Hanoi (VNA) – As an organisation gathering and representing the business community, entrepreneurs, employers and trade associations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has performed its tasks well, making important contributions to the common achievements of the country, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the VCCI's 12th national congress in Hanoi on December 31.

The Government leader said that the Party and State highly value the efforts of the business community and entrepreneurs in adapting to COVID-19 situation to maintain production and income for labourers, while supporting each other to overcome challenges.

The Government understands and shares the difficulties and challenges facing enterprises, and is working hard to support them during the recovery process, he said.

The PM asked the VCCI to further improve its operational efficiency, engage more in building policies on important areas of the economy, and foster linkage among enterprises.

He said that the 13th National Party Congress has set a target of turning Vietnam into a developing country with modernity-oriented  industry and upper middle income in 2030 and a developed country with high income in 2045, which means higher responsibility and heavy tasks for the whole political system and people, especially the business community.

Affirming that businesses are the centre and the subject of production and business activities and the heart of the economy, PM Chinh underlined the need for the VCCI to work harder for a united and strong business community.

At the same time, the VCCI should make more contributions to institutional reform and business environment improvement,while making best use of business development support programmes, strengthening high technology application for higher productivity, fostering connections among enterprises and paying greater attention to small and medium-sized as well as women-led enterprises, he said.

The Government leader also requested ministries, sectors and localities to continue coordinating closely with and assisting the VCCI to effectively implement its activities for a stronger business community in the future.

During the two-day congress, participants agreed on six major tasks and solutions for the VCCI in the time to come, including promoting the building of a favourable business environment, pioneering in forming Vietnam’s business culture, building and reinforcing public confidence in Vietnamese businesses and products, and accelerating digital transformation among enterprises. 

They elected an executive board with 93 members representing nearly 200,000 firms and more than 220 business associations across the country. They also agreed to change the Vietnamese name of the VCCI to Vietnam Federation of Industry and Trade. Its name in English remained unchanged./.