Vietnam set to become Southeast Asia’s clinical trials hub
A new report by Pharma Group in partnership with KPMG and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit has revealed that Vietnam could become a major hub for clinical trials in Southeast Asia if it carries out key reforms to attract investment and improve its research system.
The new report, Roadmap to the Future of Clinical Trials in Vietnam, launched in Ho Chi Minh City on May 19, outlines a plan to make Vietnam one of the top three destinations for clinical research in ASEAN by 2030.
Vietnam has already made big strides in healthcare, with 95% of its population now covered by health insurance.
As the country pushes for higher-quality medical care, clinical trials are seen as a way to drive innovation and attract global pharmaceutical companies.
The report points to Vietnam’s large and diverse population of over 100 million people as a major strength for medical research.
It says this makes the country ideal for studying complex diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and infectious diseases.
Vietnam News reports that government plans to boost science and technology such as a new policy to spend 2% of GDP on research are also helping attract global interest.
Industry leaders say Vietnam now has a real chance to lead in this field, but must act fast to fix major gaps.
Pharma Group Chairman Darrell Oh said clinical trials could create high-skilled jobs, boost Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, and improve public health.
He called for faster approvals, early-stage trial investments, and stronger public-private partnerships.
However, the report also outlines five key challenges Vietnam must tackle: slow approval processes that can take up to a year, a lack of clinical research sites and trained staff, weak funding systems, and limited incentives for investors.
Dr. Phan Tấn Thuận from HCM City Oncology Hospital said trials in cancer treatment have already improved patient access to new therapies, but added that more investment in infrastructure and training is needed.
The report recommends several policy and non-policy changes, including a faster and centralised approval system, more Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certified sites, and a national centre of excellence to lead research and training.
