HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh today, September 25, presided over a policy dialogue in HCMC, which was attended by Government officials, provincial leaders, and senior executives of international corporations. The meeting was held as part of the fifth HCMC Economic Forum (HEF) 2024.
This marked the first time the forum has included a direct dialogue with the Prime Minister.
In his opening remarks, Vo Van Hoan, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, said technological advancements are offering opportunities for the global community, particularly Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam. He said the digital economy can bridge development gaps and accelerate HCMC’s growth.
The city has contributed remarkably to Vietnam’s economy, accounting for 20% of GDP and 25% of State budget revenue. Industry plays a pivotal role in the city’s development, with key sectors including mechanical engineering, chemicals, electronics-information technology, and food processing.
Hoan acknowledged HCMC’s reliance on low-value manufacturing, outdated technology, and excessive reliance on labor and resources. Still, he expressed optimism that the city can leverage its strength and drive sustainable growth, notably with the passage of National Assembly Resolution 98 on pilot implementation of special mechanisms and policies for HCMC.
During the dialogue, PM Chinh heard relevant ministries field and answer questions before taking the stage. The participating agencies included the ministries of Planning and Investment, Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Technology, Industry and Trade, Transport, Information and Communications, and Foreign Affairs, and the State Bank of Vietnam.
Chinh underscored the forum’s importance to HCMC, Vietnam, and international partners. He viewed the event as a good platform for exchanging experiences, sharing knowledge, and fostering cooperation.
While recognizing the alignment of industrialization and modernization with Vietnam’s current growth trajectory and global trends, he highlighted the importance of tapping each country’s distinctive strengths, opportunities, and competitive advantages.
According to the Government leader, Vietnam will not pursue economic growth at the expense of the environment. One key strategy is to develop a circular economy to reduce resource consumption and utilize waste as input for other industries.
Chinh stressed the pivotal role of education in fostering sci-tech advancement. He said Vietnam has prioritized education, science and technology, implementing reforms aimed at transforming the educational system and fostering comprehensive knowledge acquisition.
The PM underlined the need to revise regulations to create a conducive environment for the science and technology market, treating scientific products as valuable commodities that can be traded openly and transparently.
He also underscored the crucial role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in bringing capital, technology, management expertise, and contributing to Vietnam’s workforce development and market expansion.
He said Vietnam is actively encouraging foreign investors, striving to establish favorable policies, enhance infrastructure, and develop a skilled workforce. The Government is committed to protecting investors’ legitimate rights and interests, notably avoiding the criminalization of economic relations, added Chinh.
