According to a plan approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 – The Convergence of New Global Growth Engines (AEF 2026), is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 29.

Under the theme “Collaboration in a New Era,” AEF 2026 is envisioned as a platform for policy dialogue, resource connectivity and the promotion of new cooperation models amid an increasingly complex global economy shaped by geopolitics, technology, digital transformation and the green transition.

Focusing on emerging growth engines

The forum’s agenda is built around four pillars: the role of megacities; breakthrough technologies and innovation ecosystems; new models of cooperation in a new era; and the pioneering role of the private sector in driving growth and innovation.

The forum’s main sessions will be held on October 27 and 28 at Thiskyhall Convention Centre. On October 27, the programme will focus on thematic discussions, technology and innovation showcases, investment networking and external relations activities.

October 28 will be the forum’s main day, featuring a high-level plenary session titled “The Convergence of New Global Growth Engines” and a dialogue with the Prime Minister of Vietnam under the theme Positioning Vietnam in the Global Future.

The sessions are expected to examine Vietnam’s position amid emerging global economic trends and explore ways to strengthen connections among growth centers, businesses and international resources.

Later that day, in-depth sessions and a dialogue among ministerial-level leaders from different countries will cover new growth drivers, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, the green transition and international cooperation initiatives.

WEF expected to co-brand AEF 2026

A notable feature of AEF 2026 is the expected involvement of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in co-branding the event, helping shape its content and coordinating its organisation.

Under the plan, WEF is expected to mobilise its global network of experts, partners and businesses to participate in the forum, while working with organisers on sessions examining Vietnam and ASEAN’s position in global value chains, the application of artificial intelligence and workforce preparation for the future of manufacturing.

The participation of this international network will help strengthen links between the forum and global businesses, investors and experts, broadening the space for dialogue on issues directly affecting Vietnam’s competitiveness and growth prospects.

Alongside the main policy discussions, AEF 2026 will feature the CEO 500 – TEA CONNECT programme under the theme “New Perspectives on FDI – Technology – Global Financial Flows,” as well as bilateral workshops, technology cooperation and demonstration spaces, the C4IR program, investment networking activities and field visits.

These activities aim to connect policy dialogue with the practical needs of businesses, investors and innovation ecosystems.

Through the forum, the city aims to strengthen connections with global growth centers, sources of capital, technology and international business networks, while creating additional space for Vietnam to share its development priorities and explore cooperation models suited to a rapidly changing global economic landscape.

Hanoi Economic Forum 2026 to focus on AI

The 2026 Hanoi Economic Forum, themed 'AI and e-commerce: Enabling Double-digit Growth for Hanoi's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises', will be held on July 31 by the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology and the Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association (HANOISME).