Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Prime Minster Phan Van Khai met with representatives from 500 leading Vietnamese enterprises in Hanoi on February 9. Addressing the meeting, Mr Khai reiterated that the strong development of businesses is one of important factors in fueling national prosperity and the industralization and modernization process.On the threshold of the 10th National Party Congress, aimed at advancing the country on the path of renovation, increasing competitive capacity and preparing properly for admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Mr Khai, ministers and officials want to hear opinions from businesses to effectively implement the five-year plan for socio-economic development, and maintain an annual GDP growth rate of 7.5-8 percent on average.They said by 2020, businesses should help pull Vietnam out of its underdeveloped country status by doubling 2000 GDP level.

In the 2006-2010 period, Vietnam must create a wealth of higher values as this is a source of national prosperity. Hence, State bodies at all levels have to provide the best conditions for people and enterprises to engage in business operations. Business people are pioneers in successfully implementing socio-economic development tasks and the international integration process, says Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

At the meeting, Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc spoke about tasks and programmes on business development in the 2006-2010 plan for socio-economic development and Minister of Trade Truong Dinh Tuyen reported on Vietnam's action plans and commitments for its admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In the 2006-2010 period, Vietnam must create a wealth of higher values as this is a source of national prosperity. Hence, State bodies at all levels have to provide the best conditions for people and enterprises to engage in business operations. Business people are pioneers in successfully implementing socio-economic development tasks and the international integration process, says Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc presented difficulties, troubles facing businesses and proposals by the business community to the Government.

Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc said it is essential to continue to improve the business environment, particularly in terms of administrative reform. The Government should resolve problems relating to land use for production and business operations, reduce input costs and have proper human resource development policies. The Government should help enterprises access financial markets, science and technology, and real estate markets. It is also necessary for enterprises to co-operate in participating in a chain of global values, boost trade promotion and increase the role of business associations, Mr Loc said.

According to Mr Loc, the plan for socio-economic development in the 2006-2010 period will be implemented while the national economy is deeply integrating into the world economy, thereby requiring Vietnam to continue renewing its policies and institutions. One of the major policies is to consider businesses a key force in economic development and the integration process.

It is imperative to build a strong Vietnamese business community, which will play a pivotal role in the strategy for socio-economic development in the next five years, and create every favourable condition for the operations of businesses in all economic sectors.

Prior to the meeting, the Government Office and relevant ministries and sectors co-operated with the VCCI to raise 13 key issues that need addressing in the future, with a focus on devising strategies and measures to attract domestic and foreign investment capital, renewing State-owned enterprises, developing medium-and small-sized enterprises, improving the real estate market and increasing the role of business associations.

Speaking at the conference, general director of the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (VINACOMIN) Doan Van Kien proposed that the assistance grant should be provided directly to enterprises, bypassing intermediate channels. The Government should build a policy mechanism on human resource training and allow enterprises to open universities, he said.

Mr Kien also called for due attention and the co-operation of press agencies in an objective way for the benefit of businesses and national development. Press agencies should highlight outstanding enterprises and good businesspeople, he added.

General director of the Vietnam Ship Building Industry Corporation (Vinashin) Pham Thanh Binh asked the Government to ease difficulties in order to help enterprises mobilise more investment capital by selling shares on international financial markets. Currently, many enterprises are lacking human resources, particularly good experts and skilled workers.

In  the coming years, the country is likely to face a severe human resource shortage. Therefore, the Government should develop a human resource training strategy as soon as possible, he noted.

In the afternoon, participants at the conference heard reports by representatives from businesses and local associations.

In his closing speech delivered at the conference, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai stressed that in the 2006-2010 period, Vietnam must create a wealth of higher values as this is a source of national prosperity. Hence, State bodies at all levels have to provide the best conditions for people and enterprises to engage in business operations. Businesspeople are pioneers in successfully implementing socio-economic development tasks and the international integration process.

Source: VOV - Feb. 10