by VBF 26/12/2023, 14:20

Fostering Entrepreneurs' Role in National Development and Defense

To actualize the objectives outlined in Resolution 41-NQ/TW of the Politburo dated October 10, 2023, concerning the establishment and advancement of an entrepreneurial force in the new era, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in collaboration with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), organized a conference "Entrepreneurs with National Construction, Development, and Defense in the New Context." This event emerged as a highly significant initiative, resonating not only with entrepreneurs but also across diverse societal spheres. It primarily served the purpose of breathing life into the tenets articulated in the resolution.

Delegates and entrepreneurs convene at the conference "Entrepreneurs with National Construction, Development, and Defense in the New Context”

Transforming the landscape of the nation

Prof. Le Van Loi, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, highlighted that the milestone for the revitalization of the Vietnamese entrepreneurial force occurred during the 6th National Party Congress in 1986, marking the initiation of reforms led by the Party. The subsequent introduction of the Enterprise Law in 1990 officially integrated Vietnamese businesspeople into the nation's development trajectory. The resurgence and evolution of the entrepreneurial force stand as a significant achievement within the reform process (Doi Moi), acting as a catalyst for reshaping the nation.

The Vietnamese business community, inclusive of entrepreneurs, has demonstrated increasing strength, asserting its role and position both domestically and globally with numerous well-established products. Entrepreneurs and their innovative companies play a central role in driving change and development across various industries and economic sectors in Vietnam, fostering self-reliance and sustainability in the nation's economy. Recognizing this, the Party, at the 13th National Congress, affirmed the commitment to "Developing a strong entrepreneurial force in quantity and quality, with a spirit of dedication to the nation, progressive cultural and ethical standards, and good management and business qualifications."

Presently, the country boasts nearly 1 million companies across various economic sectors, over 5 million business households, and nearly 30,000 cooperatives. The business sector contributes over 60% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), employing 30% of the workforce. Additionally, there are 283 products recognized as national brands, including globally acclaimed brands such as Vinacafe, Vinamilk, Viettel, and Vinfast. Entrepreneurial growth aligns with the expansion of businesses, with Vietnam currently hosting 7-10 million entrepreneurs, marking a 250% increase since 2013. These entrepreneurs exhibit a relatively high level of education, with 79.9% holding a university degree, 12% possessing a master's/doctoral degree, and only 8% with education below the university level. The average age of entrepreneurs ranges from 30 to 50 years, while the number of young entrepreneurs (under 30 years old) is on the rise.

Reflecting on nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, Prof. Le Van Loi emphasized that the Vietnamese entrepreneurial force has continually grown in both quantity and quality, evolving into the core force driving the country's economic growth and making substantial contributions to national construction and defense.

VCCI Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh added that the motivation for Vietnamese entrepreneurs was further reinforced on October 10, 2023, with the issuance of Politburo Resolution 41-NQ/TW. This resolution, replacing Resolution 09-NQ/TW, articulates new perspectives, orientations, and implementation solutions aligned with the expectations of the Vietnamese business community. It positions the entrepreneurial force as "one of the core forces," accelerating national industrialization, modernization, and international integration while ensuring national defense and security. Resolution 41 clearly expressed Party viewpoints on construction of a powerful entrepreneur force which is capable of helping realize the mission and task of making Vietnam a developed country by 2045.

Resolution 41 elevates the role and position of entrepreneurs, signaling a significant shift in the Party's viewpoints on their contribution, particularly in the new era, aligning with the nation's development goals.

Strong growth in alignment with the evolving landscape

Prof. Loi said that despite their great mission and significant contributions to national construction and development, Vietnamese business people currently face challenges such as small-scale operations, low competitiveness, and moderate business performance. Few companies fall within the medium and large size categories, and their capacity to lead supply chains remains limit ed.

Entrepreneurial and enterprise connectivity is still fragmented, hindering their ability to leverage opportunities from international integration and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Many private enterprises are yet to demonstrate sustainable development, resulting in a limit ed overall contribution to the economy.

Furthermore, some businesspeople prioritize profit over ethical considerations, neglecting moral values and violating traditional business standards. Recent notable cases involved large firms and notorious businesspeople, such as FLC, Tan Hoang Minh and Van Thinh Phat.

VCCI Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh emphasized that, to enhance their roles in the new era, entrepreneurs must undergo substantial growth. Resolution 41 outlines the overarching objective of cultivating a robust force of entrepreneurs characterized by high quality, a reasonable structure, vision, intelligence, and ethical business practices. These entrepreneurs are expected to conduct lawful business activities, foster dynamism and creativity, possess advanced management capabilities, adhere to legal frameworks, and embody business ethics and cultural values with a national identity. Additionally, they should exhibit social responsibility, environmental consciousness, and contribute meaningfully to the country's development goals. The resolution delineates specific goals for each period, extending to 2030 and 2045, aligning with the national development goals outlined by the 13th National Party Congress.

Prof. Loi stressed that the current achievements represent only the initial steps, and Vietnam is presented with significant opportunities, goals, and aspirations, as outlined by the 13th National Party Congress. The overarching objective is to transform into a modern developing, industrialized middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045.

In an era marked by rapid and unpredictable changes in geopolitics, economics, trade, and global competition, entrepreneurs and enterprises stand as important representatives of new production forces in the socialist-oriented market economy. They play an important role in realizing the goals of national industrialization and modernization. Prof. Loi emphasized that the imperative for the robust development, both in quantity and quality, of Vietnamese companies will be a decisive contribution to achieving the country's sustainable development goals.

Fostering an equitable business landscape for enterprises and entrepreneurs

Dr. Tran Minh Truong, Former Director of the Institute of Ho Chi Minh and Party Leaders

In the spirit of reform (Doi Moi), and with the aim of advancing the cause of "industrialization and modernization," effectively realizing the objectives outlined by the 13th National Party Congress, and embracing Ho Chi Minh's ideology on fortifying the entrepreneur force, it is imperative for the Party and the State to persistently refine and enhance the quality of the legal system and socialist-oriented market economy institutions. This entails constructing mechanisms and instituting policies that not only encourage and facilitate all citizens to lawfully accumulate wealth, but also establish an equitable and supportive business environment for enterprises and entrepreneurs.

The establishment of legal mechanisms and sanctions becomes important to eliminate any instances of unjust treatment among different economic sectors. The existing variations in the application of policies to enterprises and entrepreneurs, especially smaller businesses, are evident in practical terms. Building a robust entrepreneur force hinges on ensuring that the political and legal conditions, as well as the business environment, are fair, consistent with prevailing development trends, and adhere to the principles of a market economy.

It is imperative to articulate and publicize socioeconomic development orientations and plans transparently. Support policies must be crafted to facilitate businesses from all economic sectors in gaining equal access to development resources. Concurrently, efforts should be directed toward studying and refining laws pertaining to ownership and business rights, establishing a legal environment conducive to healthy and equitable competition, and dismantling any privileges or monopolies that may exist within the business landscape. Implementing dialogue mechanisms that engage entrepreneurs in the development, dissemination, and execution of policies and laws associated with economic and business activities is equally important.

Ensuring a competent entrepreneurial force

Dr. Vu Van Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Council of Central Party Agencies

To cultivate a cadre of highly skilled Vietnamese entrepreneurs adept in navigating the complexities of the market economy and international integration, possessing strong political acumen, and employing modern corporate governance, a systematic approach to regular training, fostering, and mentoring is imperative. This process needs persistent, consistent, and methodical efforts, intricately linked with job requirements. Notably, as training and development entail substantial costs and time commitments, careful planning is important to mitigate disruptions to daily enterprise operations.

Balancing fundamental training with ongoing professional development is essential. Fundamental training should concentrate on furnishing participants with essential skills and knowledge to execute their roles effectively. This encompasses a grasp of pertinent regulations, procedures, and operational standards. Core skills, varying by job position, should encompass proficiency in information collection and processing, decisive business decision-making, effective communication, thorough inspection and supervision, and adept dispute resolution. Post-fundamental training, entrepreneurs should demonstrate proficiency in the trained professional skills. Optimal entrepreneurial training and development align with job requirements, prioritizing short-term, intensive courses for targeted participants. Regular and periodic assessments of training processes are needed to ensure timely delivery of the most relevant services to the appropriate individuals.

Moreover, there is a need to overhaul entrepreneur assessment methods to duly recognize their contributions. Streamlining the business administration apparatus, adopting modern corporate governance models, with a particular emphasis on leveraging information technology for computerized managerial activities, is essential. The establishment and cultivation of digital businesses, linking entrepreneurs' responsibilities to business performance outcomes with reward and penalty mechanisms, fostering a positive work ethos, and accurate evaluation and motivation are pressing and grounded initiatives aimed at acknowledging and incentivizing their contributions.

Elevating the role of entrepreneurs in safeguarding national security and defense

Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council

To augment the role and contributions of entrepreneurs toward fulfilling national defense and security objectives in the current landscape, it is important to heighten awareness within Party organizations, spanning from the central to local echelons, regarding the pivotal position and function of entrepreneurs in realizing the nation's development goals. The political system of the country must proactively facilitate the development of a robust entrepreneurial force that aligns with national development goals and tasks in the new era. Entrepreneurs should be cognizant of the Party's priorities and their pivotal role and responsibilities in executing national defense tasks.

Furthermore, it is essential to refine the policy and legal framework to establish a conducive, secure, and equitable investment and business environment, fostering an atmosphere for entrepreneurs and enterprises to cultivate their businesses and make meaningful contributions. Mechanisms should be instituted to incentivize their investment in science and technology, particularly core technology and information technology, enabling their gradual integration into global technological production and supply chains. This duality serves the dual purpose of propelling rapid and sustainable national development and fortifying the resolute defense of national sovereignty in cyberspace.

Moreover, instilling a foundation of business ethics and cultivating a business culture, propagating a national spirit, and kindling the entrepreneurial aspiration to contribute to a prosperous and contented nation are important elements in motivating entrepreneurs to enhance business quality. This includes the exploration of innovative products meeting international standards and ensuring high competitiveness in both regional and global markets. Enterprises should be encouraged to exhibit social responsibility, directing investments in business and job creation in economically disadvantaged areas and providing support to marginalized groups within society. Collaborative efforts with authorities to enhance the material and spiritual well-being of the populace also remain essential.

Enhancing institutional frameworks for efficient resource management

Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, Vice Chairman of Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association

In pursuit of advancing accomplishments, addressing constraints, and aligning with the evolving context, the Party has articulated the imperative to further refine and enhance the quality of a comprehensive, modern and integrated socialist-oriented market economy. Central to this is a focus on the market for production factors, notably the markets for land use rights, science, and technology. This entails mobilizing and deploying resources in accordance with market mechanisms, instituting reforms in national governance to accelerate decentralization for unified yet creative and responsible management across all levels and sectors. A conducive environment is to be crafted, providing favorable conditions for entrepreneurs to embark on innovative ventures, conduct ethical business practices, and foster talent.

To actualize these objectives, it is paramount to formulate strategies and fortify the institutional framework for the effective management and utilization of resources, with a specific emphasis on land, water, and minerals. Key considerations encompass the development of laws, policies, and mechanisms for the vigilant oversight of natural resources, environmental monitoring, climate change assessment, and early warnings related to natural disasters, pollution, environmental crises, and epidemics. Stringent measures are to be in place for the prevention and enforcement against all infringements of laws governing natural resources and the environment. The Party advocates for proactive international collaboration to share information, ensuring ecological security, environmental security, water security, food security, and energy security. Publicly disclosing orientations, plans, and policies for socioeconomic development is paramount, fostering an equitable environment for businesses across economic sectors to access development resources. Efforts also extend to researching and refining laws concerning ownership and business rights, fostering a legal environment conducive to fair competition, while concurrently dismantling business privileges and monopolies. The commitment to continuous administrative reform stands firm, streamlining support for entrepreneurs, and implementing effective dialogue and consultation mechanisms to engage entrepreneurs in the formulation and enforcement of policies and laws.