Pawalit Ua-Amornwanit, CEO of C.P. Vietnam

As the 10,000^th tonnes of processed chicken destined for Japan left the gates of the CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex, the surrounding area had already transformed. New residential clusters had emerged, and more companies were setting up operations nearby.

Few could have imagined that this land, once quiet and lined with rubber plantations, would change so dramatically in just a few years.

When asked whether the presence of the $250 million CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex had contributed to that transformation, Pawalit Ua- Amornwanit, CEO of C.P. Vietnam, smiled and replied in Vietnamese, “We would not dare to say we are the only one making a major contribution to the local economy. Still, I believe it is fair to say that we were among the pioneers in this area.”

The three inseparable “Fs” in the Feed – Farm – Food model

What makes you consider CPV Food Binh Phuoc a pioneer?

The CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex began construction at the end of 2018. At that time, the area was mostly still an underdeveloped production ecosystem.

Together with other major enterprises, when a market leader like C.P. Vietnam decided to invest here, it gave confidence to other companies to follow and set up their own factories and businesses. That, in turn, created new jobs for local workers.

CPV Food Binh Phuoc has also just reached a new milestone, exporting 10,000 tonnes of processed chicken to Japan in less than three years since receiving its export licence. I would say that this, too, with support from the government, is another example of pioneering spirit.

Before 2022, Vietnam and Japan had not yet established an official cooperation framework for the export of processed poultry.

To enable CPV Food Binh Phuoc to export to the Japanese market, we owe sincere appreciation to the efforts that promoted trade cooperation between the governments of Vietnam and Japan. This was an important breakthrough that opened the way forward.

Following that, the determination and effort of CPV Food Binh Phuoc were the decisive factors in gaining access to the market.

Japan is known for its exceptionally strict quality standards. Therefore, the acceptance of our processed poultry products produced under the Feed – Farm – Food model is a remarkable achievement.

CPV Food Binh Phuoc is the first integrated facility in Vietnam to accomplish this milestone.

The CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex is one of the most advanced poultry production facilities in Southeast Asia

The Feed – Farm – Food model that you mentioned, which brings food from farm to table, is not new and has been adopted by many enterprises. What makes CPV Food Binh Phuoc’s model distinctive?

At CPV Food Binh Phuoc, we operate a fully integrated management system that covers every stage from feed production and farming to food processing.

The process begins with strict quality control of raw materials used for feed production.

Each batch of feed is tested for residues, pathogens, and nutritional content before being distributed to farms. This ensures that the animals receive safe and high-quality nutrition from the very beginning of the production cycle.

Next comes the farm management system, which uses enclosed housing to minimise the risk of disease and contamination. Inside the barns, temperature, humidity, and ventilation are closely monitored, and farm staff follow rigorous hygiene protocols.

Each bird is health-checked, vaccinated, and recorded in a digital traceability system that connects to a central database for real-time monitoring and control.

Finally, in the slaughtering and processing stages, the CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex uses a combined water and air chilling system together with an automated cutting system to maintain precise temperature control and reduce the risk of contamination.

In summary, every step from farm to table is carefully monitored. The digital traceability system meets inspection requirements from both Vietnamese authorities and international customers, supporting transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.

Thanks to this comprehensive system, the CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex has been certified with international standards such as HACCP, BRC, ISO 22000, and Halal, and has earned recognition from major trading partners in Japan, Singapore and, Hong Kong.

Leading global brands and local retail networks also place their trust in the company’s food safety management system.

The vision ahead for the complex

What lessons has CPV Food Binh Phuoc learned from exporting 10,000 tons of processed poultry to a demanding market like Japan?

Exporting to Japan has given us valuable experience in complying with food safety systems, traceability requirements, and international standards.

To meet these expectations, we continue to invest in operational processes, upgrade factory technology, and train our workforce.

Our production system is firm in quality and also flexible enough to meet the specific requirements of each market.

For example, within the complex, the hanging of chickens can be performed by machine. However, due to animal welfare requirements in the European Union, this stage must be done manually. Each bird is gently handled by a person before moving to the next steps, and CPV Food Binh Phuoc is fully capable of meeting this requirement.

We can say that successfully entering the Japanese market proves that “Made in Vietnam” processed poultry products have reached international standards. This is the foundation for us to expand into other high-potential markets.

The company has already obtained an export licence for Singapore, and our next goal is to bring our products to the European market, including the United Kingdom.

CPV Food Binh Phuoc’s impressive export milestone to Japan lays the foundation for expansion into other markets

So, is it fair to say that CPV Food Binh Phuoc’s ambition is to become a production complex that supplies food to the global market?

That is correct. With a total investment of $250 million, the CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex has a clear strategy to make Vietnamese processed chicken competitive and successful on a global scale.

In addition to the Feed – Farm – Food model I mentioned earlier, sustainability and environmental responsibility are essential for entering developed markets.

Therefore, the complex invests in recycling by-products such as meat trimmings, feathers, and bones into raw materials for animal feed production. Its wastewater treatment system meets high environmental standards, allowing water to be safely reused in production.

Through the application of circular economy principles and green technologies, CPV Food Binh Phuoc aims to reuse up to 80 per cent of raw materials in pursuit of a zero-waste model.

The complex also applies automation across its fully integrated production process and operates in accordance with globally recognised certifications.

C.P. Group’s motto is to become the “Kitchen of the World”. With early investment and careful preparation, CPV Food Binh Phuoc is steadily turning that vision into reality.

C.P. Vietnam joins Foodbank Vietnam on Food for Change campaign C.P. Vietnam is continuing its partnership with Foodbank Vietnam by participating in the “Food for Change 2025” campaign and announcing a food waste recycling initiative – Green Hero.

Food Hero Scholarship launched to promote sustainable food development The Vietnam Foodbank Network and C.P. Vietnam are joining forces to empower young people to drive a more sustainable, waste-free food future in Vietnam.

C.P. Vietnam launches campaign to support flood-hit communities C.P. Vietnam Corporation has kicked off a nationwide flood assistance initiative to help communities rebuild their lives and restore livelihoods after recent natural disasters.

From November 12–14 in Washington, D.C., Vietnam and the US held technical-level negotiations on the Fair and Balanced Reciprocal Trade Agreement, led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese delegation, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The sessions focused on advancing discussions and exploring solutions to strengthen the bilateral trade framework.

The negotiations formally began on November 12 with a working session between Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, deputy head of the Vietnamese delegation, and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer at the Office of the US Trade Representative, marking the official launch of the technical talks.

Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. Photo: MoIT

The working session was held in an open and constructive atmosphere, focusing on bilateral economic and trade relations and following up on outcomes from the eighth ministerial-level negotiations on November 10 between Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan discussed key issues from the ministerial talks and agreed on specific topics for the technical negotiating teams to address, ensuring progress towards the most effective results.

Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer acknowledged the positive progress Vietnam has made in trade policy, institutional reforms, and international integration commitments, as well as the results of recent negotiating rounds, while affirming that close cooperation between the two sides will facilitate the negotiation process.

The two sides agreed to continue close coordination and enhance exchanges among the technical groups to advance negotiations on the Fair and Balanced Reciprocal Trade Agreement, in line with the guidance of senior leaders and ministers of both countries, with a view to soon completing a new bilateral trade cooperation framework that contributes to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US.

Immediately following the working session, the negotiating delegations of both countries promptly began work in their respective groups to negotiate the agreed-upon agenda items.

Later that afternoon, Minister Dien held a working session with Rock Bordelon, chairman, along with leaders Charles Paddock and Rodrigo Garza Perez of Gulf of America Energy Sourcing LLC (GAES), a US energy corporation headquartered in Louisiana.

Minister Dien and leaders of the GAES energy group. Photo: MoIT

Minister Dien also held a meeting with Joseph Damond, global chair of International Trade Policy and Science at Crowell Global Advisors. Damond previously served as Deputy US Trade Representative (1989-2001) and head of the Negotiating Delegation for the Vietnam – US Bilateral Trade Agreement (1995-2000).

The minister acknowledged and greatly appreciated GAES’s proposals, affirming that Vietnam encourages participation in the development of liquefied natural gas infrastructure and energy markets in Vietnam.

Vietnam and US advance trade partnership in Washington talks Vietnam and the United States held their eighth ministerial talks in Washington, D.C., aiming to strengthen a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

US and Vietnam agree on framework to boost trade and market access The United States and Vietnam have agreed on a framework for a new trade deal designed to boost bilateral commerce and market access.

Vietnam Future Economy Summit to outline strategies for sustainable growth A conference is on the horizon to explore strategies for Vietnam to sustain high growth and achieve sustainable development amid global uncertainties.

Key highlights over its decade-long development journey include growing its fund size from $17.6 million at inception to $80 million by 2022; average gross return reaching 10.73 per cent; and paying out $45 million in annual cash dividends to investors, maintaining an average dividend yield of 9.5 per cent per year.

The PVI AM team

This is a distinctive advantage for insurance companies, offering attractive financial returns and steady annual cash flow that helps meet claim obligations and strengthens the risk buffer of insurers.

The fund has invested in over 30 strategic transactions, channelling long-term capital from insurance institutions to businesses in need of growth funding, propelling the country’s economic development.

Nguyen Tuan Tu, CEO of PVI Holdings and a representative of POF’s investors, noted that the results affirm PVI AM’s professional investment management capabilities, disciplined risk governance, and adaptive resilience across market cycles. They also demonstrate the effective coordination and trust of investors.

“The success of POF underscores the pivotal role of insurance institutions in providing long-term capital to support enterprise growth, contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable economic development and creating positive value for the community,” he said.

There are multiple factors instrumental to POF’s success. According to POF’s leadership, these factors include investment discipline across market cycles and strict risk management, minimising adverse market impacts, and a professional and ethical investment team with deep expertise in credit assessment, asset valuation, and legal analysis, experienced in identifying and mitigating risks.

This is also a value-based investment philosophy, focusing on business fundamentals and flexible asset allocation strategies tailored to each cycle, optimising returns while preserving capital.

The achievements to date have reinforced PVI AM’s position as a leading asset management company in the fixed-income segment, efficiently meeting the rigorous standards required by institutional insurance investors.

In 2026, PVI AM will build on this advantage by launching a member fund focused on the private debt capital market serving financial and insurance institutions, as well as introducing a public open-ended bond fund for retail investors, aiming to become the top-tier choice in Vietnam’s fixed-income investment market.

Duong Thanh Danh Francois, vice chairman of PVI AM’s board of directors and a representative of strategic shareholder HDI Global, stated, “We believe that with its professional team and technical support from HDI Global and Ampega, PVI AM has established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading asset management companies, meeting international standards in governance, operations, and investment product development.

HDI and Ampega are committed to continuing our partnership with PVI AM, not only through capital but also through knowledge transfer, technology, and international best practices, to together write the next chapters in PVI AM’s journey and Vietnam’s financial market development.”

Established in October 2015 with the mission of channelling capital for the economy, POF, entirely funded by institutional investors in the insurance and financial sectors, has served as an effective capital bridge for Vietnamese enterprises while delivering sustainable benefits to investors.

The fund focuses on fixed-income assets (including bank bonds, guaranteed corporate bonds, valuable papers, and defensive equities), ensuring capital safety, stable cash flows, and long-term returns.

HDI Global SE, a member of Talanx Group (Germany), operates in over 175 countries and ranks among the top three insurers in Germany. HDI is the strategic shareholder in PVI Holdings.

Ampega, also part of Talanx Group, is an asset management company with assets under management of over €180 billion ($209.2 billion) as of 2025.

PVI AM and SonKim Capital partner to develop luxury real estate investment On March 19, PVI Asset Management Joint Stock Company (PVI AM) and SonKim Capital (SK Capital), a business unit of SonKim Group, officially announced a strategic partnership to develop a range of real estate investment products exclusively for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

PVI Opportunity Fund becomes OPC’s large shareholder PVI Opportunity Fund has become a major shareholder of OPC Pharmaceutical JSC (HSX: OPC) after purchasing 6.6 million shares.

Vietnam’s insurance sector reaches turning point for global integration PVI Insurance, a top non-life insurer in Vietnam, is at the forefront of adopting international reporting standards, solidifying its position in Vietnam’s insurance market.

International guests enjoy tea at the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2024. Photo: Le Toan

The forum is the largest international event of the year organised by Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee under the direct guidance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

With the theme “Green Transition in the Digital Age”, the forum is expected to gather over 1,500 domestic and international delegates, with a series of flagship activities.

The forum has received strong support from the World Economic Forum (WEF), along with the participation of globally renowned organisations and institutions such as UNESCO, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Telecommunication Union, and the global network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres (C4IR).

This year’s forum will bring together major corporations in technology, logistics, energy, finance, and smart cities, as well as leading academic and research institutions from Vietnam and around the world.

Among them are Foxconn Industrial Internet, Schneider Electric, Siemens, MassRobotics, Qualcomm, Ant Group, Sunwah Group, Huawei, the University of Hong Kong, Seoul National University, the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, RMIT University Vietnam, CMC, Nam A Bank, Thaco Group, and Viettel.

The series of major events begins on the morning of November 25 with an inspirational youth talk show, “Intelligent Generation NOW”.

Stephan Mergenthaler, managing director of the WEF, will share insights and inspire young people, the startup community, and young entrepreneurs with a global vision for advancing the green–digital transition and smart economic development.

On the afternoon of November 25, the CEO500 – TEA CONNECT programme will take place under the theme “Ho Chi Minh City: Towards a Global Mega-City in the Digital Age”.

This high-level dialogue between the government, the city, and more than 500 business leaders will focus on public-private partnership models, green investment strategies, technological renewal, and modern urban governance. The event is also an occasion for the City to introduce its development strategy for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2045, and present key projects calling for investment.

Notably, CEO500 – TEA CONNECT will witness the announcement of a series of strategic cooperation programmes between regulatory agencies, innovation centres, and leading domestic and international corporations, covering key sectors such as semiconductors, AI, space technology, logistics and seaports, international finance, and mobilising overseas Vietnamese resources for science and technology.

On the morning of November 26, the forum’s plenary session will open, featuring welcome remarks from the PM, Ho Chi Minh City’s leaders, and an online message from Børge Brende, president and CEO of the WEF.

During this session, delegates will also hear messages from leaders of international organisations and governments of Vietnam’s strategic partner countries on trends in green-digital economic development, smart economic models, sustainable supply chains, and urban governance.

Three parallel panel discussions will then dive deeper into core issues related to Vietnam’s and the region’s dual transition towards a smart economy.

High-level delegates will join a luncheon with government leaders. This will serve as a platform for intensive discussions among the government, the city, the WEF, foreign leaders, global organisations, and international businesses on cooperation strategies, technology transfer, and innovation for sustainable development.

In the afternoon, the forum will continue with a series of key policy dialogues, including a high-level policy dialogue between the PM and WEF leaders. The session will outline strategic cooperation directions in green economics, high-tech industries, AI, and innovation.

The city and WEF will also jointly announce a joint declaration on an initiative to promote smart manufacturing and responsible industrial transformation in Vietnam, a major milestone connecting Vietnam to WEF’s global innovation network, and the first Vietnam-WEF global initiative on smart manufacturing for developing countries.

Throughout the event, numerous side activities will be held, including conferences, thematic seminars, investment promotion programmes, and business networking sessions organised by global C4IR centres, ministries, localities, and international corporations, helping spread the spirit of public–private cooperation and sustainable innovation.

During the forum, the 3^rd Ho Chi Minh City Green Growth Products and Services Exhibition (GRECO 2025) will open at Nguyen Hue street. The exhibition will underscore the city’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, encouraging innovation, and promoting green technology transfer to businesses and the public.

On the evening of November 25, government leaders will host a state banquet welcoming international delegations, global organisations, and strategic partners, reflecting Vietnam’s openness, cooperative spirit, and deep international integration. Prior to the banquet, high-level delegates will participate in city experiences such as a flower-offering ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Statue and a visit to the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Symbol for commemorative photos.

Ho Chi Minh City sets bold vision as mega metropolis A conference between city leaders and the foreign-invested business community opened in Ho Chi Minh City on October 30.

First UK-Vietnam Business Summit held in Ho Chi Minh City Renewable energy, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and a roadmap for developing an International Financial Center were key pillars of discussion from more than 200 high-level leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior managers from leading British and Vietnamese companies at the first UK-Vietnam Business Summit held on November 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Organised by Enterprise Asia, one of the region’s leading non-governmental organisations on business innovation and leadership, APEA is a prestigious awards programme recognising pioneering enterprises and industry leaders across Asia.

Le Thanh Nam (right), CFO of AIA Vietnam, representing the company at the awards ceremony

Under this year’s theme “Showcasing Future-Ready Enterprises”, the awards highlight companie that demonstrate strong adaptability amid rapid technological transformation and economic volatility while maintaining a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and societal impact.

The year 2025 marks the 25^th anniversary of AIA’s presence in Vietnam. Throughout its 25-year journey, AIA Vietnam has continuously innovated to deliver comprehensive financial protection solutions and dedicated service to more than 1.6 million customers nationwide through a network of nearly 200 offices.

In the first nine months of 2025 alone, AIA Vietnam paid nearly $61.5 million in insurance benefits to more than 160,000 customers, bringing its total payout since its establishment to almost $615.3 million.

As of June 30, AIA Vietnam had recorded a solvency margin of 191 per cent and total assets exceeding $2.75 billion, affirming its strong financial foundation and long-term commitment to customer protection.

Le Thanh Nam, CFO of AIA Vietnam, said, “The Corporate Excellence Award 2025 is a meaningful recognition of AIA Vietnam’s relentless efforts over the past 25 years of accompanying the Vietnamese people. It is not only a source of pride but also a motivation for us to continue innovating, pioneering in technology adoption, and delivering top-notch insurance products and services – helping more Vietnamese live healthier, longer, better lives.”

AIA Vietnam shines in the Corporate Excellence category at APEA 2025

AIA Vietnam is among the pioneers in technology transformation across its operations via the AIA+ digital platform, which enables easy policy management and fast claims submissions, to AIA Digital Health Services, which connects customers with nearly 500 healthcare partners nationwide and provides seamless cashless hospitalisation experiences.

The company is also among the first insurers to apply AI to claims assessment, enhancing both accuracy and processing speed.

Today, all AIA Vietnam’s customers can submit claims digitally via the iClaim feature on AIA+.

Alongside technology, people remain at the heart of AIA Vietnam’s strategy. Through its “Premier Agency 3.0” model, the company is investing in a professional, full-time, and well-trained agency force.

AIA Group has also led the world in MDRT membership number for 11 consecutive years (2015-2025), a testament to the quality and capability of its advisor network.

Beyond financial protection, AIA Vietnam actively promotes healthier living and overall well-being through initiatives such as AIA Vitality – a programme that encourages positive lifestyle changes – and the Song Hanh Y Te Personal Medical Case Management Service, delivered in partnership with Teladoc Health, which provides independent diagnostic review, specialist treatment recommendations, and continuous care coordination for customers diagnosed with critical illnesses.

With a strong financial foundation, comprehensive digital strategy, professional distribution model, and long-standing commitment to community wellbeing, AIA Vietnam continues to advance its vision of becoming a lifetime partner for customers.

AIA Vietnam partners with KPMG to elevate customer experience While the insurance industry is taking to digitalisation a little late, companies are now ramping up investment in innovation and digital solutions. One of the players in this game is AIA Vietnam, which has invested heavily in world-class technology focusing on customer experience (CX). Wanda Britton, chief customer officer for AIA Vietnam and Nguyen Tuan Hong Phuc, partner at KPMG Consulting share some insights with VIR about the digitalisation trend as well as the CX transformation journey that AIA Vietnam started in 2020.

AIA Vietnam leaves imprint at Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2021 As an exceptional business that is leading the digital transformation journey in Asia, AIA Vietnam has just been honoured with two awards at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2021.

AIA Vietnam CEO joins Tiki’s Board of Directors Tiki Global Pte. Ltd. has just appointed Wayne Besant – CEO of AIA Vietnam Life Insurance Co., Ltd. – to its Board of Directors, after the fifth successful funding round (Series E) led by shareholder AIA Co., Ltd.