Within the framework of the 21st International Exhibition and Conference on Precision Engineering and Manufacturing (MTA 2025), held from July 2–5 in Ho Chi Minh City, Informa Markets Vietnam, in collaboration with the Vietnam Industrial Zone Portal (VIZ) and related organizations, organized the Sustainable Smart Manufacturing Forum.
With the theme “Transforming Sustainable Smart Manufacturing in the New Era,” the event aims to connect domestic manufacturers, industrial parks, and Vietnamese investors with international partners, while rapidly updating the latest advancements in global advanced manufacturing.
Policy Orientation for Smart Transformation and Sustainable Development
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Võ Văn Thân, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Industrial Park Enterprises Association, emphasized that Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, along with Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development, serve as key orientations driving Vietnam’s economy in the new era.
According to Mr. Thân, the Association has identified its mission to promote and encourage enterprises to invest in and transition toward smart manufacturing models and sustainable smart industrial parks.
“The Sustainable Smart Manufacturing Forum is considered a platform for information exchange, discussion, and experience sharing among domestic and international enterprises, contributing to the successful realization of the goals set by the Party and the Government,” he stated.
He also expressed expectations that through the forum, organizations and businesses will gain a more comprehensive understanding of global trends, seize opportunities, leverage existing potential, expand cooperation, and build a strong, sustainable business community that contributes to national economic development.

Mr. Vo Van Than, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Industrial Park Enterprises Association, delivered remarks at the forum.
Smart Manufacturing – The Only Path to Enhancing Competitiveness
From an academic perspective, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, emphasized that the forum not only keeps pace with global development trends but also aligns with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.
According to him, the theme of smart manufacturing is both timely and strategic, accurately reflecting the urgent requirements of modern industry—especially as Vietnam accelerates international integration, deepens its participation in global value chains, and faces new demands related to net-zero emissions, resource efficiency, and green transformation.“The transition from traditional manufacturing to smart manufacturing, closely linked with sustainable technology and governance, is not merely an option but the only path to enhancing national competitiveness and ensuring long-term, balanced, and inclusive development,” he stressed.
Reshaping Global Manufacturing in the Green and Digital Era
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Khanh, Executive Director of the Sustainable Smart Manufacturing Forum and CEO of the Vietnam Industrial Park Information Portal, highlighted the special significance of the event as global manufacturing enters a new era—where green technologies and digital transformation are jointly reshaping production, business, and development models worldwide.
At the forum, experts and speakers focused on discussing and analyzing key topics, including:
- Opportunities, challenges, and solutions for sustainable smart manufacturing transformation
- Appropriate strategies for Vietnam
- Transformation of industrial parks toward next-generation integrated and sustainable smart models
- The role of non-tariff zones and logistics as strategic gateways for Vietnam’s manufacturing in the new era
- Financial solutions and capital markets for supporting sustainable smart manufacturing transformation
Overall, the discussions and presentations at the forum clearly demonstrated that smart manufacturing is no longer a choice, but an inevitable trend in enhancing competitiveness and achieving sustainable development in Vietnam.

Delegate delivering remarks at the forum