President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Mr. Pham Tan Cong

What do you think about 2022?

2022 is the most unpredictable year, even leading economic experts do not confidently forecast the situation for 2022. The world economies and Vietnam are both dependent on the evolution of the pandemic. This development will change the opportunities and challenges posed to the business community.

In your point of view, how is the Vietnamese business community affected and must respond?

Experience in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in the second half of the year in our country shows that the economy in general and the business community still have fast and strong growth, especially in export activities. Vietnam is an open economy, with the total import-export turnover in 2021 reaching a record of US$668.5 billion, a very strong increase of 22.6% compared to 2020. In particular, exports grew even more.

In the last months of 2021, due to a shortage of supply due to supply chain disruptions, Vietnamese enterprises have seized the opportunity to become a place of production and export.

This shows that, even in difficulties, we still have many advantages. Therefore, the year can open up a lot of opportunities for Vietnamese businesses if they are flexible and able to respond well.

Because Vietnam's per capita income is still low, the domestic market only contributes a part to growth, Vietnamese businesses still have to rely heavily on foreign markets.

Therefore, if businesses seize the opportunity, forecast and predict the supply and demand movements of the world market, it will determine Vietnam's position in the global value chain, becoming a great potential for the development of Vietnamese enterprises.

If we can do that, Vietnamese enterprises will have more opportunities than difficulties in 2022. As a result, businesses can build the "foundations" for their development ambitions in the coming years.

With the solidarity and creativity of businesses and the inspiration from leaders of the Party, State and Government, I believe that Vietnamese enterprises have more momentum so that they can overcome any difficulties and complete the set goals.

Producing electronic components at Youngbag ViiNa Company, Binh Xuyen Industrial Park, Vinh Phuc. Photo: VNA

In 2022, the VCCI enters a new term, what actions and solutions will the VCCI take to overcome difficulties and develop sustainably with businesses?

The new term of VCCI begins in a very special context, businesses are facing difficulties because of Covid-19, the country has development expectations according to the goals of the 13th Party Congress, the Government needs time to develop and recover the economy. In which, one of the forces to fulfill the goals and requirements of the socio-economic leaders is mainly enterprises. So in the new term, the VCCI must do a good job of supporting businesses. In the immediate future, it is necessary to respond to and overcome difficulties caused by Covid-19, live with Covid-19 but still have to develop production and business, thereby taking advantage of opportunities for development.

If we have innovation in institutions, creativity in the ways of state management agencies and businesses, I believe that Vietnam's economy will recover and develop. Accordingly, the VCCI will play the role of a catalytic organization, a "bridge" to create a favorable business environment, helping businesses overcome difficulties and challenges and seize opportunities in difficult times.

Besides that, we also have to see long-term goals. Covid-19 is temporary and will pass, the goals and aspirations of the country and the nation are still there.

Therefore, in this term, the VCCI must design a strategy and roadmap to build a strong Vietnamese business community, contributing to building a strong and prosperous nation. This is a big goal, so the task is to build a civilized and sustainable business community.

Therefore, one of the focuses that VCCI sets for business development is building a business culture. Business culture here must be the national culture, the nation's attitude to business, not just the attitude of business people. The first is the culture of business people, businesses, business ethics, but besides that, there is also the culture of consumption, culture of communication.

All will form the national business culture environment. Promoting or inhibiting business development depends on this environment. Therefore, the VCCI must research to create a favorable business culture environment for entrepreneurs, businesses to develop, and for all business ideas to be brought to life.

Thank you Sir!