VCCI President Hồ Sỹ Hùng speaks at the conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

On the morning of April 2, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) held the 12th Executive Committee Conference of the 7th tenure, focusing on discussing a range of important issues related to the development of the business community in the new context, while also reviewing personnel work and adopting conference resolutions.

VCCI Vice President Nguyễn Quang Vinh speaks at the conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

According to the agenda, the conference listened to and provided opinions on several reports, including: the 2025 performance review and 2026 orientations and tasks; the report of the Inspection Committee; the report of the Standing Committee between the two conference sessions; and discussions on solutions to develop enterprises, improve the business environment, and implement relevant contents from the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.

Ms. Trần Thị Lan Anh at the Conference – Secretary General of VCCI. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

Representative of the VCCI Inspection Committee presents a report at the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

In his opening remarks, VCCI President Hồ Sỹ Hùng stated that the conference takes place in the context of a rapidly changing and complex global economy, with factors such as strategic competition, rising trade protectionism, supply chain restructuring, climate change, and the strong development of artificial intelligence.

Mr. Võ Tân Thành, Vice President of VCCI, attends the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

According to him, in this context, political determination for high growth and sustainable development is being concretized through a series of major resolutions of the Party and the State, particularly those on private sector development, science and technology, international integration, and institutional improvement. These form an important foundation for Vietnamese enterprises to make breakthroughs in the coming period.

Delegates attend the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

Enterprises recover positively but still face many pressures
Reports at the conference show that in 2025, Vietnam’s economy achieved a growth rate of 8.02%, with the economic size exceeding USD 500 billion, total import-export turnover surpassing USD 930 billion, and a trade surplus of USD 21.2 billion.

The business community recorded clear recovery signals as more than 297,000 enterprises entered and re-entered the market, up 27.4% compared to the previous year. However, the number of enterprises exiting the market remained high, at over 227,000, indicating that the resilience of the enterprise sector is still uneven.

The report of the Inspection Committee stated that supervisory activities were carried out in accordance with regulations, with no complaints or denunciations arising in 2025; financial operations were basically ensured despite fluctuations in revenue sources.

Speaking at the conference, VCCI leadership emphasized the need to translate major policies into concrete solutions based on practical business operations. The conference is not only for reviewing performance but also serves as a forum to gather recommendations and proposals to remove barriers, unlock resources, and create conditions for enterprises to develop more strongly in the coming period.

Delegates attend the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

In this context, VCCI continues to promote its role in policy advocacy and improving the investment and business environment. In 2025, the organization contributed opinions on 446 draft legal documents and organized 52 policy consultation conferences and workshops with more than 5,300 participants.

Support activities for enterprises were implemented on a larger scale. VCCI organized 821 training courses for more than 46,000 enterprises, focusing on corporate governance, digital transformation, and enhancing competitiveness.

Delegates attend the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

Trade promotion and international integration activities continued their upward momentum. During the year, VCCI received 213 foreign business delegations and organized 43 outbound missions of Vietnamese enterprises to explore cooperation opportunities and expand markets.

From an organizational perspective, VCCI continued restructuring and streamlining its apparatus, reducing units from 34 to 24, gradually improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Delegates attend the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

Continuing the implementation of major Party resolutions
At the conference, delegates spent considerable time discussing orientations and tasks for 2026, the final year of the 7th tenure and a preparatory phase for the 8th VCCI Congress.

According to the draft work program, VCCI will continue implementing major Party resolutions, with emphasis on private sector development, innovation, international integration, and legal improvement.

Delegates attend the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

Several specific targets were set, including: attracting around 1,000 enterprises to adopt the Corporate Sustainability Index; increasing membership by 6%; increasing membership fee revenue by 15%; implementing programs to support enterprises in enhancing competitiveness; and organizing large-scale national events.

In terms of institutional development, VCCI will continue to improve the quality of policy feedback and critique, participate in administrative procedure reform, and promote a more transparent and favorable business environment for enterprises.

Overview of the Conference. Photo: Tuấn Hùng

Enterprise support activities will focus on digital transformation, sustainable development, human resource training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthening market connections both domestically and internationally.

According to the report of the Standing Committee, from now until the end of the term, VCCI will focus on completing the remaining targets while making comprehensive preparations for the 8th Congress, including organizational structure, personnel, and operational methods.