Da Nang has paid special attention to promoting the development of hi-tech industry with a focus on enhancing the role of creativity, startups, and information technology in urban area, and in digital economy, in order to improve labour productivity. Notably, the focus has been on making every effort to build Da Nang into a smarter and startup city.

Chairman Tho (right) and Mr Peter Vesterbacka

The statement was made by municipal People’s Committee Chairman Huynh Duc Tho during his reception on Wednesday for Finnish businessman Peter Vesterbacka.

Chairman Tho asked the Finnish guest to give a helping hand to the city to develop startup network in the locality.

He also hoped Mr Peter Vesterbacka will appeal for even more investors from his country to seek investment opportunities in Da Nang, and pour their money into aspects in which the city boasts strengths and potential.

The city leader also took the opportunity to invite the Finnish businessman to attend the 4^th International Startup Conference and Exhibition, or SURF 2019, which is scheduled to be held in November, in order to share his startup experience with local businesses.

In reply, the Finnish businessman affirmed he was always willing to lend a helping hand to the city to create a typical startup model during its development of innovation and startup activities in the time ahead.

Mr Peter Vesterbacka is the former Director of the Rovio Entertainment Corporation, a games-first entertainment company in Finland.

He is also known as the founder of more than 40 technological and educational startups. In 2011, he was named amongst Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World.