HCMC | Breakfast Talk | Negotiating with Vietnamese Suppliers

CCIFV Sourcing Committee Conference – 28 Oct: Priorities, trade-offs and commitments to negotiate better with Vietnamese suppliers.

Presentation

Negotiating with Vietnamese suppliers goes far beyond securing a lower price. Buyers must balance order quantities, payment terms, delivery schedules and quality requirements, then translate the outcome of negotiations into clear commitments that both parties can realistically meet.

Knowing what to stand firm on, what can be traded off and how to confirm an agreement is key to building reliable, long-term supplier relationships.

On 28 October 2026, the Sourcing Committee of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV) is organising an in-person conference and discussion:

“Negotiating with Vietnamese Suppliers: What to Stand Firm On, What to Trade Off and How to Secure Commitments”

Drawing on practical purchasing scenarios and cross-cultural insights, this session will explore how to:

• Prepare negotiation priorities and identify meaningful trade-offs.
• Negotiate prices without losing sight of quality, production capacity and delivery constraints.
• Turn delivery promises into milestones and follow-up checkpoints.
• Align terminology, specifications and responsibilities to minimise misunderstandings.
• Formalise agreements and verify what each party has committed to deliver.

What will you learn?

• Define your red lines and room for manoeuvre before entering negotiations.
• Identify what you can negotiate in return rather than making concessions on price alone.
• Assess a supplier’s actual capabilities in terms of quality, volumes and lead times.
• Establish milestones and checkpoints to monitor orders.
• Avoid misunderstandings arising from differences in language, culture and technical terminology.
• Document agreements to secure your relationships with suppliers.

Who should attend?

This conference is designed for buyers, sourcing and supply chain managers, as well as business leaders and quality managers at companies sourcing from Vietnam or considering doing so. It is particularly relevant to professionals looking to structure their negotiations and build lasting relationships with Vietnamese suppliers.

Speakers

Thuy Minh Giang (Sophie)

Managing Director, Veridica

Hương Tran

Business Intelligence Manager, Ascentium Vietnam

Moderator

Mickaël Driol

CEO, Mekong Partners & Co-Chair of the CCIFV Sourcing Committee

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you negotiate effectively with a Vietnamese supplier?

By preparing your priorities in advance, distinguishing between non-negotiable requirements and areas where trade-offs are possible, and ensuring that price does not overshadow quality, capacity and delivery considerations.

How can you ensure that a supplier meets its delivery commitments?

By turning delivery promises into clear milestones with regular follow-up checkpoints and documenting each party’s responsibilities.

How can you avoid misunderstandings with a supplier in Vietnam?

By agreeing on terminology, specifications and each party’s responsibilities, then confirming the agreement in writing.

Event Location