HCM CITY — Việt Nam has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid global economic volatility, with its underlying growth momentum remaining intact despite challenges from trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties, Techcombank CEO Jens Lottner said.

Speaking at the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026 on November 3, Lottner shared his outlook for Việt Nam’s economy, highlighting the roles of foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure development and long-term capital mobilisation in supporting the country’s next stage of growth.

He joined Amol Gupte, Citi’s head of South Asia, Lynn Kuok, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Ted Osius, former US Ambassador to Việt Nam, in a panel discussion titled 'Global Economic Outlook: Regional Impact' and moderated by Alyson Shontell, Fortune’s editor-in-chief and chief content officer.

Held under the theme 'New Horizons, Enduring Growth', the summit brought together business leaders, economists, policymakers and international organisations to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Southeast Asia’s economic future amid major global shifts in trade, investment, supply chains and technology.

 

Lottner said FDI inflows and supply chain diversification continue to create opportunities for Việt Nam.

To capitalise on these trends, the country is moving towards more advanced manufacturing and higher value-added industries, while accelerating infrastructure investment to improve competitiveness and deepen integration into global supply chains.

Investment in industrial parks, seaports and transport networks will be particularly important in supporting this transition, he said.

Lottner described AI as an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to innovate and narrow the gap with leading global companies.

Drawing on Techcombank’s experience, he said the real value of AI lies not just in the scale of technology investment, but in its effective application to specific business challenges, boosting productivity and developing workforce capabilities.

VIFC offers opportunities to connect global capital

The shift towards advanced manufacturing and large infrastructure projects will require substantial long-term investment.

Against this backdrop, the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC) is expected to help connect global capital with domestic investment opportunities, while supporting capital market development, innovative financial products and long-term funding channels for priority economic sectors.

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Lottner said Techcombank and companies within its ecosystem are exploring opportunities to participate in the VIFC, drawing on capabilities developed over many years.

These include technology infrastructure, corporate governance, professional expertise, an integrated financial services ecosystem and extensive connections with international investors, financial institutions and partners.

The bank is also taking the necessary steps in line with regulatory requirements, including plans to seek shareholder approval for significant matters in the next few years.

Techcombank reported pre-tax profit of VNĐ10.4 trillion (US$404 million) in the third quarter of 2026, its highest quarterly figure to date. Nine-month pre-tax profit reached VNĐ28.9 trillion, up 23.7 per cent year-on-year, supported by growth across multiple income streams.

The bank also ranked first in the banking sector in brand value indicators in the third quarter, according to the company. —VNS