The IPBA Regional Conference 2026 was held on 28 September 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Doing Business in Asia: Opportunities Amid Uncertainty”, as part of the IPBA Mid-Year Council Meeting & Regional Conference 2026. This marked the first time IPBA held its Regional Conference in Ho Chi Minh City.
The event was jointly organized by the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam). The program brought together lawyers and business representatives from various markets across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Conference focused on four key areas: investment legal frameworks, technology and AI governance, workforce transformation, and dispute resolution. Discussions explored ongoing changes in the legal and business environment across Asia.
Discussions on Investment and Legal Frameworks Across Asian Markets
One of the sessions focused on investment incentives, market entry barriers, and legal frameworks across Asian countries. The discussion took place against a backdrop of evolving investment policies in many markets, particularly as factors such as taxation, technology, security, and market access are increasingly considered alongside investment decisions.
The session brought together experts from various markets across the region, including Luu Xuan Vinh, representing Asia Legal. Discussions addressed practical considerations relating to market selection, investment structures, and support mechanisms available to investors, particularly as investment incentive policies continue to evolve in a number of markets.
In addition to investment incentives, the session addressed market entry barriers and security-related requirements. The discussion covered investment controls, export controls, data, and technology. These factors may affect how businesses approach and conduct their operations in different markets.
The speakers also discussed the selection of appropriate investment structures and operating models for different jurisdictions. These are among the considerations businesses may take into account when implementing cross-border projects, alongside investment incentives, market access, and local compliance requirements.
Technology, AI and Changes in the Business Environment
Technology and AI were among the key topics included in this year’s IPBA Conference. The discussions reflected the rapid changes taking place in the legal and business environment across markets in the region.
The sessions also addressed technology governance and digital transformation. Businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions need to monitor and comply with different legal requirements in each market. Alongside technology, workforce transformation was another topic included in the IPBA program, together with investment and dispute resolution.
These topics are closely connected to the changes taking place in business activities across Asia. As businesses expand across borders, issues relating to investment, technology, workforce, and legal compliance are increasingly considered within the same broader context.
Continuing the Discussion on Arbitration in Vietnam
As part of the event series, on 29 September 2026, VIAC and IPBA jointly organized the roundtable “Arbitration in Vietnam: Developments and Emerging Trends.” The program focused on developments in arbitration law and practice in Vietnam. Discussions covered key changes in the VIAC Arbitration Rules and legal issues arising in practice.
The roundtable also addressed emerging trends in arbitration and the expectations of businesses regarding arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism. The requirements and expectations applicable to arbitrators, lawyers, and arbitral institutions were also discussed.
On 29 September 2026, VIAC also held a meeting with the IPBA delegation of lawyers in Ho Chi Minh City. According to VIAC, the meeting formed part of the IPBA Mid-Year Council Meeting & Regional Conference 2026 program in Vietnam. Discussions focused on strengthening professional connections and exchanging views on arbitration and other matters of common interest.
Strengthening Regional Legal Connections
The IPBA Regional Conference 2026 provided an opportunity for lawyers and professionals from across the region to exchange views on changes in Asia’s legal and business environment. Holding the Conference in Ho Chi Minh City also contributed to strengthening connections between Vietnam’s legal community and the regional network of lawyers, creating further opportunities for dialogue on cross-border legal issues.
For Asia Legal, the event provided an opportunity to stay updated on emerging legal trends and exchange professional perspectives on investment, technology, and dispute resolution in cross-border business activities.
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Asia Legal – Business Law Firm
Website: asialegal.vn
Email: info@asialegal.vn
Tele: 084 400 8484
Address: No. 23, Lot N03, Dich Vong New Urban Area, Dich Vong Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
