridge between enterprises and the government, industry and market. The Chamber of Commerce not only provides enterprises with a wide range of resources and information, but also plays a key role in policy formulation, business cooperation and market expansion. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, chamber of commerce events can provide them with guidance on entering the market, opportunities to meet potential partners, and access to the latest industry trends. Therefore, joining the right chamber of commerce and actively participating in its activities is one of the important strategies for companies to succeed in Vietnam.

Vietnam has many chambers of commerce, each with its own unique functions and services, covering various fields from manufacturing to service industries, from domestic markets to international trade. As one of the most influential chambers of commerce in Vietnam, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) brings together a large number of domestic and foreign companies and regularly holds large-scale business forums and policy seminars. It is an important platform for companies to obtain government policy information and expand business networks. The Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) focuses on providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them cope with market challenges and promote sustainable development of enterprises. In addition, foreign chambers of commerce in Vietnam, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham), the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), etc., provide specialized support and services for foreign enterprises to invest and operate in the Vietnamese market, helping them better adapt to local business environment.

Choosing a suitable chamber of commerce is crucial to the growth of an enterprise. Different enterprises should choose a chamber of commerce that matches their needs based on their business areas, development goals and market positioning. For example, manufacturing companies can consider joining the Vietnam Manufacturers Association or the Vietnam Small and Medium Enterprises Association to gain the latest industry technology and supply chain management experience by participating in supply chain optimization seminars and manufacturing forums. For companies that want to expand the international market, they can choose to join the Vietnam Federation of Foreign Chambers of Commerce (VBF) or the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. By participating in international business exchange meetings and market access seminars, they can establish cooperative relationships with foreign companies and gain global access. Market information.

When choosing a chamber of commerce, businesses should also consider their target market and future expansion plans. If an enterprise wishes to develop its business in a specific region of Vietnam, it can choose the local chamber of commerce in that region to obtain more targeted market support. In addition, companies should evaluate the types of services provided by the chamber of commerce, including policy consultation, business docking, legal support, etc. These are all necessary resources to gain a foothold and grow in the Vietnamese market.

Major chambers of commerce and their events calendar

In the Vietnamese market, chambers of commerce are not only an important platform for companies to obtain industry information and expand business networks, but also an important channel for policy advocacy and market access. The following is an activity profile of several major chambers of commerce in Vietnam and their main event calendars. This information will help companies better plan their participation plans and make full use of chamber resources.

1. Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)

As the largest national chamber of commerce in Vietnam, VCCI represents the interests of Vietnamese businesses from all walks of life. The Chamber of Commerce regularly holds policy seminars, economic forums, business matching meetings, international trade exhibitions and other activities, and is a key platform for enterprises to establish connections with the government, industry experts, and business partners.
Main events calendar :

• Annual Vietnam Economic Forum (June each year): Gathers government officials and business leaders to discuss macroeconomic policies and market prospects.
• Vietnam-International Economic and Trade Expo (April every year): Vietnam’s largest international trade exhibition, involving multiple industries.
• Policy and Regulation Seminar (quarterly): Analyze the latest economic policies, regulatory changes and their impact on enterprises.

2. Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME)

VINASME, which focuses on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, is committed to providing business support and development advice to small and medium-sized enterprises. Its activities mainly include entrepreneurship forums, innovation seminars, corporate financing matchmaking meetings, etc., to help companies cope with market challenges and enhance competitiveness.
Main events calendar :

• Annual SME Development Summit (October every year): Explore the innovation and development paths of SMEs and share successful cases.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Seminar (May every year): Focus on new entrepreneurial thinking and innovative technology applications.
• Corporate Financing Matchmaking Meeting (quarterly): Provide small and medium-sized enterprises with opportunities to match financing channels and meet investors.

3. Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM)

As digital transformation accelerates, VECOM is committed to promoting the development of e-commerce in Vietnam and helping enterprises find a foothold in the digital economy. Its activities cover e-commerce summits, cross-border e-commerce forums, digital marketing seminars, etc.
Main events calendar :

• Annual E-Commerce Summit (March each year): Analyzes e-commerce trends, policies and market opportunities.
• Cross-border e-commerce forum (June every year): Discuss the development and compliance issues of cross-border e-commerce.
• Digital Marketing Workshops (Quarterly): Provide businesses with the latest digital marketing strategies and tools.

4. Vietnam Manufacturers Association

The Vietnam Manufacturers Association focuses on the support and development of manufacturing, especially small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. Chamber of Commerce activities cover supply chain management, manufacturing technology innovation, Industry 4.0 applications, etc.
Main events calendar :

• Supply Chain Optimization Forum (September every year): Explore new technologies and optimization strategies in supply chain management.
• Manufacturing Technology Innovation Exhibition (November every year): Showcases the latest manufacturing technology and equipment.
• Industry 4.0 seminar (quarterly): Explore smart manufacturing and industrial Internet applications.

5. Vietnam Federation of Foreign Chambers of Commerce (VBF)

VBF is an important chamber of commerce for foreign companies in Vietnam, bringing together chambers of commerce and multinational companies from many countries. Its activities mainly include policy dialogues, international trade seminars, and multinational enterprise matchmaking meetings, etc., to provide foreign enterprises with information and support on the Vietnamese market.
Main events calendar :

• Annual Policy Dialogue (December each year): Face-to-face discussions with Vietnamese government officials on investment environment and policy changes.
• International Trade Seminar (May every year): Analysis of opportunities and challenges in Vietnam’s foreign trade.
• Multinational Enterprise Matchmaking Meeting (quarterly): Provide cooperation opportunities and market entry strategies for multinational enterprises.

6. AmCham Vietnam

AmCham Vietnam is an important organization for US-owned enterprises in Vietnam, aiming to promote US-Vietnam economic and trade relations and support the development of US-owned enterprises in Vietnam. Its activities mainly include business forums, market access seminars and US-Vietnam entrepreneur exchange meetings.
Main events calendar :

• Annual U.S.-Vietnam Business Forum (June each year): Explore opportunities and challenges for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
• Market Access Seminar (February every year): Provide policy interpretation and suggestions for US-funded enterprises to enter the Vietnamese market.
• Entrepreneur Exchange Meeting (quarterly): Promote exchanges and cooperation between American and Vietnamese enterprises.

7. EuroCham Vietnam

EuroCham Vietnam is a representative organization of EU enterprises in Vietnam, aiming to promote EU-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation. Its activities include economic forums, green development seminars, European and Vietnamese business matching meetings, etc.
Main events calendar :

• Annual Europe-Vietnam Economic Forum (April each year): Explore development opportunities for EU companies in Vietnam.
• Green Development Seminar (September every year): Focus on sustainable development and green economy.
• Business Matchmaking Meetings (quarterly): Provide EU companies with opportunities to cooperate with local Vietnamese companies.

8. Japan-Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (JCCI Vietnam)

JCCI Vietnam mainly serves Japanese-owned enterprises in Vietnam and promotes cooperation between Japan and Vietnam in the economic, trade and cultural fields through its business forums, cultural exchange activities and technical cooperation seminars.
Main events calendar :

• Japan-Vietnam Business Forum (May every year): Discuss the development strategies and cooperation opportunities of Japanese-funded enterprises in Vietnam.
• Cultural exchange activities (every October): Promote cultural and business exchanges between Japan and Vietnam.
• Technical cooperation seminars (quarterly): Promote cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises in the field of technological innovation.

9. Korea Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (KoCham Vietnam)

KoCham Vietnam is an important organization for Korean-owned enterprises in Vietnam. Its activities include the Korea-Vietnam Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, Korean-owned enterprise matchmaking meetings and cultural exchange activities, etc., promoting close cooperation between the two countries in the commercial and cultural fields.
Main events calendar :

• Korea-Vietnam Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum (March every year): Discuss investment opportunities and market trends of Korean-funded enterprises in Vietnam.
• Korean Enterprise Matchmaking Meeting (June every year): Provides cooperation opportunities and market information for Korean enterprises.
• Cultural exchange activities (every November): Promote cultural exchanges between South Korea and Vietnam and deepen economic and trade cooperation.

10. Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS)

VITAS is the representative organization of Vietnam’s textile and apparel industry. Its activities mainly include textile technology exhibitions, supply chain seminars and industry trend analysis meetings to help companies stay competitive in the global market.
Main events calendar :

• Textile Technology Exhibition (July every year): Showcases the latest textile technology and equipment.
• Supply Chain Seminar (March every year): Discuss optimization strategies for the textile supply chain.
• Industry trend analysis meeting (quarterly): Analyze the latest trends in the global textile market.

11. Vietnam Food and Beverage Association (VFA)

The VFA represents businesses in Vietnam’s food and beverage industry and organizes a variety of events to promote industry development, such as food exhibitions, food safety seminars and market access conferences.
Main events calendar :

• Annual Food Exhibition (August every year): Showcases the latest products and technologies in Vietnam’s food and beverage industry.
• Food Safety Seminar (April each year): Discuss food safety regulations and standards.
• Market access meetings (quarterly): Help companies understand domestic and foreign market access requirements.

12. Vietnam Software and Information Technology Services Association (VINASA)

VINASA is the core organization of Vietnam’s IT industry, promoting the development of software and information technology services. Its activities include technology forums, entrepreneurial competitions and digital transformation seminars to help companies find new growth points in the digital economy.
Main events calendar :

• Annual Technology Forum (May each year): Explore the latest trends and technologies in the software and information technology industry.
• Entrepreneurship Competition (September every year): Provides display and financing opportunities for IT startups.
• Digital transformation seminar (quarterly): Help traditional enterprises achieve digital transformation and improve their competitiveness.

The above chambers of commerce and their activities provide enterprises with a wealth of resources and opportunities. Participating in these activities can not only obtain the latest industry information and market trends, but also establish an extensive business network, laying a solid foundation for the success of enterprises in Vietnam.

The Importance of Chamber of Commerce Activities and Guidelines for Participation

In Vietnam, a fast-growing and relationship-oriented market, participating in chamber activities is of great importance as a counselor for enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises that have just entered the market. Chamber of Commerce activities are not only a platform for obtaining information and expanding networks, but also a critical path for enterprises to local business ecosystem. This section will delve into the many benefits of participating in chamber events and provide businesses with practical guidance on how to get involved.

Benefits of Chamber of Commerce activities to businesses

Participation in chamber activities seriously affects businesses by bringing direct and relevant debt relationships. First, it is an excellent channel for obtaining the latest policy information. The policy environment in Vietnam changes rapidly. By participating in policy interpretation meetings organized by the Chamber of Commerce, companies can understand the details of new policies and their potential impacts at the first time, so as to adjust business strategies in a timely manner. For example, the policy dialogue meetings held regularly by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) provide member companies with opportunities to communicate directly with the ministerial government.

Secondly, chamber of commerce activities are an ideal platform to expand business networks. In Vietnam, strive to play a key role in business success. By attending networking events organized by chambers of commerce, businesses can get to know potential partners, customers or suppliers. This kind of stock communication opportunity is far more effective than simple online communication. Especially for B2B companies, a successful chamber of commerce exchange may lead to long-term business cooperation.

Understanding industry trends is another benefit of participating in chamber events. The Chamber of Commerce often invites industry experts to give keynote speeches or organize roundtable discussions, which provides companies with a detailed window into the direction of industry development. For example, the annual forum of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) can often lead the development focus of Vietnam’s e-commerce industry in the next year. This information undoubtedly has important reference value for enterprises to formulate medium and long-term strategic goals.

In addition, chamber of commerce activities also provide companies with their own stage display. Many chambers of commerce offer member businesses the opportunity to make a brief presentation or set up an event booth at the event. This not only helps to promote the brand mall, but may also attract potential or retail partners. For partners, this exposure caused extremely serious damage.

Steps to participate in chamber of commerce activities

To make the most of chamber events, businesses need to be well prepared and participate strategically. Here are some specific steps and suggestions:

Choose the right activities: the most relevant activities according to the development stage and goals of the business. For example, if the goal is to select local suppliers, then the Vietnam Manufacturers Association’s supply chain matching activities may be more appropriate.

Complete your registration in advance: Popular events often have limited spots, so it is recommended to at least consider registering in advance. Some events may require membership, and it may be worth joining the relevant chamber of commerce.

Be prepared for language: While some international chambers of commerce hold events in English, local chambers of commerce mainly hold events in Vietnamese. If company representatives do not speak Vietnamese, consider translating or sending Vietnamese-speaking employees to attend.

Prepare presentation materials: Prepare a large and concise company introduction and business cards. If you have the opportunity to set up an exhibition stand, make sure the display materials are both eye-catching and informative.

Set clear goals: Before each event, set specific goals, such as “meet three potential customers” or “learn the details of a new policy.” This helps make engagement more focused and effective.

Proactive communication: Don’t wait, take the initiative to communicate with other participants. Prepare some open and interesting topics to better start the conversation.

Be aware of cultural differences: Vietnamese business culture values ​​etiquette and relationships. Use both hands when exchanging business cards to show appropriate respect for older people or those with higher status.

Follow-up: After the event, organize the collected information and contacts in a timely manner. Communicate with new contacts via email or social media within 24-48 hours to solidify relationships.

In order to ensure the return on investment (ROI) of participating in chamber activities, companies need to establish an evaluation mechanism. This can include:

• Quantitative indicators: such as the number of new stock markets, the number of potential business opportunities, the number of media exposures, etc.
• Qualitative indicators: such as the quality of key information obtained, important relationships established, etc.
• Long-term tracking: Record participation in each event and track its impact in subsequent business development.
• Cost-benefit analysis: Compare the costs of participation (including time and money) with the benefits gained.
• Team Feedback: Collect feedback from employees on their participation to understand their perception of the value of the event.

Through systematic evaluation, companies can continuously optimize their strategies for participating in chamber activities and ensure that resources are used most effectively.

Successful cases and experience sharing

In the Vietnamese market, there are numerous business cases achieved through active participation in chamber of commerce activities. These cases not only demonstrate the importance of chamber of commerce resources, but also provide valuable experience and inspiration for other companies hoping to enter the Vietnamese market. At the same time, we will also explore some of the challenges companies encountered during the participation process and how to solve them to provide a more comprehensive perspective.

Case 1: The rise of tech company TechViet

TechViet is a company focusing on local artificial intelligence solutions in Vietnam. Company founder Nguyen Van Anh shared: “We started out as a small team of three people, with technology but lack of market and resources. By actively participating in the activities of the Vietnam Software and Information Technology Services Association (VINASA), we Not only did I gain valuable industry insights, I also met key partners and investors.”

Specifically, TechViet benefits from Chamber activities in the following ways:

• TechViet showcased its AI technology at VINASA’s annual technology show, attracting the attention of a major retail group and ultimately landing a million-dollar contract.
• By participating in international exchange events organized by VINASA, TechViet established contact with a Singaporean venture capital and ultimately received US$5 million in Series A financing.
• VINASA’s policy support promotes regulatory hygiene that is conducive to AI companies and creates a favorable environment for the development of TechViet.

Van Anh added: “Chamber of Commerce events are more than just simple networking, it is a platform for learning, display and growth. I suggest that every company should take participation in chamber of commerce events as one of its core strategies.”

Case 2: The transformation path of manufacturing company GreenTex

GreenTex is a medium-sized textile company that has experienced significant transformation and growth after joining the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS). Tran Minh Duc, the company’s CEO, recalled: “Faced with urgent environmental protection requirements and fierce market competition, we realized that we had to change. The activities of VITAS pointed the way for us.”

GreenTex’s successful transformation includes the following aspects:

• By participating in sustainable development seminars organized by VITAS, GreenTex learned about the latest environmental protection technologies and certification requirements, and upgraded its production lines accordingly.
• During VITAS’ supply chain docking activities, GreenTex met several European environmentally friendly fabric suppliers and provided key support for product upgrades.
• At a purchasing meeting organized by VITAS in cooperation with international buyers, GreenTex won orders from multiple fashion brands with its environmentally friendly product line.

Tran emphasized: “The Chamber of Commerce not only provides information and resources, but more importantly, it gives us a new perspective, allowing us to see that sustainable development is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity.”

Case 3: Successful localization of multinational company GlobalFood

European food union GlobalFood had some difficult experiences entering the Vietnamese market. Sarah Johnson, the company’s general manager for Vietnam, said: “We initially underestimated the complexity of the Vietnamese market. It was not until we actively participated in the activities of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) that the situation began to improve.”

GlobalFood achieves successful localization through:

• At the consumer diet seminar organized by VFA, GlobalFood studied the dietary preferences of Vietnamese consumers and adjusted the product formula accordingly.
• Through VFA’s channels, GlobalFood reached out to distributors and employees all over the country and quickly established a nationwide sales network.
• Participate in VFA’s food safety training program to help GlobalFood better understand and adapt to Vietnam’s food safety regulations.

Johnson added: “The Chamber of Commerce event gave us an ‘insider’s’ perspective. Not only did it help us avoid many potential mistakes, it also greatly accelerated our localization process.”

However, businesses may also face some challenges when participating in chamber events. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Language Barrier: Challenge: Many local chamber events are primarily in Vietnamese. Solution: GlobalFood chose to schedule local Vietnamese-speaking staff to attend events and arrange for professional translators for key meetings.
• Cultural Differences: Challenges: Tech Vietnamese find it difficult to initiate interactions with strangers at events. Solution: The company arranged cultural training to teach Vietnamese social etiquette and common opening remarks to maximize the effectiveness of employee communication.
• Information Overload: Challenge: GreenTex’s initial sensors would provide too much information to digest. Solution: The company has designated a dedicated person to organize and analyze chamber of commerce information, and regularly collect key points from the warehouse.
• Time management: Challenge: Closed participation in activities takes up storage time. Solution: Each company has established an activity evaluation mechanism, rotates participation according to company goals, and schedules employee participation at different levels in turns.

Entrepreneur interview summary:

We spoke with several entrepreneurs who have successfully leveraged chamber resources, and here are some of their key tips:

• Nguyen Van Anh (TechViet): “Don’t passively participate in events, be proactive and look for opportunities to showcase your products or services at events. Have your ‘elevator pitch’ ready, you never know the next person you meet may be important Partner or investor.”
• Tran Minh Duc (GreenTex): “The Chamber of Commerce is an excellent channel to understand industry trends. I suggest that companies should not only pay attention to the associations in their own industry, but also participate in more chamber of commerce activities related to the upstream and downstream industry chains, which will help to gain more A comprehensive market perspective.”
• Sarah Johnson (GlobalFood): “For multinational companies, participating in local chambers of commerce is the most effective way to quickly understand the market and build a network. But remember, this is a joint process, don’t just think about ‘asking’, but also Think about how you can contribute value to the chamber of commerce and other members.”
• Le Thi Mai (Member of Vietnam E-Commerce Association): “Don’t pay attention to the value of online activities. Especially after the epidemic, many merchants will increase the content of online communication. Although these virtual activities lack the intimacy of fluctuating communication, they often It can attract more participants, especially some international participants that are rarely seen in normal times.”

These successful cases and experiences clearly demonstrate the key role of chamber activities in business development. Whether they are local enterprises, traditional manufacturing companies or multinational companies, they all start from active participation in chamber of commerce activities. At the same time, these cases also highlight the key role of chamber of commerce activities in corporate development. The importance of being prepared, continuing to engage, and thinking strategically. Companies should view participation in chamber activities as a long-term investment and maximize its value through continuous learning and adjustment. When faced with challenges, responding proactively and seeking appropriate solutions are also keys to success. By collecting these successful experiences, I believe more companies can achieve rapid growth and sustainable development in the Vietnamese market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To help companies better understand and participate in Vietnam Chamber of Commerce activities, we have collected and answered a series of frequently asked questions. These questions cover many aspects from basic concepts to practical operations, and are designed to address various concerns and difficulties that companies may encounter when considering and participating in chamber of commerce activities.

Q1 : As a foreign enterprise, can we join the Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam?

A1 : Yes, most Vietnamese chambers of commerce welcome foreign companies to join. Generally speaking, as long as your company has some entities legally registered in Vietnam, you can apply to become a member. Chambers of commerce, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam), specialize in businesses from specific countries or regions. In addition, comprehensive chambers of commerce such as the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) also welcome companies from all over the world to join. It is recommended that you first identify the chamber of commerce that best suits the nature of your business, and then contact them directly to learn about specific membership requirements.

Q2 : How much does it cost to join the Chamber of Commerce? Is it worth the investment?

A2 : Chamber of Commerce fees vary from organization to organization, usually based on business size and membership type. Annual fees can range from a few dollars to several thousand dollars. For example, VCCI membership fees are divided into different levels according to the size of the enterprise, and the annual fees for small and medium-sized enterprises are relatively low. As for whether it’s worth the investment, it depends on how you leverage the chamber’s resources. Many companies have found that the market information, policy insights and business opportunities obtained through the chamber of commerce clearly exceed the investment in membership fees. It is recommended that you first evaluate your own needs and participate in some open events as a guest before deciding whether to officially join.

Q3 : Are all chamber of commerce activities conducted in Vietnamese? If I don’t understand Vietnamese, can I still participate effectively?

A3 : Language usage varies depending on the chamber and nature of the event. The main activities of some international chambers of commerce (such as the American Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce) are in English. Large comprehensive chambers of commerce such as VCCI usually provide English translation for important events. However, many local chambers of commerce do have events primarily in Vietnamese. If you don’t speak Vietnamese, consider:

• Send employees who can speak Vietnamese to participate
• Please request translation (some chambers of commerce can assist with arrangements)
• Attend events dedicated to international businesses
• Take advantage of the Chamber’s English-language materials and services

Despite the many language barriers, businesses still find it valuable to participate in these events as they provide valuable networking opportunities and market insights.

Q4 : My company has just entered the Vietnamese market. Which chamber of commerce activities should I participate in first?

A4 : For companies that have just entered the Vietnamese market, it is recommended to give priority to the following types of activities:

• New Member Welcome: A comprehensive introduction to the resources to focus on for this type of event
• Market Overview Seminar: Help you quickly understand the Vietnamese market situation
• Policy Interpretation Session: Learn about key regulatory and policy changes
• Industry exchange cocktail party: a third-party occasion, suitable for establishing preliminary business networks
• One-on-one business stage events: meet potential partners or clients directly

Additionally, consider attending events organized by the Vietnam Investment Planning Department or professional associations in your industry, which can often provide stronger information.

Q5 : How to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of participating in chamber of commerce activities?

A5 : To evaluate the return on investment of chamber of commerce activities, you can start from the following aspects:

• Quantitative indicators: number of new stock markets, number of potential business opportunities, number of media exposures, etc.
• Qualitative indicators: quality of key information obtained, important relationships established, etc.
• Long-term tracking: record participation in each event and track its impact in subsequent business development
• Cost-benefit analysis: comparing the costs of participation (including time and money) with the benefits gained
• Team Feedback: Collect feedback from employees on their participation to understand their perception of the value of the event

It is recommended to create a simple evaluation form, fill it out promptly after each event, and review it regularly to optimize your participation strategy.

Q6 : After the epidemic, what changes have occurred in the activities of the Chamber of Commerce? Is participation equally effective online?

A6 : After the epidemic, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce activities have shown the following changes: online and hybrid activities have increased, providing more flexible ways to participate ; some event themes have focused more on economic recovery and opportunities after the epidemic , and health and safety measures have become standard configuration for offline activities .

Although online participation reduces the directness of fluctuating communication, it also brings some advantages: easier access to international experts and senior figures ; reduced participation costs, allowing more frequent participation in different activities ; opportunities to look back and review, first of all Digest content .

Overall, online engagement can be very effective, the key is to be actively interactive (e.g. using the chat function to ask questions) and proactively follow interested contacts after the event.

Q7 : We are small and medium-sized enterprises. We are worried about being ignored by large companies in chamber of commerce activities. How can we improve the effectiveness of participation?

A7 : As a small and medium-sized enterprise, you can adopt the following strategies to improve the effectiveness of participation: research relevant corporate backgrounds and prepare airy communication topics ; highlight your own unique advantages and do not try to compete directly with large companies . Don’t lie dormant, take the initiative to communicate with other attendees , and prioritize communication with your target customers or potential partners . Consider what unique value you can offer to other conference attendees ; many merchants have events specifically targeted at SMEs, these may be more suitable for you , and make good use of social media and the chamber’s online platform to expand your impact .

Remember, big businesses are looking for innovative partners, and your flexibility and expertise may be just what they need.

Q8 : What business etiquette should be paid special attention to when participating in chamber of commerce activities?

A8 : At Vietnam Chamber of Commerce events, the following business etiquette tips:

• Attire: Business formal attire is appropriate. For important occasions, men’s suits and ties are recommended.
• Business cards: Prepare enough business cards and hand them over when exchanging
• Salutation: Use job title or “Mr./Ms. + last name” to address others, unless the other person expresses their right to call them by their first name.
• Handshake: Shake hands with people of the same gender. When shaking hands with people of the opposite gender, you should wait for the other person to reach out.
• Gift giving: Small gifts are appropriate for certain occasions, but avoid expensive gifts being mistaken for bribes
• Alcohol: Some events will provide alcoholic beverages. Standing is supported, so be careful not to lose your temper.
• Punctuality: Vietnamese business culture values ​​punctuality, please arrive early
• Respect: Show appropriate respect to seniors and those in higher positions

Q9 : How to effectively introduce yourself at chamber of commerce events?

A9 : Effective self-introduction and look-alike strategies include: Prepare a concise “elevator speech” that explains your company’s positioning and unique value in 30 seconds . Adjust the introduction content according to the other party’s background and highlight the most relevant information to the other party . Use specific examples or data to support your claims and add credibility . Prepare some open-ended questions to guide the conversation and understand the other person’s needs . Introduce some local elements of Helsinki to show your understanding and attention to the Vietnamese market . Prepare concise promotional materials, such as a one-page product introduction . Discussion is the key, allowing the other party to express themselves fully and then accurately promote yourself .

Q10 : How to effectively follow up after participating in a chamber of commerce event?

A10 : Effective follow-up strategies include: sending follow-up emails within 24-48 hours after the event , mentioning specific communication content in the email, and reflecting personalization . Make clear recommendations for next steps, such as another meeting or phone call . Connect on social media, such as LinkedIn, and stay engaged . Share valuable industry information or company updates regularly ; set reminders to ensure you stay in touch ; and if you promise to provide additional information or materials, ensure it is sent in a timely manner . Consider inviting new contacts to your company events or tours of your facilities.

Summary

In Vietnam, a market full of dynamism and opportunities, chamber of commerce activities are undoubtedly a key catalyst for business success. Through the research and discussion of this article, we can see that actively participating in chamber of commerce activities is not only a choice, but also a necessary strategy to consume in this fiercely competitive market.

The importance of the Chamber of Commerce activities lies in the level. First, they are the best for companies to quickly integrate into the local business ecosystem. In a relationship-oriented business environment like Vietnam, the personal network established through chambers of commerce can often open up interests for enterprises. Secondly, chamber of commerce activities are an important channel to obtain the latest and most accurate market information. In Vietnam, where the policy environment and market trends are changing rapidly, this kind of timely and reliable information is crucial for enterprises to formulate the right strategies.

In addition, chamber of commerce activities provide enterprises with an ideal platform to establish themselves and their brand image. Whether you are an enterprise or a company that has been rooted in Vietnam for many years, you can enhance your market competitiveness and influence through these activities. For foreign companies that have just entered the Vietnamese market, chamber of commerce activities are a valuable learning opportunity to better understand local business culture and avoid potential pitfalls.

We have seen that all successful companies are active users of chamber of commerce resources. By participating in chamber of commerce activities, they not only gained key business partners and customers, but also exerted a positive influence in policy formulation and industry standard formulation, thus laying a solid foundation for their long-term development in Vietnam. This fully proves that investing in chamber of commerce activities is not only a wise choice, but also the only way to succeed in the Vietnamese market.

However, we also recognize that simply attending chamber events is not enough. How to strategically choose appropriate activities, how to effectively present yourself at the event, and how to skillfully carry out follow-up, these all require proposed planning and execution. This is why we strongly recommend that companies regard participating in chamber of commerce activities as a systematic project. Invest the necessary resources and continue to optimize your participation strategy.