Vice Chairman of VCCI Nguyen Quang Vinh, Chairman of ASEAN BAC Vietnam at the Event (Photo: Truong Dang)

On September 6, 2024, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Vietnam held a press conference at the headquarters of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi to introduce the 101st ASEAN BAC Meeting and the Council's activities for 2024.

At the event, VCCI Vice Chairman Nguyễn Quang Vinh emphasized that the press conference marks the beginning of many upcoming activities of ASEAN BAC Vietnam aimed at promoting regional economic cooperation and enhancing the role of Vietnamese enterprises on the international stage.

During the press conference, VCCI leaders introduced ASEAN BAC, a council established in April 2003 by the decision of ASEAN Leaders, with the mission of advancing regional economic integration efforts. Since then, ASEAN BAC has served as a bridge between the business community and ASEAN high-level leaders, providing recommendations to promote regional economic cooperation.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Kien, Deputy Head of VCCI’s International Relations Department, Introduces the Press Conference Event (Photo: Truong Dang)

Currently, ASEAN BAC Vietnam has three official members appointed by the Prime Minister, including: Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Chairman of ASEAN BAC Vietnam; Ms. Nguyen Thị Nga, Chairman of BRG Group and member of ASEAN BAC Vietnam; Mr. Thân Đức Việt, General Director of May 10 Corporation and member of ASEAN BAC Vietnam.

In 2024, the 101st ASEAN BAC Meeting will take place from September 13-14, 2024, at the InterContinental Westlake Hotel in Hanoi. The event will bring together ASEAN BAC members, including top business leaders and reputable trade and investment promotion organizations from Southeast Asia and around the world.

The leaders will focus on discussing various issues related to the year’s agenda, such as the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS); ASEAN Business Awards (ABA); ASEAN BAC’s Heritage Projects; preparations for the report to ASEAN Leaders and ASEAN Economic Ministers; and ASEAN BAC’s 2025 plans.

Additionally, to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and international partners, ASEAN BAC will also host the 24th Joint Business Council (JBC 24) meeting to engage and exchange with JBC members (comprising 10 key ASEAN BAC partners: Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, UK, US).

The press conference attracted a large number of reporters and journalists from major news agencies in Vietnam (Photo: Truong Dang)

During Laos' presidency of ASEAN BAC, the JBC meeting will focus on issues of concern to the business community, including trade and investment; digital transformation; green economy and energy transition; and supply chain connectivity.

According to the VCCI Vice Chairman, ASEAN BAC 101 and JBC 24 are opportunities for Vietnam to demonstrate its proactive role in promoting regional economic cooperation while providing Vietnamese businesses with better access and deeper integration into the ASEAN economy. Notably, during the meeting, the ASEAN BAC Chairpersons from various countries are expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Vietnam to report on the Council's major activities and invite the Prime Minister to attend and speak at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS) 2024, scheduled for October 2024 in Vientiane, Laos.

With the theme for ASEAN 2024 being “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” ASEAN BAC will organize several significant events in 2024, including:

• ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS) 2024: Expected to be held from October 8-11, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos. This major event, held alongside the ASEAN Summit, will provide regional businesses with the opportunity to engage directly with ASEAN high-level leaders.

• ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2024: Launched in June 2024 and scheduled to present awards in October 2024. ABA is a prestigious award organized annually by ASEAN BAC since 2007 to honor ASEAN businesses with outstanding achievements and significant contributions to regional development.

• Dialogue between ASEAN Leaders and ASEAN BAC Members: This annual event, held during ASEAN High-Level Week, aims to discuss and formulate important economic policies for the region.

VCCI Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh hopes that active participation in these activities will not only enhance the standing of Vietnamese businesses in the region but also create opportunities for sustainable cooperation and development in the future.