In his view, how do the major changes in the country's organizational structure and development strategy impact entrepreneurs?

The orientations of the Party, State, and Government are creating an ideal mechanism for entrepreneurs to conduct business and play a greater role in national development.

Since 2023, Resolution 45, issued on 24/11/2023 by the 8th Central Committee of the 13th National Congress, regarding continuing to build and promote the role of intellectuals to meet the requirements of rapid and sustainable national development in the new period, has set a requirement: Building and developing an innovation ecosystem based on promoting cooperation between businesses and intellectuals, between economic groups and universities, research institutes, and intellectual associations through startup and innovation center models.

Following that, Resolution 57, issued on 22/12/2024 by the Politburo on breakthroughs in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation development, once again clarifies the role of entrepreneurs, businesses, and people as the center, the subject, and the main resource; scientists as the key factor; and the State as the leader and facilitator.

Nguyen Van Tuong – Chairman of Khanh Hoa Agarwood. Photo: Khanh Hoa Agarwood

Nguyen Van Tuong – Chairman of Khanh Hoa Agarwood. Photo: Khanh Hoa Agarwood

What particularly moves me is the series of policies being issued synchronously. At the same time, the State has also shown its determination to create a transparent and fair business environment by strictly handling unfair competitive practices, supporting businesses to respond flexibly to global fluctuations or tax changes from major partners like the US.

In the article "New driving force for economic development" by General Secretary To Lam, it was affirmed that it is necessary to build a team of entrepreneurs who truly become warriors on the economic front.

I believe this is a recognition and deep expression of trust from the Party towards entrepreneurs - those who are contributing to realizing the aspiration of developing a strong and prosperous country. To fulfill the General Secretary's expectations, entrepreneurs not only need business acumen but also an ideal of serving the Fatherland, knowing how to place personal interests in harmony with the interests of the community and the nation - for a sustainable, responsible, and humane economy. These are also the criteria and standards of global entrepreneurs.

How will the merging of provinces and cities promote regional economic development, in your opinion?

The restructuring of administrative boundaries is not just about rearranging the administrative map, but in essence, it's a "resource reallocation." The newly merged provinces and cities will possess a more diverse natural ecosystem, with forests, seas, urban areas, and a richer, more diverse workforce. This allows economic policies and human resource development strategies to be implemented more effectively and synchronously.

Regarding regional connectivity - which has been a bottleneck for a long time - this change will create a breakthrough. When the number of provinces and cities decreases, the disparity in natural conditions and administrative culture also narrows, and the ability to cooperate and coordinate will be higher and faster. There may be some initial confusion, but in reality, localities are adapting quickly and actively contributing.

Nguyen Van Tuong (center) presents an agarwood fan to US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper during his visit to Khanh Hoa Agarwood. Photo: Khanh Hoa Agarwood

Nguyen Van Tuong (center) presents an agarwood fan to US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper during his visit to Khanh Hoa Agarwood. Photo: Khanh Hoa Agarwood

How do you assess the socio-economic development of Khanh Hoa in the new context?

To truly transform and transform successfully, I believe Khanh Hoa needs to base its development planning on two key spatial axes: the geographical space of islands and seas, and the cultural space of identity. These are two strategic advantages that, if properly converged and activated, will propel Khanh Hoa forward.

Firstly, the geographical space: Khanh Hoa possesses one of the most diverse marine ecosystems and a convergence of unique landscapes. Notably, the province has the Truong Sa archipelago - a sacred sovereignty marker, and also a vast fishing ground, rich in oil and gas potential and marine services. Truong Sa needs to be planned soon as a logistics center for fishing, marine research, eco-tourism, and island rescue - gradually forming a society at sea, creating a competitive advantage not only domestically but also regionally.

To achieve this, it is first necessary to prepare a high-quality marine workforce. Khanh Hoa needs to establish a specialized institute for marine science and island economics, capable of attracting intellectuals, connecting with domestic and international research institutes and universities, and transferring marine knowledge and technology to local people. This is the foundation for a sustainable marine economic development strategy.

Secondly, regarding the cultural space of identity, Khanh Hoa is a convergence point for the culture of the South Central Coast region within the Vietnamese cultural source, notably including Cham Pa culture, a treasure that needs to be exploited accordingly. Culture is not abstract but is the foundation for identifying, competing, and positioning national economic identity. It is a soft power that helps Vietnam become an attractive destination, fostering attachment and trust from international friends. If skillfully integrated into development planning, Khanh Hoa can create a culturally rich economic model - where cultural values create sustainable attraction.

Recently, Khanh Hoa Agarwood and the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) agreed to implement a strategic cooperation method to develop the economy through culture and cinema. Accordingly, the two sides will coordinate to organize events such as film festivals, build an Agarwood cultural space in Nha Trang, and produce and promote films with national identity, spreading Vietnamese values, demonstrating a creative public-private partnership model between businesses and the film industry, promoting economic development associated with national cultural identity. This is a pioneering step in bringing Vietnamese products closer to the world through the language of cinema. We hope to inspire the building of a sustainable development strategy where culture plays a central role, creating added value for the local and national economy. Khanh Hoa Agarwood is determined to fulfill its mission: "Vietnamese Fragrance - Sacred and Noble - Connecting Trust."

What are your expectations for Vietnam's position on the international stage in the coming period?

I think Vietnam is strongly affirming its image as a peaceful, stable, and developing country; a reliable partner that always prioritizes mutually beneficial cooperation for the goal of prosperity and sustainability. The profound reforms in institutions, growth models, and national governance are not just declarations but convincing practical actions, showing that we are fully capable of organizing, coordinating, and creating an attractive development environment in a volatile global context.

While many large economies are facing difficulties due to conflicts and crises, Vietnam has emerged as a safe destination, a responsible haven. The fact that Vietnam was nominated by 120 countries to chair the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 2026 is clear evidence of Vietnam's prestige, coordination capacity, and positive voice in global security issues. International investors and partners will certainly see opportunities and a platform for long-term development here.

(Source: Khanh Hoa Agarwood)

Entrepreneur Nguyen Van Tuong contributed to the revival of the agarwood industry, from a banned commodity back to being traded, imported, and exported, bringing high economic value to the country. He was also a pioneer in restoring large agarwood offering ceremonies in Nha Trang and Con Dao on major holidays; crafting 100 limited edition agarwood fans as souvenirs at the first APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM1) in Nha Trang in 2017. In 2019, he was the first Vietnamese entrepreneur invited to the World Leadership Alliance (Club de Madrid) forum, which brought together 102 former heads of state from 60 countries worldwide, along with hundreds of scholars and world-renowned entrepreneurs.