More than 180 entrepreneurs and business executives representing enterprises from various localities participated in the CEO VCCI 2026 program. Photo: Dinh Dai.

Amid unprecedented technological transformation and intense market competition facing both the global and Vietnamese economies, the Ho Chi Minh City Branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI-HCM) officially launched the CEO VCCI 2026 Executive Leadership Program. The event marks nearly a decade of building and supporting Vietnam’s entrepreneurial community.

Addressing sustainability amid an increasingly competitive market

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem, Director of VCCI-HCM, emphasized that the economy is currently undergoing a particularly significant period of change. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), deep digital transformation, and complex geopolitical developments are presenting businesses with both historic opportunities and unprecedented challenges.

To illustrate the urgency of strengthening management capabilities, Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem shared noteworthy statistics from the first five months of 2026. While Vietnam’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, with nearly 95,000 newly established enterprises, an increase of 42.1% compared to the same period in 2025, bringing the total number of newly established and reactivated enterprises to approximately 140,000, the number of businesses exiting the market has also reached an alarming level.

VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem speaks at the opening ceremony. Photo: Dinh Dai.

According to Mr. Liem, nearly 110,000 enterprises withdrew from the market during the same period, highlighting the limited stability and sustainability of the private sector.

“Businesses can invest heavily in advanced technologies and rapidly adopt AI in their operations. However, the decisive factor for long-term and sustainable success remains the resilience, strategic vision, and capabilities of business leaders,” he stressed.

Sharing a similar perspective from the standpoint of a financial institution providing capital to businesses, Mr. Ha Huy Cuong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Nam A Bank, noted that the current wave of market elimination is exceptionally severe. He pointed out that beyond challenges related to capital, operating costs, and human resources, the underlying cause of many business failures lies in weaknesses in corporate governance.

“Businesses that leave the market are essentially the bank’s customers. Their difficulties directly translate into risks for lending activities. Therefore, supporting enterprises in building strong governance foundations is a fundamental solution that helps them remain resilient, grow sustainably, and reduce bad debt risks for the banking system,” Mr. Cuong explained.

Mr. Ha Huy Cuong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Nam A Bank, noted that business difficulties directly impact lending activities. Photo: Dinh Dai.

Training strategy aligned with practical needs and national objectives

CEO VCCI 2026 is built around the central theme: “Leadership resilience in the age of AI and uncertainty.” The program is specifically designed not merely to provide academic knowledge but to focus on developing strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to create new value in the digital era.

The program aligns closely with major Party and State policies on developing a strong entrepreneurial force, particularly the spirit of Resolution No. 09-NQ/TW, Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW of the Politburo, and especially Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development. These policies aim to train 10,000 entrepreneurs through innovative leadership programs by 2030.

According to VCCI-HCM Director Tran Ngoc Liem, achieving the country’s targeted double-digit GDP growth rate of 10% or higher from this year onward will require the private sector to achieve annual growth of at least 10–12 percent. To contribute to this goal, VCCI’s training programs have pioneered a new approach by reducing academic theory and increasing practical learning through direct sharing, mentorship, and inspiration from experienced business leaders.

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone as the CEO VCCI program approaches its tenth anniversary. From its earliest cohorts, the program has grown into a network connecting thousands of entrepreneurs and senior executives, creating a dynamic and collaborative CEO ecosystem built on continuous learning.

“The most valuable asset created by this program over nearly a decade is not the certificates awarded, but the genuine business network that has been built. Through this community, numerous strategic alliances have been formed, new enterprises have been established, and many business leaders have found investors, strategic partners, and trusted companions for their entrepreneurial journeys,” Mr. Tran Ngoc Liem affirmed.