Scene at the mid-term Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) 2018 (Photo: VOV)

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and the VBF Alliance, the event is geared to be a mechanism for promoting dialogue between the Vietnamese government and businesses both domestic and foreign, to improve the business environment for the development of the private economic sector and Vietnam’s sustainable development.

In his opening speech, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said the business community in Vietnam, both foreign-invested and domestic enterprises, has become an important driving force for the country’s economic development.

WB’s Country Director for Vietnam, Ousmane Dione, said Vietnam’s economy should rely on the business community to improve competitiveness and productivity. He said that leadership is important for Vietnam to reform and improve relationship and connection at all levels. leadership should be strengthened to create a better business environment. It's necessary to build real connection between domestic and foreign businesses, Ousmane Dione said. He added that Vietnamese businesses should further improve their competitiveness to meet demands and challenges to move forward in the 4th Industrial Revolution.