The Golden Rose Cup 2013 - an award for outstanding, exemplary women entrepreneurs in Vietnam - is scheduled for March 1, 2014 in Hanoi. The award is in recognition and honour of the significant contributions of Vietnamese women entrepreneurs - roses not only beautiful with honest smiles, but also with “steely” calibre in waves and storms of business market - to the overall success of national construction and development. Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Ms Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, on this event. Anh Phuong reports.
What is the significance of this year's award? How do you assess “Golden Roses 2013”?
On the occasion of the International Women's Day 2014, March 8, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Central Committee of Vietnam Women's Union (VWU) jointly organised the “Vietnamese Exemplary Women Entrepreneurs Award - Golden Rose Cup.
The award is themed "Vietnamese women entrepreneurs shining" because the organisers really value and appreciate their contributions amid global economic recession and domestic economic challenges. They have gained exceptional business achievements, deserving to be recognised as Golden Roses.
Candidates are mainly female leaders of agricultural and seafood producers and exporters, service providers and companies applying innovations that have won domestic and regional innovation awards.
This is a positive signal as women entrepreneurs are working in all fields and driving industries of our economy, not only fields with near-term advantages. This presents their talent and professionalism in shaping and operating businesses. Regarding this year’s Golden Rose Award, I am particularly impressed with the active cooperation and responsibility of nominated units. By the way, I would like to express deep gratitude to jury councils of localities, ministries, associations, corporations and groups for their effective response and cooperation to the success of Vietnamese Exemplary Women Entrepreneurs Award - Golden Rose Cup 2013".
Before such difficulties, many Vietnamese women emerged and gained the respect of both domestic and international businesspeople. How do you think about these stars?
"Finding opportunities in challenges" is one of main topics of the annual Global Summit of Women. Perhaps, this is why many businesswomen manage to find out “way-outs" when business environment and conditions are volatile, opportunities reduce and challenges always lurk.
2013 was a turbulent year for most enterprises but it was also a successful year for many women entrepreneurs in Vietnam like Mai Kieu Lien, Chairwoman and CEO of Vinamilk; Nguyen Thi Le Hong, Chairwoman and CEO of Dong Nai Food Industry Corporation (DOFICO); Pham Thi Viet Nga, Chairwoman of Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (DHG); Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Executive President of Sovico Holdings; Nguyen Thi Mai Thanh, Chairwoman of Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (REE); and Dinh Thi Hoa, Chairwoman of Thien Ngan Company. They are Top 10 Vietnamese businesswomen voted by Forbes in 2013.
Specially, on September 23, 2013 in Turkey, the Federation of Asia-pacific Retailers Associations (FAPRA) hosted a ceremony to announce and present the Fapra Awards 2013 for outstanding retailers in 2013. For the first time, a Vietnamese retailer - Saigon Co.op - was honoured with this award. Also in 2013, Saigon Co.op 2013 increased its ranking in the Top 500 Asia - Pacific retailers. The cooperative is led by Ms Nguyen Thi Hanh.
The Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council (VWEC) is very proud of Vietnamese businesswomen. Their successes help build the image and brand of the Vietnamese business community. Besides, this is a treasure of valuable experience for future entrepreneurs.
Reportedly, the candidates include many successful young businesswomen. So, what is your opinion about the next generation of entrepreneurs?
This year’s Golden Rose Award is somewhat different from previous years because it includes the next generation of women entrepreneurs although they account for a small proportion. Notable faces include Nguyen Thi Thu Ha from Bao Son Construction Investment and Tourism Group Joint Stock Company and Do Vu Phuong Anh from Doji Gold and Gems Group Joint Stock Company. This is really a professional continuation and is a good sign for the attention and response of young businesswomen to a prestigious award like the Golden Rose.
If the starting point and motivation of business start-up of previous generations is largely from the desire to escape poverty, the burning passion and the family experience, current generations of young entrepreneurs emerge from the platform built from knowledge plus family handovers. What young entrepreneurs may need to learn from older generations are experience and adaptability to changing business conditions and environments.
We can totally trust young businesswomen, who really are enthusiastic, creative, confident, knowledgeable and skilful.
On the occasion of International Women's Day 2014, do you have any wishes to express to Vietnamese women entrepreneurs?
On the occasion of the 104th anniversary of International Women's Day, March 8, I would like to send my sincerest gratitude to all women entrepreneurs nationwide for their huge contributions to building the image of Vietnamese businesswomen and the image of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council.
Wish all good health, a burning passion for self, family and business. Wish all success in life and in business.
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