As a member of the VCCI Executive Board, could you please share about the role of VCCI in the business community and entrepreneurs?

Over the past 20 years, the business community and entrepreneurs of Vinh Phuc province have witnessed the important role of VCCI. VCCI has implemented the Cooperation Agreement for the 2016-2020 period and the Commitment between the Vinh Phuc Provincial People's Committee and VCCI to establish a favorable business environment for enterprises.

The Association has signed a "Cooperation Program" with the Labor Employment Office (VCCI) to organize various activities, particularly emphasizing its role as a permanent agency of the provincial coordinating board in connecting businesses and educational institutions in training and recruitment. The Association has also established a Consultation Team for automotive technology skills to connect workforce training with the specific needs of businesses.

Every year, the Vinh Phuc Provincial Enterprise Association compiles reports summarizing its cooperative activities with provincial departments and sectors in Vinh Phuc, as well as with VCCI departments, to develop plans and programs for the following year based on the signed agreements.

VCCI has collaborated with Vinh Phuc province to organize workshops to enhance the index of business support services; investment promotion conferences on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the province's reestablishment (2016); and signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vinh Phuc Provincial Enterprise Association and the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (in 2018) to promote and improve the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). Through these efforts, specialized agencies have conducted research, surveys, and provided advice to Vinh Phuc on fundamental solutions to enhance competitiveness and attract investors to the province.

Furthermore, through the Association, VCCI has advised, supported, and assisted Vinh Phuc in conducting investigations and surveys of departments, sectors, districts, and cities to assess their District Competitiveness Index (DDCI). As a result, provincial leaders and relevant departments, sectors, districts, and cities have identified their strengths and limitations, allowing them to develop positive solutions for the future, aiming to better serve businesses.

Chairman of VCCI, Mr. Pham Tan Cong, awarded the Certificate of Vinh Phuc province being among the top 10 provinces and cities with excellent economic governance quality in 2022.

Recently, the new generation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has been signed, bringing numerous benefits to businesses. Through VCCI, state management agencies and enterprises have recognized the advantages and challenges brought about by FTAs. This helps businesses find solutions to leverage advantages, overcome difficulties, bottlenecks, and effectively develop their production and business activities, resulting in high economic efficiency.

In the coming time, VCCI will continue to serve as a key facilitator in promoting and introducing Vinh Phuc province's investment environment to domestic and foreign investors, aiming to further improve and enhance the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). The Vinh Phuc Provincial People's Committee will create all necessary conditions for VCCI to implement activities supporting businesses.

- How do you evaluate the contributions of the PCI to economic growth in Vinh Phuc?

The PCI is a tool that helps the national government assess the investment environment and promote administrative reform, simplification of administrative procedures, and reduction of time and cost. It helps the government gain a deep understanding of strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the index and stimulate local economic and social development.

In the recent PCI report, Vinh Phuc province achieved a score of 68.91, ranking 8th in the PCI index. Particularly noteworthy is Vinh Phuc's 4th position nationwide in terms of business support policies. In 2022, with a comprehensive set of solutions and breakthroughs in governance, Vinh Phuc's economic landscape has become more vibrant. The province's growth rate has consistently been among the top 10 provinces and cities nationwide, reaching the highest level since 2014 and surpassing the national average. The budget revenue has reached 40,353 billion VND, the highest ever recorded. Moreover, the local authorities have made remarkable efforts to enhance the quality of governance, improve the business environment, and attract investment.

We believe that VCCI will continue to play a unifying role in helping the Vinh Phuc Provincial Enterprise Association fulfill its functions and responsibilities, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its member businesses, providing advice and support, and serving as a bridge between the government and businesses.

Thank you very much.