Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, the Vietnamese billionaire behind Sovico Group and Vietjet, attended the Opening Bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Monday, as the U.S. bourse marked the start of trading with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ringing the bell at 9:30 a.m.

The occasion coincided with Vietnam’s official reclassification by FTSE Russell from a Frontier to a Secondary Emerging market, marking an important milestone in the country’s integration into global capital markets.

U.S. stocks rallied on Sept. 21, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.49%, the Nasdaq Composite rising 2.26% to a record closing high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advancing 0.71%.

At the NYSE, Thao met with exchange executives to discuss cooperation between the Vietnamese and U.S. capital markets, including ways to connect Vietnamese companies with global institutional investors. The discussions also covered trading technology, corporate governance, product development and listing standards, as well as potential opportunities for qualified Vietnamese companies to pursue dual listings in Vietnam and the United States.

The event took place as Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam and a high-level Vietnamese delegation were in the United States for the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and a series of bilateral engagements. Heads of state and government from nearly 200 countries gather in New York for the event.

Screens across the NYSE displayed images of Thao and welcomed the Vietnamese delegation during the ceremony.

FTSE Russell confirmed that Vietnam’s market reclassification took effect from the opening of trading on September 21, 2026. The upgrade is expected to broaden Vietnam’s access to international investment funds and support further improvements in market infrastructure, settlement, transparency and corporate governance.

Speaking at the NYSE, Rubio said he was honored to ring the Opening Bell. He highlighted international trade agreements and secure supply chains as important pillars in supporting jobs, economic growth and prosperity in the United States.

The NYSE, part of Intercontinental Exchange, is the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization, with its listed companies representing an aggregate market value of approximately US$29 trillion.

“Vietnam’s official transition to emerging-market status opens a new chapter for the country’s capital markets and business community,” Thao said. “We will continue to promote stronger connections between the NYSE and Vietnamese enterprises, attract long-term capital and enable Vietnamese companies to engage more deeply with global standards and the international investment community, including through potential listings in New York.”

Thao’s presence at the NYSE follows a meeting with NYSE Group President Lynn Martin in September 2025, when the two discussed expanding international fundraising channels and strengthening the presence of Vietnamese companies in global financial markets.

A year later, Thao returned to the NYSE representing businesses from an economy that has now officially joined FTSE Russell’s emerging-market universe.

HDBank and Vietjet, in which Thao is a major investor, are listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and are included in FTSE indexes. Both companies have continued to expand their scale and business performance while seeking to create value for domestic and international shareholders.

HDBank is preparing plans for the initial public offerings and listings of two subsidiaries, HDS Securities and consumer finance company HD SAISON. Technology group Galaxy Holdings is also exploring international fundraising options, including bond issuance and potential overseas listings.

During the visit to the United States and Canada, Sovico, Vietjet and HDBank are expected to sign a number of agreements with international corporations, financial institutions and other partners. The agreements will focus on expanding access to capital, markets and technology, while contributing to stronger economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnam, the United States, Canada and global partners.

The NYSE Opening Bell provided a symbolic backdrop connecting New York, one of the world’s foremost financial and capital-market centers, with Vietnam as the country deepens its participation in global investment flows.

Vietnam’s market upgrade not only provides greater access to international capital but also brings higher expectations for transparency, governance and market efficiency. It marks a new stage for Vietnamese companies seeking to strengthen their presence and competitiveness in global capital markets.