Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered this message at a conference titled "80 Years of Businesses Alongside the Nation." The event was attended by representatives from 60 state-owned corporations and groups, 141 private enterprises, and 50 foreign direct investment (FDI) businesses.

The prime minister stated that Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated patriotism, resilience, and ambition under all circumstances. They played a vital role in mobilizing resources for the resistance and national construction, and they are at the forefront of economic development, creating achievements and foundations for building, protecting, and developing the country.

"The business community and entrepreneurs are growing stronger, pioneering socio-economic development, and deeply integrating with the world," he said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh participates in a conference with the business community, 30/8. Photo: VGP

After nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (economic renovation), Vietnam's business community has flourished. In 1986, Vietnam had 12,000 state-owned enterprises and nearly 40,000 agricultural cooperatives, with no private enterprises in the modern sense. Today, there are almost 1 million businesses, 98% of which are private, over 33,000 new-model cooperatives, and more than 5 million business households.

Vietnam aims to have around 2 million businesses by 2030, contributing 55-58% of GDP and creating jobs for 84-85% of the labor force. By 2045, the goal is at least 3 million operating businesses, contributing over 60% of GDP, possessing international competitiveness, and deeply integrated into global value chains.

The prime minister emphasized that the Party and State consistently support and facilitate the sustainable development of the business community. For instance, the government focuses on improving institutions and creating a favorable environment to attract investment and develop production and business. Businesses of all economic sectors are ensured fair and equal treatment.

Vietnam also prioritizes and supports large businesses that lead key industries and sectors while encouraging businesses to expand into international markets and build global brands. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) receive support to grow, participate in global value chains, and become multinational corporations.

The prime minister urged the business community to uphold its 80-year tradition of continuous innovation and creativity, working together to achieve the nation's two 100-year strategic goals. He encouraged businesses to embrace new thinking and recognize their role as "pioneers and warriors on the economic front."

At the conference, business representatives shared their development goals and orientations for the new era of national growth.

According to Le Manh Hung, Chairman of the Members' Council of Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), PVN has fulfilled its mission of building and developing the oil and gas industry to regional standards, serving as a driving force for socio-economic development, and ensuring energy, economic, national defense, and maritime security. PVN aims to be among the world's top 500 largest companies by 2030 and is ready to cooperate and share with credit institutions, businesses, corporations, and state-owned groups for mutual development.

Le Manh Hung, Chairman of PVN's Members' Council, speaks at the conference. Photo: VGP

Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel, stated that in recent years, Viettel has become a leading state-owned enterprise in revenue, profit, and contributions to the state budget. They have built extensive network infrastructure, covering the entire country, including remote areas, and brought modern connection services to 10 international markets.

Vietnam is entering a historical turning point with numerous opportunities and strong momentum from breakthrough policies. Thang believes this will enable Vietnam to achieve remarkable development and enhance its international standing. However, he acknowledged that there are still many tasks ahead and committed to performing even better as a leading Vietnamese enterprise.

Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group. Photo: VGP

From a foreign investor's perspective, Bruno Jaspaert, General Director of DEEP C Industrial Zones, expressed confidence in Vietnam becoming an economic leader in Southeast Asia.

"Vietnam is my second home," he said, noting that foreign investors in Vietnam receive excellent opportunities and favorable conditions. In return, they consider Vietnam their home and are eager to contribute further to its development in the coming years.

"We will bring all our skills, knowledge, and understanding to enrich the community, contributing to making Vietnam an attractive investment destination for new foreign investors," he added.

Representing the private sector, Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group, highlighted Resolution 68, which affirms the core role of the private economy in building an independent, self-reliant, and prosperous economy. Sun Group is proud to be among the private enterprises selected to participate in key national projects, such as serving APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc.

"With the goal of tourism contributing about 10% of the country's GDP, Sun Group is committed to continuing to work with the government for prosperous development," he said.

Phuong Dung