CCIV President Pham Van Hong: Nearly Half a Century of Building Bridges Between Vietnam and Italy

From a Vietnamese expatriate who arrived in Italy in 1979 to a successful entrepreneur and President of the Italy - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (CCIV), Mr. Pham Van Hong has spent decades fostering meaningful connections between the business communities of the two countries. His remarkable journey is not merely a story of entrepreneurial ambition, but also one of cultural understanding, international integration, and an enduring belief in the potential of Vietnamese businesses on the global stage.

From Carpi to a Mission of Connecting Two Economies

In 1979, Mr. Pham Van Hong arrived in Italy and began a new chapter of his life in Carpi, a city in the province of Modena renowned for its textile and fashion industries.

During his early years in Italy, he worked across various sectors, from printing and textiles to hospitality. These experiences gradually gave him a deeper understanding of Italian society, its people, business culture, and the inner workings of the country's economy.

Mr. Pham Van Hong, President of the Italy - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (CCIV), has devoted years to strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries.

He later established his own business, Pham S.r.l., specializing in accessories for the textile and fashion industries.

Yet what makes his journey particularly compelling is not simply his success in building a business far from home. It is his determination to create opportunities for cooperation between his native Vietnam and the country that had become his second home.

In 2011, he was elected the founding President of the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in Italy (ASSOEVI), an organization established to connect Vietnamese entrepreneurs, support business activities, and promote bilateral trade.

The appointment marked an important turning point, transforming his role from that of an individual entrepreneur into an active advocate for stronger economic ties between Vietnam and Italy.

CCIV: Nearly Three Decades of Bridging Trade Between Vietnam and Italy

Established in 1996 under the auspices of the Embassy of Vietnam in Italy, the Italy - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (Camera di Commercio Italia Vietnam, or CCIV) is an organization dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and economic cooperation between businesses in the two countries.

In 2000, CCIV received official recognition from the relevant Italian authorities and was registered within Italy's system of chambers of commerce operating with foreign countries.

Over nearly three decades, CCIV has steadily strengthened its position as a bridge connecting Italian companies seeking opportunities in Vietnam with Vietnamese enterprises looking to expand into European markets.

Mr. Pham Van Hong delivers remarks at a gathering with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and the Vietnamese community in Italy, held in Rome on April 14, 2026.

Its activities extend well beyond introducing potential business partners. The Chamber promotes trade missions, investment connections, management expertise exchanges, technology partnerships, and cooperation among economic institutions.

While its early connections focused on traditional industries such as textiles, fashion, food, and agriculture, its network has increasingly expanded into mechanical engineering, industrial components, manufacturing technologies, and other high-value-added sectors.

CCIV President Pham Van Hong (center) receives a traditional Vietnamese hand-embroidered artwork on behalf of the Chamber from Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung during the Ambassador's visit to CCIV headquarters in Milan, Italy, on May 31, 2023.

CCIV's role has become particularly significant as Vietnam deepens its integration into global supply chains.

For companies aspiring to enter international markets, a competitive product alone is often not enough. Equally important are trusted partners, an understanding of local business environments, and the ability to establish the right connections with the right partners at the right time.

This is precisely where organizations such as CCIV can make a meaningful difference.

Pham Van Hong and His Contributions to CCIV

After years of involvement in business networking and international cooperation, Mr. Pham Van Hong assumed the presidency of CCIV in October 2022. He continues to hold the position for the 2026 - 2029 term.

CCIV President Pham Van Hong attends a ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, held in Rome on September 5, 2023.

With extensive business experience in Italy and a strong understanding of Vietnam's corporate environment, he brings a valuable perspective on opportunities for cooperation between the two economies.

Italy is internationally recognized for its manufacturing capabilities, precision engineering, design excellence, technological expertise, and globally established brands.

Vietnam, meanwhile, offers a dynamic workforce, increasingly sophisticated manufacturing capabilities, and a strategic position within regional supply networks.

These complementary strengths create considerable opportunities for cooperation, particularly in supporting industries, component manufacturing, technology transfer, and supplier development.

In May 2026, at a Vietnam - Pianezza business forum in Italy's Piemonte region, Mr. Hong highlighted the potential for industrial cooperation and technology transfer between local manufacturers and Vietnamese enterprises.

The Piemonte region is known for its strengths in mechanical engineering, metalworking, automotive components, and supporting industries, sectors that are attracting growing interest from Vietnam's manufacturing community.

CCIV President Pham Van Hong addresses the Vietnam - Pianezza Business Forum in Pianezza, Italy, on May 29, 2026.

Beyond industrial cooperation, CCIV has also actively expanded its engagement in agriculture and the food sector.

On October 23, 2026, the Chamber collaborated with organizations from both countries to organize the Italy - Vietnam Agricultural Products Dialogue in Rome.

The event provided a platform for businesses to exchange perspectives on bilateral trade, quality standards, market access, and supply chain development.

During the dialogue, Mr. Hong emphasized an important consideration: the greatest barriers facing Vietnamese enterprises in international markets are not necessarily technology or capital alone, but also their understanding of foreign markets, their ability to establish trust, and their familiarity with the business practices of international partners.

His observation reflects a practical reality of international business.

Having a high-quality product offers a competitive advantage, but understanding one's partners and building mutual trust are what ultimately lay the foundation for sustainable, long-term cooperation.

Mr. Pham Van Hong attended the “Italy - Vietnam Agricultural Products Dialogue” in Rome on October 23, 2026, aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation in agriculture and trade. Photo: Viet Hai/Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Building Bridges, Creating New Opportunities

Economic relations between Vietnam and Italy are entering a period of significant opportunity, supported by the complementary strengths of their respective economies.

For Vietnamese enterprises, Italy represents far more than an export destination. It is also a source of advanced manufacturing technologies, sophisticated industrial design capabilities, and valuable management expertise.

Conversely, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Italian companies seeking to expand their market presence, identify reliable manufacturing partners, and develop supply chains across Asia.

Against this backdrop, CCIV is well positioned to further strengthen its role as a facilitator of bilateral cooperation.

By helping companies from both countries better understand one another, identify shared interests, and build lasting relationships, the Chamber can contribute to turning initial business encounters into practical and mutually beneficial partnerships.

For Pham Van Hong, the journey from a Vietnamese newcomer arriving in Italy in 1979 to the presidency of CCIV today is a compelling story of entrepreneurship, enduring ties to his homeland, and decades of dedication to connecting business communities across borders.

Yet perhaps the greatest significance of his journey lies beyond his personal achievements.

It lies in the opportunities created for others, the partnerships brought to life, and the relationships that continue to grow between businesses in Vietnam and Italy.

CCIV President Pham Van Hong met with Dang Hong Anh, President of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association, during a business cooperation and networking event between CCIV and DHA Invest Vietnam on March 15, 2023.

After all, the true value of a bridge is measured not merely by the two shores it connects, but by the opportunities it creates and the enduring relationships it helps build.