The Viet Nam Business Summit (VBS) themed ‘Viet Nam: We Mean Business!’, took place at the Ariyana Convention Centre in Da Nang on Tuesday, within the framework of the ongoing APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 (AELW).  For the first time ever, the Vietnamese government has organised this large-scale event which was a highlight of the APEC summit week.

Prime Minister Phuc addressing the Summit

VBS, an initiative of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and leaders from Vietnamese ministries, government agencies, the authorities of Vietnamese localities, prominent international organisations, along with scholars, and leaders of businesses from across the Asia-Pacific region and other countries worldwide.

VBS aimed to create an opportunity for representatives from domestic and global businesses to meet, connect and exchange information on world trade and integration with those from Viet Nam and other APEC member economies.

During his opening speech at the Summit, Prime Minister Phuc briefed the participants on Viet Nam’s remarkable socio-economic achievements over historical periods, especially during its current global integration process. 

He, in particular, highlighted the significance of VBS in bringing about clear, comprehensive visions for Viet Nam’s economy and its development policies.

In his speech, the Vietnamese Prime Minister also highlighted the determination of the Vietnamese Government to develop the country into a trustworthy and potential trade partner of the world business community.

In addition, the national leader appealed for the active involvement of the participants in discussing about enhancing the quality of institutions and policies, promoting law enforcement and State management capacity, boosting the progress of the private sector, ensuring macro-economic stability towards sustainable growth and social advancement. 

A view of the event

Under the Summit’s agenda, there were main discussion sessions, namely ‘Comprehensive Reform for Sustainable Development’, ‘Business Opportunities: Why Viet Nam’, ‘Smart Agriculture’, ‘Financial Services for Development’, ‘Healthcare, Education’, ‘Infrastructure, Connectivity’ ‘Tourism and Special Economic Zones’ and ‘Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises, Startups and Innovation’.

The participants also had an opportunity to discuss issues of concern with four speakers, namely Prime Minister Phuc, Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc, Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank Victoria Kwakwa, and Dr Philipp Rosler.

In parallel with the Summit was the ‘Viet Nam – We Mean Business’ exhibition featuring the country’s typical products and projects appealing for investment from both home and abroad. 

Besides, the exhibition also helped to advertise Viet Nam’s great development potential in such aspects as agro-forestry-fishery, industry and services. 

Also on display were Viet Nam’s traditional products and its key export items.