Aboitiz Foods, Grab seek to expand investments in green agriculture, digital economy in Vietnam

Philippine food and agribusiness group Aboitiz Foods and Southeast Asian technology company Grab are seeking to expand their investments and partnerships in Vietnam in areas including energy, agriculture-food, digital transformation, smart cities, and green transportation.

Vietnam's top leader To Lam on Sunday received executives from the two companies during his state visit to the Philippines as the two countries deepen their Strategic Partnership and seek greater economic cooperation in sustainable development and digital transformation.

Aboitiz Foods eyes green agriculture, sustainable food supply chains

During a meeting with Tristan Aboitiz, president and CEO of Aboitiz Foods, To Lam said he welcomed the company's interest in sectors that align with Vietnam's development priorities, including energy, agriculture, food production, infrastructure, finance, industrial real estate, data and artificial intelligence.

He noted the company's activities contribute to strengthening practical economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines.

The Vietnamese leader encouraged Aboitiz Foods to explore investments in energy projects that are sustainable, resilient and low-emission, while supporting Vietnam's long-term development goals.

He also urged the company to cooperate in areas such as green and smart agriculture, food traceability, food safety, sustainable food value chains, and regional food security within ASEAN.

The areas highlighted by the Vietnamese leader reflect growing interest among both countries in strengthening cooperation in agriculture, food production and supply chain resilience.

In response, Aboitiz said his company plans to expand investments in sectors aligned with Vietnam's development agenda, particularly energy, food-agriculture, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

The executive also expressed interest in projects that meet high standards in food safety, environmental sustainability, green agriculture, and sustainable supply chains.

Aboitiz Foods already has a significant presence in Vietnam's animal nutrition sector through brands such as Gold Coin and Pilmico.

In 2024, the company inaugurated the $45 million Gold Coin Feedmill Long An facility, with annual production capacity of 300,000 tons, increasing Aboitiz Foods's total feed production capacity in Vietnam to about 1.1 million tons per year. The group expanded its footprint in Vietnam in 2017 through the acquisition of a 70% stake in Eurofeed.

Grab explores autonomous vehicles and delivery robots

At a separate meeting with Chin Yin Ong, chief organisation capability officer of Grab, To Lam praised the company's contribution to Vietnam's digital economy, particularly in e-commerce and digital transformation for consumers and businesses.

He said Vietnam is accelerating the development of the digital economy, digital society, smart cities and sustainable transportation systems, while prioritizing digital infrastructure, cashless payments, urban traffic management and digital services.

The Vietnamese leader welcomed Grab's development plans and encouraged the company to invest further in smart city initiatives, green and intelligent public transportation systems, and the promotion of Vietnam's tourism and culinary industries through its platform.

He also called on Grab to contribute to improving digital skills among Vietnamese citizens.

In response, Chin Yin Ong described Vietnam as one of Grab's key markets, noting that the company operates across numerous provinces and cities and has established a broad ecosystem of services.

According to Grab, at least three core services — GrabBike, GrabFood and GrabTaxi — are available across its Vietnamese network, helping users access reliable digital services while creating income opportunities for drivers and merchants.

The Grab executive pledged to continue supporting Vietnam through initiatives involving multimodal transportation connectivity, urban public transport integration, and infrastructure for environmentally friendly vehicles.

The company also committed to supporting digital transformation and digital skills development through its online learning platforms, while promoting Vietnam to regional audiences.

In addition, Grab said it is studying potential pilot programs for emerging technologies, including autonomous vehicles and delivery robots.

As Vietnam and the Philippines strengthen bilateral ties, the growing interest of regional companies such as Aboitiz Foods and Grab highlights expanding economic cooperation focused on green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development.