On December 6, 2024, over 100 Vietnamese businesses and industry experts gathered in Ho Chi Minh City for a seminar titled 'Startup Expansion – Canada Startup Visa & USA EB2 NIW Startup R&D Programmes,' organized by Empowered Startups. The event highlighted the increasing interest of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in expanding to North America, a trend fueled by positive bilateral relations between Vietnam and the US. Paul Girodo, co-founder of Empowered Startups, emphasized the importance of these connections for Vietnamese businesses looking to tap into new markets.
Shawn Olson, vice president of Business Development at Empowered Startups, discussed the advantages of the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) R&D programme, which offers significant opportunities for Vietnamese startups seeking to establish a presence in the US. The seminar not only provided valuable insights into immigration policies but also facilitated networking among participants, allowing them to explore investment opportunities in North America.
This seminar aligns with the broader context of Vietnam's ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties with the US, as highlighted in the recent US-Vietnam Business Summit 2024 held in Hanoi. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's commitment to improving the investment climate for foreign investors, particularly from the US, underscores the importance of such initiatives. The summit revealed that the US is Vietnam's second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching US$110.9 billion in the first ten months of 2024.
Furthermore, Da Nang's recent efforts to attract US investment, including a focus on the semiconductor industry and sustainable development initiatives, reflect Vietnam's strategic approach to enhancing its economic landscape. The combination of these events illustrates a robust framework for Vietnamese businesses to thrive in international markets, particularly in North America. [8078791d][6cd81d32][87a4abb2][fac25a80]