From direct pressures such as fuel prices and interest rates to the challenge of risk management in supply chains, enterprises in the Northern coastal region are striving to find new directions amid the storm of economic volatility. By creating an open dialogue space, VCCI Northern Coastal Region has recorded numerous practical recommendations while activating specialized training and investment promotion programs, helping the business community strengthen competitiveness and internal capacity.

Overview of the “Entrepreneurs’ Coffee” session with the theme “Middle East conflicts – Impacts on businesses”

From geopolitical conflicts to input cost pressures

On the morning of April 23, the “Entrepreneurs’ Coffee” session with the theme “Middle East conflicts – Impacts on businesses” heated up with candid discussions from representatives of key sectors. In reality, fluctuations from distant regions such as the Middle East are directly transmitting impacts to local production and business activities, especially in transport, logistics, seaports, and import-export sectors.

Mr. Phi Trong Duc – Acting Director of VCCI Northern Coastal Region – noted that businesses are struggling under a “spiral” of rising costs. From inflation and bank interest rates to unpredictable labor market fluctuations, all are creating compounded pressure. This meeting is not merely a networking opportunity but, more importantly, a channel to capture voices from real practice for VCCI to consolidate and propose timely solutions to competent authorities.

Mr. Phi Trong Duc – Acting Director of VCCI Northern Coastal Region speaks

Mr. Le Van Tien – Chairman of the Hai Phong Transport Association – shared his concerns: “Transport enterprises play a dual role, both as service providers in the supply chain and as direct consumers. When fuel prices fluctuate, we are caught in a dilemma: if we do not adjust freight rates, we incur losses, but how to adjust them in line with market tolerance is a difficult problem.”

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha – Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Tung Lam Development Joint Stock Company, representing Quang Ninh Import-Export Company – said that import-export enterprises are facing a “double impact.” With international contracts often signed annually, daily fluctuations in freight rates due to fuel price changes leave businesses unable to respond in time. Many enterprises are in urgent need of “lifeline” support policies from the Government to sustain operations during this difficult period.

Mr. Nguyen Mong Lan – General Director of VICO Co., Ltd. expressed his expectation that VCCI and business associations will further support small and medium enterprises in the coming time

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Mong Lan – General Director of VICO Co., Ltd. – expressed his hope that VCCI and the Hai Phong Business Association would advise ministries and sectors to support SMEs in expanding production land funds, reforming policies and administrative procedures, and assisting with legal procedures related to tax declarations. In particular, reforms should be closely aligned with practical needs, especially Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP, which has created a “runway” for business development and growth.

The “key” to self-transformation and breakthrough

Facing global challenges, entrepreneurs and experts at the program agreed that if the wind cannot be changed, businesses must adjust their sails. This reflects the spirit of self-transformation and strengthening internal governance capacity.

Ms. Pham Thi Ha Thu – Northeast Regional Director of the Vietnam Industrial Park Supply Enterprises Association and Director of Nam Ninh Petroleum Co., Ltd. – shared valuable experience in risk management. According to her, in a volatile market, establishing flexible contractual terms and proactively negotiating stable trading conditions are ways for businesses to protect themselves. “We need to shift from traditional business approaches to risk scenario-based management, while expecting associations to serve as a support platform for enhancing adaptability,” she emphasized.

Mr. Tran Van Thang – Chairman of the Hai Phong Business Association believes that enterprises need to proactively build distinctive internal strengths to enhance competitiveness

From the perspective of a business representative organization, Mr. Tran Van Thang – Chairman of the Hai Phong Business Association – stated that current challenges are a “test” of governance capacity. Enterprises need to proactively build distinctive internal strengths to enhance competitiveness, rather than waiting for support, and must actively “self-transform” to quickly adapt to market developments.

The Hai Phong Business Association committed to closely coordinating with VCCI Northern Coastal Region to serve as a strong bridge, conveying the concerns and aspirations of the business community to the appropriate state management agencies.

Concluding the dialogue, Mr. Phi Trong Duc affirmed that VCCI Northern Coastal Region will strongly innovate its mode of operation in the coming time. Beyond networking events, it will focus more deeply on risk management training, investment promotion, and especially coordinate with departments and agencies to organize specialized sessions on taxation, land, and finance. The ultimate goal is to build an open and transparent business ecosystem, where enterprises can easily collaborate and use each other’s services to form a strong network, jointly overcoming “big waves” and moving toward sustainable development in the future.