Vietnam gov’t seek better understanding with FDI firms via annual forum

The Vietnam Business Forum (VBF), under the theme “FDI enterprises pioneer in implementing green growth strategies,” took place on Tuesday, serving as an annual platform for dialogue between the Vietnamese government and the foreign business community.

Over 600 attendees, including government authorities, business leaders, international organizations, diplomatic missions, and other stakeholders gathered for a discussion on significant issues shaping Vietnam's economic landscape.

The presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders from various ministries underscored the government's commitment to creating an environment conducive to (foreign direct investment) FDI and sustainable development.

This year, for the first time, the VBF combined its significant annual forum with the Prime Minister’s FDI Business Conference, marking a pivotal moment for over 600 attendees.

With a global focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, this year's forum highlighted the critical role of FDI in driving green growth initiatives. Organized by the VBF in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the World Bank Group, and the International Finance Corporation, the forum featured two main sessions.

The first session examines the role of FDI in the new context. Amidst evolving global dynamics, this session explored the changing role of FDI in Vietnam's economic landscape and proposed important recommendations for key economic policies.

The second one looked into the pioneering role of FDI enterprises in implementing green growth strategies. This session announced the VBF ESG survey report conducted in late 2023 and early 2024, compiling perspectives of foreign companies operating in Vietnam. The study, which gathered over 650 responses, offered valuable insights into the Vietnamese business environment, including the status of ESG development and its alignment with the prevailing Vietnamese business context.

This session also spotlighted exemplary FDI enterprises that shared their best practices in integrating green growth strategies into their operations.

“The Annual Vietnam Business Forum & FDI Business Conference this year served as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to driving sustainable economic growth. Sustainability is an imperative for the prosperity of our planet and future generations. By spotlighting the pivotal role of FDI enterprises in pioneering green growth strategies, we aimed to inspire actionable solutions that benefit businesses and society at large,” said VBF co-chairman Nitin Kapoor.