Centered on the theme "Connecting SMEs: Accelerating M&A, Investment & Collaboration, Enhancing Localization, and Integrating into Global Value Chains", the forum also marked the launch of an ongoing digital networking platform for the business community.
The event saw the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Luu, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, alongside leaders from local departments, industry associations, enterprises, experts, and investors. CEF II aims to establish a pragmatic framework connecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with capital resources, strategic investments, technology, and major supply chains.
Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of HANOISME
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of HANOISME, stressed that pursuing double-digit growth extends beyond macro targetsit serves as a call to action for innovation, productivity gains, resource mobilization, and elevated market standing for local firms.
By focusing on real-world challenges, CEF II helps SMEs overcome structural barriers in scale, capital, technology, governance, and market access.
"The primary bottleneck for many SMEs today is not just capital, but access to strategic partners, advanced technology, governance standards, and global supply chains", Dr. Mac Quoc Anh noted. "Operating in isolation limits growth. Proper alignment with the right partners and resources significantly accelerates development".
Dr. Mac Quoc Anh outlined three strategic priorities for Hanoi's SMEs:
Financial Structuring & Capital Access: Diversifying capital sources by leveraging equity, M&A, investment partnerships, and tailored medium-to-long-term financing solutions.
Localization & Supplier Development: Meeting rigorous benchmarks in quality, cost efficiency, delivery timeliness, traceability, digital and green transitions, and transparent governance to integrate deeper into value chains.
Market Expansion & International Integration: Standardizing products, boosting export readiness, building brand equity, and securing strategic international partners.
From a corporate perspective, Mr. Pham Hoang Anh, Vice Chairman of Traphaco High-Tech JSC, praised the forum's practical alignment with business needs - specifically in unlocking capital, facilitating M&A, and optimizing the supply chain matrix across raw materials, production, and distribution.
Phạm Hoàng Anh holds an MBA specializing in Finance, along with international professional certifications such as CPA Australia, CIMA, and CGMA.
A key highlight of CEF II is its actionable framework, featuring a dedicated Deal Room, pre-screened matching, 1-on-1 sessions, and structured post-forum tracking over 30, 60, and 100 days. This model offers concrete advantages for enterprises:
Direct access to institutional investors, funds, banks, and industry leaders.
Targeted support to enhance financial and governance readiness prior to M&A or fundraising negotiations.
Enhanced B2B networking to drive localization, tech adoption, and long-term competitiveness.
Ultimately, the forum's long-term impact hinges on post-event execution, turning signed MoUs into binding agreements while encouraging SMEs to strengthen their internal capabilities.
Currently, young entrepreneur Pham Hoang Anh is teaching. This field aligns with his career aspirations, combining financial knowledge, practical management experience, and strategic thinking.
His practical experience in finance and management also gives Hoang Anh a broader perspective, connecting classroom knowledge with real-world business challenges: from operational efficiency management, financial analysis, and risk management to strategy development and decision-making.
For him, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about continuous learning. When faced with new questions from students, the instructor must constantly update, verify, and expand their own understanding. This is the cycle Hoang Anh follows: learn – apply – share – and then continue learning.
Besides finance, he actively seeks to learn more about management, operations, digital transformation, supply chain management, and business development strategies. Constantly expanding his knowledge base has helped him develop a multifaceted perspective on the rapidly changing business environment.
