Businesses join New Year gala in Hanoi

The event attracted around 300 delegates, including nearly 60 international guests who are foreign ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, economic counsellors and trade counsellors in Vietnam, heads of representative offices of international organisations and foreign business associations in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Dr Nguyen Hong Son, President of VACOD and HBA said that the programme aimed to review the operation of the two associations over the past year.

According to Dr Vo Tri Thanh, Director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy (BCSI), although the world economy faced many challenges in 2023, the Government and Prime Minister closely directed ministries, sectors, and localities to implement many solutions to remove difficulties, and maintain macroeconomic stability.

As a result, Vietnam's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.05% in 2023, lower than the target by one percentage point, but still outpacing many other nations.

In her speech, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis hailed that Vietnam has transformed itself as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Southeast Asia, attracting foreign direct investment and expanding export markets.

Vietnam's strategic location, young workforce, and commitment to economic reforms have made it an attractive destination for businesses, she said.

She went on to say that the UN highly valued Vietnam’s commitment to global cooperation and multilateralism, shaping regional agendas and fostering cooperation among nations.

Vietnam has also actively pursued trade liberalisation and has signed various free trade agreements, opening new markets, enhancing access for Vietnamese goods and services, and stimulating economic growth, she added.