Speaking at the opening of the high-level forum titled "Development of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for Innovation and Creativity in Quang Nam 2023," organized by the Business Forum Magazine in collaboration with the Provincial Startup Support Steering Committee of Quang Nam and the National Startup Innovation Advisory Council (VSMA) on August 24, 2023, Mr. Pham Tan Cong, Chairman of VCCI, emphasized that today's forum demonstrates the determination of VCCI, the Ministry of Science and Technology, along with various ministries, sectors, and provinces/regions in the Central Highlands, to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and stimulate the startup movement at the local level. This is the second high-level forum on the entrepreneurship ecosystem for innovation and creativity organized this year, following the one held for the Red River Delta region in May in Nam Dinh.

According to the Chairman of VCCI, after 21 years of dedication to the National Startup Program initiated by VCCI in 2002 and maintained to this day, along with various programs supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, VCCI takes pride in leading the way in igniting the entrepreneurial spirit and contributing to the growth of the startup movement in Vietnam. Thousands of young people have participated in thousands of creative startup projects, and thousands of entrepreneurs have emerged from this cradle.

Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Pham Tan Cong delivered the opening speech at the high-level forum: "Development of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for Innovation and Creativity in Quang Nam 2023."

As of now, Vietnam ranks 48th out of 132 countries in the Global Innovation Index (according to the World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO), trailing only behind Singapore (7th) and Thailand (43rd) in the Southeast Asian region. According to the annual reports by DO Ventures and Cento Ventures, Vietnam's startup ecosystem currently holds the 3rd position among the top 6 economies in ASEAN, following Indonesia and Singapore.

"VCCI is also at the forefront of efforts, along with local authorities, to improve the business environment. In the context of the country's economic challenges, startup enterprises also have to face common market difficulties, so the continued improvement of the business environment in provinces and cities is crucial. A favorable and transparent business environment for enterprises, as well as active and close involvement of provincial/city leaders in guidance, will help local businesses confidently overcome challenges," informed Chairman Pham Tan Cong.

In the case of Quang Nam province, VCCI acknowledges that it is a province with many innovations in supporting the startup community within its territory. The efforts to build elements in the local startup ecosystem and expand collaborative partnerships beyond the province are yielding positive results.

According to Mr. Pham Tan Cong, the Central Highlands - Central Coast region is an area with significant potential and advantages in the development of the blue economy, renewable energy, tourism, and sustainable agriculture and forestry. Therefore, promoting entrepreneurship and innovative startups in these potential and advantageous areas will be a driving force for sustainable economic development in the Central Highlands - Central Coast region.

"In the past three years, since VCCI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education and Training, organized the selection of Outstanding Localities in building the startup ecosystem, some provinces in the Central Coast region have had the honor of receiving this title, such as Quang Nam (in 2020), Thua Thien - Hue (in 2021), and Nghe An (in 2022). The startup community in the Central Coast region has had more opportunities to participate in various activities of the National Startup Program directed by VCCI, including training for startup enterprises, advisor training, lecturer training for startup resources, national and international startup forums, and project development programs (formerly known as startup competitions)," shared Chairman Pham Tan Cong.

The high-level forum, "Development of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for Innovation and Creativity in Quang Nam 2023," was jointly organized by the Business Forum Magazine in collaboration with the Provincial Startup Support Steering Committee of Quang Nam and the National Startup Innovation Advisory Council (VSMA) on August 24, 2023.

Regarding Quang Nam province, VCCI acknowledges that it is a province with many innovations in supporting the local startup community. They have made efforts to build elements in the local startup ecosystem and expand collaborative partnerships beyond the province, which are yielding many positive outcomes. Particularly, startup enterprises in the province have had the opportunity to participate in various annual activities of the National Startup Program, such as 1-1-1 coaching support (1 coach, 1 advisor, and 1 project team) for a duration of 2 to 4 months, resulting in 4 startup enterprises from Quang Nam winning second place and being in the Top 10 of the National Startup Project Development Program in 2021 and 2022. The support from the coaching program has helped startup enterprises in Quang Nam province secure investments from venture capitalists.

"The government has also set a target for the development of Vietnamese businesses, aiming to have around 1.5 million active businesses by 2025 and at least 2 million by 2030. I believe that with the right direction and the support and conditions provided by the Party and the State, along with the intelligence and creative capabilities of the Vietnamese people, the startup movement will continue to spread, and Vietnam will make new strides on the global map of entrepreneurship and innovation. VCCI is committed to continuing to work closely with the Central Highlands - Central Coast provinces in supporting the enhancement of the local startup ecosystem and contributing to increasing the number of innovative startup enterprises. As a member of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), VCCI will support the startup community in actively participating in entrepreneurship activities in the ASEAN and international regions," affirmed Chairman Pham Tan Cong.

On the occasion of this event, VCCI's leadership also expects that localities, relevant units, and startup entities will collaborate to support and guide businesses, including startup enterprises, in overcoming current challenges and achieving growth.

Under the guidance of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee, the Business Forum Magazine, in coordination with the Provincial Startup Support Steering Committee of Quang Nam and the National Startup Innovation Advisory Council (VSMA), organized the high-level forum: "Development of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for Innovation and Creativity."

This event is part of a series of activities under the National Startup Program 2023 and the Quang Nam Creative Startup Day 2023 - TechFest Quang Nam 2023, aimed at implementing the government's entrepreneurship initiative.

The event attracted the participation of Central Economic Committee leaders, ministers, departments, and regional leaders of the Central Highlands - Central Coast, international guests, entrepreneurs, universities and colleges, startup promotion and support organizations, business associations from provinces and cities, startup funds, media agencies, and the involvement of startups and youth.

This is the second forum organized with a theme related to the local entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, following the first forum dedicated to the Red River Delta region held in May 2023 in Nam Dinh.

According to Tuan Vy. Photo: Mac Thanh Son (Business Forum Magazine).