APEC 2017: Vietnam’s improved business climate lauded

Representatives from a number of international organisations applauded Vietnam’s improved business climate and competitiveness at the Vietnam Business Summit that took place in central Da Nang city on November 7 within the framework of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017. 
  • Vietnamese stocks tipped for a sluggish week
  • Potential impact of EU-Vietnam FTA
  • Commerce chamber hoped to boost Vietnam-Malaysia trade
Philipp Rösler, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), said that the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 recently announced by the WEF ranked Vietnam 55th overall, up five places from 2016 and 20 from five years ago. 

Vietnam has made noted improvements in terms of technological readiness and labour market efficiency, he said. 

Victoria KwaKwa, the World Bank’s Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, speaks at the summit (Source: VNA)
Victoria KwaKwa, the World Bank’s Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, speaks at the summit (Source: VNA)
Such achievements demonstrate the wonderful cooperation between the public and private sectors in Vietnam, Philipp Rösler said, considering this a right way to improve the country’s competitiveness in the future. 

He held that Vietnam’s biggest asset is not oil and gas, infrastructure nor technologies but its people, especially the youth. Therefore, improving knowledge and capacity for young people is the best way to raise national competitiveness. 

Victoria KwaKwa, the World Bank’s Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, also lauded Vietnam’s rapid and inclusive growth, saying Vietnam is one of the countries with open economy, attracting about over 16 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) each year. 

She suggested the country pay more heed to training and investment in high-tech sectors, especially innovations. 

Vietnam should focus on enhancing economic competitiveness and productivity, as well as product values, thus ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth, she said. 

Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc said with a favourable geological and economic location, young, abundant labour forces, a growing economy and a growth-enabling and action-oriented Government, Vietnam’s business opportunities are coming. 

Loc expressed his hope that international delegates and the world’s leading businesses at the event will share solutions and make recommendations for Vietnam’s institutional environment and business model, especially in smart agriculture, exclusive economic zones, digital economy and innovative start-up, which are being piloted in the country.

Established in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum comprises 21 economies, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017, which is underway in Da Nang city, is the most important external event of Vietnam this year, with the participation of leaders from the 21 member economies.

Philipp Rösler, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), said that the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 recently announced by the WEF ranked Vietnam 55th overall, up five places from 2016 and 20 from five years ago. 
VNA

Other News

A view of a container port in Singapore. (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Vietnam-Singapore trade cooperation gains fresh momentum

Analysts noted that Vietnam-Singapore ties are increasingly moving beyond traditional goods trade towards green growth, innovation and high-quality supply chains, laying a stronger foundation for more substantive and sustainable cooperation in the years ahead.

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

Vietnamese products make strong impression at Foodservice Australia 2026

International visitors expressed positive impressions of Vietnamese products displayed at the fair. Nelma Sanjines, senior supervisor at ESP Catering in Sydney, praised the flavour of Vietnamese chilli sauce and soy sauce as well as the attractive packaging of confectionery products.

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Digital technology helps standardise supply chains, sustain export competitiveness

Experts noted that supply chain optimisation and risk management are no longer isolated tasks for individual companies but a requirement for the entire export ecosystem. With guidance from regulators, support from industry experts and their own efforts, Vietnamese exporters are expected to enhance their competitiveness and turn technical barriers and market volatility into opportunities for sustainable growth in global markets.

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

Eco-industrial parks seen as catalyst for higher-quality FDI

The eco-industrial park model will help Vietnam meet international environmental standards while creating opportunities to improve growth quality and economic competitiveness. Many multinational corporations now view green standards, emissions reduction and energy efficiency as key conditions when selecting investment destinations.

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Promoting Vietnamese Brands at an International Food Fair in Gwangju

Alongside exhibition activities, trade promotion, and business networking programs, the “Gwangju Global Food Fair 2026” also witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vietnam–Korea Businessmen & Investment Association (VKBIA) and the Gwangju Tourism Organization of South Korea.

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Hanoi proposes subsidies to accelerate shift to electric vehicles

Under a draft resolution currently open for public feedback by the municipal People’s Committee, residents with permanent or temporary residence registration in Hanoi for at least two consecutive years, who own petrol-powered motorbikes registered before the resolution takes effect, will be eligible for support when purchasing electric motorbikes priced at 10 million VND or more.

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.