VCCI Branch in HCM City: Increasing Efficient Activities for Business Community

VCCI Branch in HCM City:  Increasing Efficient Activities for Business Community

VIB Forum interview with Mr Nguyen Huu Hai, member of VCCI Standing Committee and Director General, VCCI Branch in Ho Chi Minh City

Could you introduce the activities of the HCM City VCCI branch in 2004?

In 2004, the branch received over 350 foreign delegations with some 1,500 business people, organised over 100 seminars and business meetings for 5,000 participants in association with foreign partners, and provided Vietnamese businesses with useful information on markets and technologies to establish business cooperation with foreign companies.

The branch sent five business missions consisting of over 100 enterprises to market survey and fairs in the US, Australia, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, among others. Several contracts and MOUs were signed during the visits. In 2004, several workshops and training courses were organised to improve the management and business skill of VCCI members. Other activities were also organised in localities such as the programme on “Capacity building over radio broadcasting” in Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc, “SME weeks” in Ben Tre and Tien Giang.

Together with activities on trade and investment promotion, the branch has organised an E-showroom to help the enterprises promote their trademarks, advise them on trade and financial problems, and issued bulletins and other publications to update information on  markets, prices, businesses and related economic developments.

In 2004, the branch signed cooperation agreements with Municipal Foreign Department, IZ and EPZ Management Board, and maintained close cooperation with foreign Consulates General, Commercial Sections and Business Associations in Ho Chi Minh City.

How do you help the enterprises develop markets and trademarks?

The branch focuses on the promotion of Vietnamese products, advising the enterprises to maintain stable markets at home with competitive products and services. To expand to foreign markets, they must understand fully the law and practice of concerned countries. It is most important that they must upgrade the managerial skill of their staff. E-commerce is also an important means to develop markets and trademarks.

And your membership development plan in 2005?

To be a true representative of the business community, VCCI must increase its membership. In 2005, we will increase the training of businesses and entrepreneurs, continue the programmes of business culture and trademarks meeting the increasing demand of the business community. We will open a database and website on VCCI membership. In 2005, the branch is tipped to admit 500 new members, increasing the number under its management to 2,500 enterprises.

Have you any comment on the role of mass media concerning the business community?

Mass media have played an important role in reflecting the problems as well as the achievements of the business community, contributing to the improvement of the business environment. I hope that in the New Year, they will continue to be true companions encouraging Vietnamese businesses in socio-economic development and regional and world integration.