In Thái Nguyên, this role has been clearly demonstrated through improvements in the business environment. A reporter spoke with Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thời, Chairman of the Thái Nguyên Business Association, about this ongoing partnership.

Entrepreneur Nguyễn Văn Thời, Chairman of the Thái Nguyên Business Association, speaks with Business Forum Magazine (Photo: Vũ Phường)

- How do you assess VCCI’s role in connecting the business community and supporting local enterprises over the past 63 years?

Amid increasingly complex global economic fluctuations, VCCI’s role has become more important than ever. Beyond serving as the national representative organization for the business community, VCCI has affirmed its position as a steadfast bridge linking Vietnamese enterprises with the global economy.

For an industrializing province like Thái Nguyên, this connection is vital. VCCI has helped link local businesses with multinational corporations and strategic investors, opening up international market access.

VCCI regularly organizes training and in-depth workshops on agreements such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP, enabling enterprises to better understand and access these frameworks.

Moreover, through trade promotion missions organized by VCCI, many businesses in Thái Nguyên have had the opportunity to engage directly with multinational corporations, seek export partners, and learn advanced technologies. VCCI acts as a reputable “sponsor,” giving local SMEs greater confidence when negotiating in international markets. Without VCCI’s support, the journey to global markets would be far more challenging and risky.

In particular, I highly appreciate VCCI’s role in addressing bottlenecks in land, tax, and customs procedures. These issues have been acknowledged and resolved by the Government in a timely manner, enabling businesses to enter the market more quickly and sustainably.

Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thời, Chairman of the Board of TNG Land, receives the investment approval decision for the TNG Việt Bắc social housing project, with total investment exceeding VND 1,200 billion (Photo: Vũ Phường)

- PCI is one of VCCI’s most notable initiatives. In your view, how has this tool influenced administrative reform and competitiveness in Thái Nguyên?

It can be affirmed that VCCI plays a leading role in driving administrative reform and improving the investment climate in Vietnam, most notably through the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI).

For Thái Nguyên, PCI is not merely a ranking but a “mirror” reflecting the real experiences of businesses. VCCI has developed this index with great objectivity, enabling provincial authorities to identify bottlenecks in administrative procedures, land access, and informal costs.

Thanks to VCCI’s in-depth analytical reports, the Thái Nguyên Business Association has had a solid basis to advise provincial leaders during dialogues. This indirect yet powerful impact has fostered healthy competition among localities, pushing administrative systems to shift from a “management” mindset to a “service-oriented” approach. As a result, a more transparent, competitive, and business-friendly environment has been created, giving enterprises greater confidence for long-term investment.

- What are your expectations for future cooperation between VCCI and the Thái Nguyên Business Association in building a sustainable business community?

Our expectations are high. We hope VCCI will continue to strengthen its role as a “strategic advisor” to the business community.

As digital transformation and green transition become essential, we expect VCCI to further support local enterprises with access to technology and green finance.

We also hope VCCI will continue to act as an “extended arm,” conveying policy challenges from local practice to central authorities in a timely manner, thereby helping resolve difficulties faced by businesses.

Finally, we expect the relationship between VCCI and the Thái Nguyên Business Association to grow even closer, going beyond seminars to become a truly substantive partnership in each project and support initiative. A strong business community is built on solid linkages, and VCCI is the most important pillar in that ecosystem.

- Thank you very much.