On April 8, 2026, Hanoi hosted the Russia-Vietnam Economic Forum titled "Unleashing Internal Strength in the New Era." The event was jointly organized by Vietnam National University, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association.
Held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, the Forum aimed to promote academic and political dialogue on economic development and bilateral cooperation.
Participants included senior government officials, diplomatic representatives from both countries, university rectors, heads of research institutes, scholars, economic and public policy experts, and members of the business community.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Gennady Bezdetko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, emphasized:
"2026 has been designated the Cross-Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, which gives this Forum special significance. I would like to particularly highlight the work of the Russia-Vietnam Consortium of Economic Universities. Established in 2024, the Consortium has already proven its effectiveness. Joint educational programs, collaborative research, promotion of the Russian and Vietnamese languages, and academic exchange—these are concrete steps toward strengthening our strategic partnership. We hope today's Forum will give impetus to new projects in economics, finance, digital transformation, and international trade."
Mr. Bui The Duy, President of Vietnam National University, noted the Forum's significant academic and practical value for the economic development of both nations:
"We observe constant changes in the international landscape, and the task of universities is to train qualified professionals capable of thriving in these new conditions."
Rector Stanislav Prokofiev of the Financial University added:
"Over forty years of market reforms, Vietnam's economy has transformed from a planned system into a dynamic, mixed economy—and today demonstrates one of the world's highest growth rates. The Vietnamese government is prioritizing technology and innovation, opening new horizons for economic cooperation with Russia. Our countries possess enormous potential for strategic partnership, and I am confident that today's Forum will serve as another step toward its successful realization."
The expert panel discussion addressed key topics including:
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Models of endogenous economic growth
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Opportunities for trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Russia
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Potential priority sectors: energy, logistics, finance, and the green transition
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The role of science, technology, innovation, and human capital development
During the plenary session, experts from the Financial University delivered presentations:
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Professor Konstantin Simonov, Head of the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Mass Communications, discussed Russia-Vietnam Relations Amid the Transformation of the Global Energy Sector.
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Professor Boris Rubtsov, Department of Financial Markets and Financial Engineering, Faculty of Finance, presented a Comparative Analysis of Financial Markets and Economic Growth in Russia and Southeast Asian Countries.
