Techcombank CEO Jens Lottner expressed optimism about Vietnam’s economic outlook at the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on Nov. 3, citing the country’s resilience amid global uncertainty and opportunities from foreign investment and supply chain diversification.
Lottner joined a panel titled “Global Economic Outlook: Regional Impact” alongside Amol Gupte, Citi’s head of South Asia; Lynn Kuok, a scholar at the Brookings Institution; and Ted Osius, a former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam. The discussion was moderated by Fortune editor-in-chief and chief content officer Alyson Shontell.
Held under the theme “New Horizons, Enduring Growth,” the summit brought together business leaders, economists and policymakers to discuss Southeast Asia’s prospects amid changes in global trade, investment, technology and capital flows.
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Jens Lottner sharing during the panel discussion titled “Global Economic Outlook: Regional Impact” on Nov. 3, 2026. Photo courtesy of Fortune |
Vietnam’s growth prospects remain positive
Lottner said Vietnam had shown resilience amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, adding that its growth fundamentals remained strong.
He identified foreign direct investment (FDI) and global supply chain diversification as key drivers of development. As multinational companies seek to diversify production, Vietnam has opportunities to attract investment in advanced manufacturing and higher-value industries.
Infrastructure investment will be essential to capitalizing on these trends. Lottner highlighted industrial parks, seaports and transport networks as important to strengthening the country’s competitiveness and integration into global supply chains.
He also pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity for businesses to improve productivity and narrow the gap with international peers. Drawing on Techcombank’s experience, he said AI’s value depended not on the scale of investment but on its practical application to business challenges, including improving efficiency and developing employees’ capabilities.
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Techcombank CEO Jens Lottner. Photo courtesy of Fortune |
International financial center could support next growth phase
Vietnam’s push into advanced manufacturing and large-scale infrastructure is increasing demand for long-term investment capital. The proposed Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC) could help connect global capital with domestic investment opportunities while supporting capital markets, financial products and long-term funding channels for priority sectors.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Lottner said Techcombank and companies in its financial ecosystem were exploring opportunities to participate in the VIFC.
Their capabilities include technology infrastructure, governance expertise, specialized personnel, a financial services ecosystem and relationships with international investors, financial institutions and partners.
The bank is also working to meet relevant regulatory requirements and plans to submit proposals to shareholders for consideration in the coming period.
Techcombank reported record quarterly pre-tax profit of VND10.4 trillion (US$394 million) in the third quarter of 2026. Nine-month pre-tax profit reached VND28.9 trillion, up 23.7% year-on-year, supported by growth across multiple income streams.
The bank also said it led the banking sector in brand metrics in the third quarter.