THE HANOI TIMES — The business community and foreign investors speak to The Hanoi Times about their strong impression of Hanoi’s emergence as a regional hub for international cooperation and innovation, driven by its strategic location and rapidly developing knowledge-based economy.

Lam Thuy Nga, Country Head of Global Corporate and International Mid-Market at HSBC Vietnam: Impressed by Hanoi’s commitment to business

I am deeply impressed by Hanoi’s efforts to realize the goals of Resolution No. 68 on private sector development, such as introducing a free business start-up consultation model under the city’s Public Administration Service Center.

This initiative makes it easier for individuals and organizations to register businesses through both in-person and online guidance.

The resolution strengthens confidence in the private sector as a key pillar and the most important driving force of Vietnam’s economy during this historic period of growth.

Hanoi, like many other localities, is actively embracing this direction. The private sector plays a vital role in Hanoi’s economy, contributing more than 45% of the city’s GRDP and creating nearly 80% of new jobs each year.

Every step, whether large or small, benefits private enterprises and encourages more people to pursue entrepreneurship.

Nishikawa Satoshi – Senior General Manager, Northern region and Hanoi Office, AEON Vietnam: A strategic position in Southeast Asia

Hanoi is widely recognized for its strategic location in Southeast Asia. Beyond manufacturing, the city’s diversified economy, which is also strong in services and tourism, is another attractive factor for investment and business.

The people and authorities of Hanoi are friendly, open and supportive, creating favorable conditions for reputable foreign companies.

Recent reforms aimed at decentralization are another positive sign. In the future, more administrative procedures will be handled directly by provincial and city governments, reducing processing times.

This is a very encouraging change, and we hope that in line with these policies, foreign-invested enterprises will continue to be treated on equal terms with local businesses.

Fiona Lee and Larissa Russell, Co-Founders of Pod Foods: Supportive policy environment

As a technology company, Pod Foods has benefited from favorable tax and financial policies that allow us to reinvest in R&D, staff training, and strengthening competitiveness in a volatile post-pandemic world.

The city also organizes regular business forums, giving us opportunities to engage in policy dialogue, share operational realities, and contribute recommendations.

In recent years, we have especially valued Hanoi’s strong push for digital transformation, both in its governance and in upgrading digital infrastructure.

Online public services are becoming increasingly efficient, while high-speed networks and reliable databases enable us to maintain a flexible work model, combining remote and office-based operations.

Phi Thi Cuc, Representative of Young Fast Optoelectronics (Vietnam): Strategic location for business growth

Being located in Hanoi offers a distinct advantage. For Young Fast, based in the Thach That–Quoc Oai Industrial Park, just 60 kilometers from the Noi Bai International Airport, logistics and goods transportation are very convenient.

Throughout our operations in Vietnam, we have received significant support from the Hanoi Industrial and Export Processing Zones Authority, which has always created favorable conditions to help us meet our business goals.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, applications and licensing were handled online and through courier services, eliminating the need for in-person visits.

Moreover, the authority has built a stable ecosystem that allows us to invest and grow. We hope the Vietnamese government will continue to expand supportive policies and incentives for foreign investors, enabling our sustainable development.

Tran Huy Tung, Co-Founder and Vietnam Market Representative, Vole Sporting Goods: An ideal environment for start-ups

As a young company in the sports sector, we find Hanoi an ideal place to start a business. The city offers a dynamic and transparent investment environment with a clear orientation that suits new business models.

We have also received valuable support from the city authorities in organizing events, engaging with the media, and participating in investment promotion programs.

Administrative reforms and digitalized procedures are especially helpful, allowing small businesses to cut costs, save time, and focus on production and branding.

That said, for emerging sports models such as pickleball, there is still no clear legal framework, making it difficult to apply for permits and organize events.

We hope that Hanoi will pilot flexible mechanisms for new models, strengthen coordination among agencies, and expand investment in public sports spaces in the inner city.