DBAV Gala Dinner 2025 – “Lions & Dragons” Marks One of the Most Significant Milestones in DBAV History

On November 12, 2025, the Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV) proudly hosted one of the largest and most high-level events in its 25-year history: the DBAV Gala Dinner 2025 – “Lions & Dragons.” More than 220 business leaders, government officials, and diplomats gathered at JW Marriott Saigon to celebrate a quarter-century of connection between the Netherlands and Vietnam.

The event welcomed distinguished leaders including:

• H.E. Aukje de Vries – Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands
• H.E. Nguyễn Mạnh Cường – Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee
• H.E. Kees van Baar – Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam
• Ms. Raissa Marteaux – Consul General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City
• Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Consulate General, the EU Business Association, the Logistics Delegation, DBAV members and friends.

A Symbolic Theme: Lions & Dragons

This year’s theme celebrated the cultural and economic bond between Vietnam and the Netherlands — symbolized by the Vietnamese Dragon and the Dutch Lion.

The Dragon, rooted in Vietnam’s legend of “Con Rồng Cháu Tiên,” represents heritage, vitality, resilience, and harmony. The Dutch Lion, strong and independent, symbolizes courage, moral strength and the spirit of a nation that values freedom and innovation.
 

DBAV Chair Wietse Mutters highlighted this theme in his speech:

And when these two powerful symbols come together, they mirror the partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands: dynamic, forward-looking, entrepreneurial, and full of opportunity

Key Economic Takeaways from Ho Chi Minh City Leadership

Vice Chairman Nguyễn Mạnh Cường emphasized:

• The Vietnam–Netherlands partnership has become increasingly dynamic.
• Both countries share delta geographies and sustainability priorities.
• The Netherlands remains Vietnam’s largest European trade and investment partner.
• In Ho Chi Minh City, bilateral trade reached USD 2.4 billion in the first six months of 2025.
• With USD 5.5 billion in total investment, the Netherlands is the City’s largest European investor.

He also underscored DBAV’s role:

DBAV serves as a vital channel between the City government and the Dutch business community, helping the City address business needs, improve the investment climate, and foster a mutually beneficial partnership.

Phase 2 of the Ready to Export (R2E) Program Announced

Minister Aukje de Vries officially announced the launch of Phase Two of the Ready to Export Program. In phase one, Vietnamese SMEs learned how to boost their export capacity. And they were successfully connected to Dutch and European partners. Phase two now takes this to the next level through tailor-made training and mentorship, it aims to further integrate Vietnamese businesses into the value chains of Dutch companies and sectors.

The goal is clear: We want to build future-proof trade relations that will boost exports for the long term… opening doors for Dutch companies in Vietnam’s fast-growing market and supporting Vietnamese SMEs in accessing European value chains.

DBAV Executive Director Fleur Goote reaffirmed:

With Phase 2 now launching, the potential grows even wider. DBAV is fully committed to supporting this phase to ensure it brings long-term results for both sides.

Entertainment, Celebration & Community Spirit

Beyond the speeches, the Gala delivered an evening full of culture, connection, and celebration. Guests enjoyed a dynamic Lions & Dragons opening performance, followed by a festive Gala Dinner that set the tone for meaningful conversations and networking. The excitement continued with a lucky draw featuring premium prizes from partners, including luxury stays from JW Marriott, the limited-edition Gazelle bicycle from Pon, and the FulbrightX Learning Experience worth 65 million VND. The night concluded with a lively after-party filled with music and dancing, where the DBAV community came together to celebrate 25 years of friendship and collaboration.

25 Years of Building Bridges

Since 1999, DBAV has grown into a strong platform connecting Vietnamese and Dutch businesses.

Our mission of “building bridges between the Netherlands and Vietnam” continues through trade promotion, investment support, and community development. Today, DBAV represents more than 160 member companies and remains a trusted partner for both governments and industries.

Conclusion

The DBAV Gala Dinner 2025 marked a major milestone of 25 years in Vietnam, taking place during a period of high-level bilateral activities, including Minister de Vries’ visit and the workshops on Sustainable Seaport and Airport Development earlier that day.

Together, these events opened new opportunities in logistics, infrastructure, sustainability, technology, and innovation.

DBAV sincerely thanks all sponsors, members, partners, and distinguished guests for joining this landmark celebration.

For those who couldn’t attend  or who wish to relive the best moments, we invite you to explore our press and media highlights:

• HTV Television Feature: [link here]
• Tuổi Trẻ Online Coverage: [link here]
• Gala Photo Gallery: [link here]
• Video: The Story of Lions and Dragons
• Video: DBAV 25 Years: Building the Bridge between Vietnam & the Netherlands

Rise and Roar — to the future and to stronger collaboration!