The seminar was attended by nearly 300 enterprises, economic researchers and representatives of ministries, sectors, and relevant agencies.

After 20 years of renovation, particularly after the Law on Enterprises came into effect in 2000, the number of Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs has increased quickly to as many as 245,000 at present. They are considered a main force to promote economic development, job creations, and national income.

Chairman Vu Tien Loc said it is a great challenge for Vietnam to achieve the target of 500,000 enterprises by 2010. It is not because of the number but how to ensure Vietnamese businesses’ capability to compete in the process of economic integration.

Dr. Pham Thi Thu Hang, director of the VCCI’s Institute of Enterprise Development, pointed out the need to create a favourable business environment for enterprises, reform State-owned enterprises, sharpen SoEs’ competitive edge, improve the competitiveness of selected sectors, increase supporting activities for business development, and building a contingent of dynamic and business-culture businessmen.

Nguyen Toan Thang, an official of the Central Economics Committee, said each enterprise must build a proper business strategy and take advantage of opportunities to overcome challenges to secure a firm foothold in the domestic market.

Participants also shared opinions on the building of Vietnamese enterprises and entrepreneurs.

On this occasion, the VCCI presented the “Outstanding Vietnamese entrepreneur” title and Thanh Giong golden cup to four entrepreneurs: Luong Van Can, Bach Thai Buoi, Nguyen Son Ha and Trinh Van Bo, who were credited for reviving the business spirit of the nation.