Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for Philippine travelers, with the number of visitors rising sharply each year. In 2024, the total number of Filipino tourists visiting Vietnam increased by 73.6% compared to the previous year.
1. Stronger Air Connectivity Boosts Tourism and Trade
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Previously, only Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operated direct flights between Vietnam and the Philippines with limited frequency. Currently, Cebu Pacific operates two daily flights on the Manila–Hanoi and Manila–Ho Chi Minh City routes, along with one daily flight on the Manila–Da Nang route. The airline is also seeking approval to launch a Cebu–Da Nang direct flight.
Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines resumed its direct routes between Manila–Hanoi and Manila–Ho Chi Minh City in June 2024, initially offering three weekly flights to Hanoi and four to Ho Chi Minh City, which have since increased to daily flights on the Manila–Hanoi route. The airline is also planning to open a Manila–Da Nang route soon.
The expansion of air routes has not only strengthened tourism but also opened new trade and investment cooperation opportunities between the two countries. Many Philippine businesses and associations now view Vietnam as an attractive destination to explore partnerships and investment opportunities beyond tourism.
2. Philippine Business Delegation Attends Vietnam Expo 2025
In line with the 2025 action plan and under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Foreign Market Development Department, the Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), and Vinexad Company, has successfully coordinated a delegation of 24 Philippine business representatives to visit Vietnam.
The delegation aims to explore trade and investment opportunities and participate in the 34th Vietnam International Trade Fair – Vietnam Expo 2025.
Vietnam Expo, first held in 1991, is one of Vietnam’s longest-standing and most influential trade promotion events. Organized annually by MOIT and Vinexad, the expo serves as a vital platform for domestic and international enterprises to showcase products, expand their networks, and tap into Vietnam’s growing market.
3. Strengthening Vietnam–Philippines Business Relations
The delegation comprises representatives from 24 Philippine companies across diverse sectors — from food processing and electronics to machinery, tools, and services. Notable participating firms include:
Lanlite Philippines Corporation, WB Electrical Trading Inc., HK Sanghai Food Products Inc., Sky Law Office, J-Channel Ingredients, Society Glass and Gabriel Builders Inc., Batangas Asahi Mktg Corporation, Fedeco Equipment Sale & Broker Inc., Orisia Merchandising Co. Inc., Smartcard Technik Inc., RD Electronics Corporation, Pao Ying Food Inc., House of Fashion, Steelworld Manufacturing, Global Lighting Philippines Inc., Unicor Plas Corporation, and Majestic Press Inc.
The Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines and Vinexad organized B2B meetings and industrial site visits for the delegation before their participation in Vietnam Expo 2025, held from April 2–4, 2025, in Hanoi.
During the trip, delegates expressed their admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable development — from modern office buildings and expressways to its safe and dynamic environment. Many were particularly impressed by Vietnam’s openness, hospitality, and strong business potential.
Several entrepreneurs highlighted Vietnam’s stable investment climate, fast-growing economy, and business-friendly environment as decisive factors encouraging future cooperation.
4. Towards Deeper Vietnam–Philippines Economic Cooperation
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines, this event not only promotes bilateral trade and investmentbut also lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships between Vietnamese and Philippine businesses.
With the continued success of Vietnam Expo 2025 and increasing air connectivity, both nations are poised to deepen their economic, cultural, and tourism ties — contributing to a stronger and more sustainable partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines.