Insider Spotlight
The meeting, held during President Lam’s state visit to the Philippines, focused on supporting Vietnam’s continued economic growth while strengthening regional competitiveness. Discussions also covered ways to enhance trade, investment, tourism, and supply chain resilience between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Why it matters
Vietnam has become an increasingly important market for the Aboitiz Group, particularly in agriculture and energy, as the conglomerate expands its regional footprint beyond the Philippines.
According to a company release, President Lam expressed support for stronger engagement between Vietnamese and Philippine businesses as both countries pursue shared development goals.
“We believe the economic relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines has significant untapped potential, particularly in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development,” said Aboitiz Foods president and chief executive officer Tristan Aboitiz. “We remain committed to supporting long-term cooperation, investment, and shared growth between our two countries.”
The details
Aboitiz Foods has been operating in Vietnam since 2014 through Pilmico’s acquisition of Vinh Hoan 1 Feed JSC. The company recently expanded its presence with a US$45-million feed mill in Long An Province capable of producing up to 300,000 metric tons of animal nutrition feed annually.
In the energy sector, AboitizPower has agreed to acquire a 25 percent stake in Van Phong Power Company Limited, owner of a 1,320-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Khánh Hòa Province. The transaction is undergoing the required government approval process.
“We are keen to continue investing in Vietnam’s power sector. This will span both more coal power investments, gas, and especially renewable energy as your country continues to require more energy generation given the demand for growth,” said AboitizPower chief financial officer Sandro Aboitiz.
What’s next
Beyond food and energy, Aboitiz InfraCapital is expanding direct air links between Cebu and key Vietnamese destinations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, through Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
“We hope to deepen partnerships with Vietnamese travel and tour enterprises so that we can bring more Vietnamese travelers into Cebu, Bohol, and Northern Mindanao and likewise more Filipino travelers into Vietnam,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital president and CEO Cosette Canilao.
The Aboitiz Group said its investments in Vietnam align with the country’s long-term development priorities while supporting broader opportunities for sustainable growth across the region. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
