Speaking at the event, Mr. Vo Tan Thanh - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) - emphasized the special significance of this year's forum in the context of a volatile global economy, the supply chain is under pressure to restructure, while the fourth industrial revolution, digital transformation and innovation open up new growth drivers.

Mr. Vo Tan Thanh - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)

Mr. Thanh said that the Forum was initiated in 2013 and held in rotation in the Mekong countries, contributing to the formation of a large cooperation network, promoting many investment and trade projects, actively contributing to the common development of the region and the Mekong - Korea relationship through 12 previous events.

The theme of this year's Forum, "Digitalization and Innovation: Key to promoting Mekong - Korea enterprises to transform and cooperate", is considered to be topical and strategic.

This is considered a key factor to help countries and business communities overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and move towards sustainable and inclusive growth. In particular, for Vietnam, this event is also associated with the implementation of important Party resolutions such as Resolution 57-NQ/TW on science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation, along with Resolution 68-NQ/TW on developing the private economy into an important driving force of the economy. These orientations have deep similarities with the spirit of Mekong-Korea cooperation, creating a foundation for long-term and effective engagement.

Mekong countries are currently in urgent need of improving competitiveness, diversifying supply chains, developing the digital economy and promoting innovation. Meanwhile, Korea, as a strategic partner, possesses outstanding strengths in areas such as information technology, smart logistics, e-commerce and innovation. These are valuable experiences, knowledge and resources that Mekong countries, including Vietnam, wish to share and cooperate extensively.

This forum will focus on discussing three main topics: digitalizing trade and enhancing digital capabilities for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups; developing smart logistics - an increasingly important field in international trade; and promoting connectivity and investment cooperation between Mekong localities and Korea in the field of digitalization and innovation. Mr. Thanh emphasized that the business community is the central subject in the process of innovation and digital transformation, with small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and innovative enterprises being the pioneers in putting policy orientations into practice.

On the VCCI side, as a national organization representing the Vietnamese business community, Mr. Thanh pledged to accompany the Government in implementing Mekong - Korea cooperation. VCCI will also act as a bridge for Vietnamese, Korean and Mekong countries to strengthen connectivity, investment and trade cooperation, while promoting Vietnamese enterprises to innovate, start-up, digitally transform and participate more deeply in regional and global value chains.

With the attention and direction of the Government leaders, the support of ministries, branches and localities, and the active participation of the business community and international organizations, VCCI Vice Chairman Vo Tan Thanh expressed his belief that the 13th Mekong-Korea Business Forum will be a great success, opening up many new cooperation opportunities, contributing to strengthening the friendship, substantive, effective and comprehensive cooperation between Mekong countries and Korea.