Power Bridge : In a strategic push to deepen bilateral economic ties, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is stepping up its efforts to foster trade and investment opportunities between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As the global economic landscape shifts toward diversification and emerging markets, this collaboration signals a promising chapter in Vietnam-UAE relations, built on innovation, trust, and mutual growth.
Power Bridge : A Landmark Forum to Launch New Partnerships
A significant manifestation of this vision was recently observed at the “Vietnam–UAE Business Bridge: Unlocking Opportunities with Ajman Free Zone” forum, hosted in Ho Chi Minh City. The high-profile event was co-organized by Ajman Free Zone and InnoLab Asia, drawing more than 300 business leaders, investors, and government representatives from both nations. This gathering served not only as a networking hub but also as a platform to highlight the tangible business prospects the UAE presents for Vietnamese enterprises across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, food and beverage, and renewable energy.
Ajman Free Zone: A Gateway to the MENA Region
AFZ’s participation in the forum was strategic and symbolic. It underscored Ajman’s commitment to acting as a facilitator of international trade while promoting economic diversification in line with the UAE’s forward-looking vision. With a business-friendly environment offering 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and zero personal and corporate income taxes, the Free Zone has long been a magnet for global businesses. Now, it seeks to extend these advantages to Vietnamese entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond Asia.
Ajman Free Zone representatives detailed how the zone provides streamlined services designed to ease the process of company formation, market entry, and cross-border expansion. From offering pre-licensed facilities and warehousing options to accounting, legal structuring, and trade licensing services, AFZ aims to remove the barriers that traditionally hinder international growth.
Vietnam and UAE: A Flourishing Trade Relationship
Trade between Vietnam and the UAE has witnessed consistent growth over the past decade. The UAE is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching over $5 billion annually. With the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in late 2024, the economic relationship between the two nations is set to deepen further. Under the CEPA, both sides have committed to eliminating tariffs on 92% of goods and services, encouraging smoother and more profitable trade flows. The agreement also places a strong emphasis on digital transformation, logistics, energy transition, and agriculture — all key areas where Vietnamese innovation and UAE investment intersect.
Empowering Vietnamese SMEs on a Global Stage
Vietnam’s dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those in sectors like fintech, agritech, and clean energy, stand to benefit immensely from UAE market access. Ajman Free Zone’s efforts to facilitate this access not only help Vietnamese companies set up operations but also provide a critical soft-landing zone to understand regional consumer behavior, regulatory environments, and partnership opportunities.
The strategic role of AFZ becomes even more important when viewed in the broader context of the UAE’s economic diversification goals. As part of its “We the UAE 2031” vision, the nation is focused on fostering global partnerships and becoming a preferred destination for international investors. Vietnam, with its fast-growing economy and open trade policies, aligns perfectly with this vision.
Leadership Speaks: Bridging Markets with Vision
Dr. Thamer Al Rumaithi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, emphasized this point during the forum, stating, “Vietnam is an emerging powerhouse in Asia. With its focus on digital innovation, sustainability, and international trade, it complements the UAE’s strategic economic direction. Ajman Free Zone is proud to play a central role in connecting the two markets and enabling long-term partnerships that drive regional prosperity.”
Entrepreneurs Welcome New Opportunities
The Vietnamese business community has responded enthusiastically. Entrepreneurs attending the forum lauded AFZ’s personalized approach to business setup, transparency in regulations, and its genuine interest in co-creating solutions. Many described it as a “launchpad for global dreams,” particularly for SMEs that often lack the infrastructure to expand internationally on their own.
One such entrepreneur, Nguyen Van Quyen, founder of a fast-growing agritech startup in Hanoi, shared his excitement about the opportunities in the UAE. “Ajman Free Zone not only provides the infrastructure but also the vision. We were impressed by how quickly we could get operational and the strategic location it offers to access Gulf and African markets. For us, it’s not just about expansion — it’s about scaling smartly,” he said.
Dynamic Engagement Through Panels and B2B Sessions
The forum also included targeted B2B meetings, panel discussions on supply chain innovation, fintech collaboration, and green entrepreneurship. Business leaders explored collaborative investment models and discussed how Vietnamese products can gain better visibility in the Gulf retail and distribution networks. The emphasis was not just on export-import relationships, but on building enduring business alliances that are adaptive, future-ready, and tech-empowered.
Ajman Free Zone’s Infrastructure for Global Business
In terms of infrastructure, AFZ is enhancing its capabilities to support this international influx. It offers flexible office spaces, warehouses, coworking hubs, and smart logistics facilities to accommodate a wide variety of industries. Moreover, with the integration of digital platforms for company registration, visa processing, and banking facilitation, the Free Zone is pushing the boundaries of convenience for foreign investors.
The Road Ahead: Deeper Engagement and Shared Growth
Looking ahead, Ajman Free Zone plans to host reciprocal business missions to Vietnam, enabling UAE businesses to explore the Vietnamese market firsthand. These cross-visits are expected to lead to more joint ventures, manufacturing partnerships, and technology transfers — areas where synergy between the two countries can create a high impact.
Conclusion: A Future-Focused Economic Corridor
In conclusion, Ajman Free Zone’s drive to strengthen Vietnam-UAE economic ties marks a significant step toward building a sustainable and diversified trade future. It’s not just about creating opportunities; it’s about fostering a shared economic vision rooted in resilience, innovation, and global connectivity. As Vietnamese companies look westward for growth, and the UAE looks eastward for partnerships, Ajman Free Zone stands proudly at the crossroads — a true power bridge between two rising economic giants.
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