Behind a cup of tea, a story unfolds: A cultural bridge opening high-level dialogue

From a cultural ritual, Vietnamese tea has taken a great step forward to become a symbol of soft diplomacy in the new era. The CEO 500 - TEA CONNECT event, with the theme “Ho Chi Minh City - Towards an international megacity in the digital era” held on November 25 in HCMC, is not only a high-level economic forum but also an important milestone, affirming the elevation of tea art in global diplomacy.

World Tea Connect - A cup of tea opens a story: A cultural bridge opening high-level dialogue

As an upgraded version of CEO 100 - TEA CONNECT (established in 2023), CEO 500 - TEA CONNECT has not only expanded in scale but also elevated its status to a global "roundtable discussion" between the State - Enterprises - International Experts. Vietnamese tea culture is used as a soft catalyst in diplomacy, creating a sense of deep connection from the very opening moment.

The art of "Vietnamese Tea - scent of the earth, color of the sky, and soul of the Vietnamese people" has created an atmosphere steeped in Vietnamese identity: solemn yet soft, traditional yet modern.

International tea offering ritual

In that highly symbolic space, the ritual of offering and inviting tea performed by Vietnamese tea masters also paved the way for dialogue between more than 500 leaders, CEOs, and international experts. There, delegates had the opportunity to interact, exchange views, and experience the essence of Vietnamese tea at corporate exhibition areas.

Performance "Vietnamese Tea – scent of the earth, color of the sky, and soul of the Vietnamese people" from Doi Dep Brand welcoming distinguished delegates

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son together with HCMC leaders offering tea to distinguished delegates

World Tea Connect - A ritual initiating connection: When culture touches national development vision

Amidst the Vietnamese tea space, stories about digital transformation, green transition, international financial centers, innovation ecosystems, AI workforce, or strategic infrastructure development were connected more openly and sincerely.

The 95-minute dialogue session of CEO 500 - TEA CONNECT, chaired by the Prime Minister along with City leaders, gathered more than 20 presentations from leading corporations such as Sunwah Innovations, Qualcomm, Siemens, Amazon, along with many prominent Vietnamese enterprises like Nam A Bank.

In particular, the working sessions began with a peaceful moment of tea, where leaders and businesses easily found a "common frequency" to converse. Here, expectations and solutions were connected, jointly shaping the path to bring HCMC to become an international megacity in the digital era.

International delegates enjoying tea

World Tea Connect - An event creating the future: When a small tea cup opens big technology doors, creating the future.

The event witnessed a series of important memorandums of understanding between key agencies and global corporations. All shared the same assessment: HCMC is a destination for next-generation technology - industry - infrastructure, suitable for locating R&D centers and testing new models, as well as expanding global supply chains.

These handshakes carry not only economic value but also embody the spirit of TEA CONNECT: Strong connection - sustainable cooperation - long-term development.