Speaking at a ceremony marking 21 years of Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day and the 50th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA) on October 11, Mr. Ha affirmed that the city government is committed to working closely with the business community and embracing feedback to improve its services.

From its early days as a liaison group for commerce and industry, HUBA has grown over the past five decades into a major representative body for HCMC's business community. The association has played a vital role in administrative reform, investment promotion, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Vice Chairman Ha praised standout entrepreneurs and enterprises for their effective operations and long-term contributions to the city's socio-economic development.

“HCMC targets an 8.5% GRDP growth in 2025 and total state budget revenue of around VND 520 trillion. To achieve this, we will ramp up public investment, attract private sector resources, and focus on developing the digital economy and innovation ecosystem,” he noted.

Enterprise at the center of reform

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Vice Chairman Nguyen Loc Ha (left) and HUBA Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Hoa present awards to outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs. Photo: Tran Chung

According to Mr. Ha, businesses play a key role in achieving these ambitious goals. As such, the city has outlined several priority solutions, including:

Effective implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 68 on private sector development;
Improving the business environment and investment climate;

Enhancing transparency, cutting unofficial costs, and reducing time for administrative procedures.

HCMC will also resolve long-delayed and stalled projects - especially those hindered by land, investment, and construction procedures - by applying flexible mechanisms allowed under Resolution 98/2023 of the National Assembly.

Additionally, the city will prioritize public investment disbursement as a catalyst for growth and then mobilize private investment, including strengthening the role of state-owned enterprises.

“Throughout this process, HCMC authorities will always listen, adapt, and respond to the needs of the business community. Public agencies must treat businesses as clients, not subordinates,” Mr. Ha emphasized.

Recognizing excellence in business

During the ceremony, 41 companies and 45 entrepreneurs were awarded certificates of merit from the city. A total of 109 products and 56 services from 105 enterprises were also honored for excellence.

HUBA Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Hoa noted that the recognized products and services contributed significantly to economic output and job creation. He attributed this success to the resilience, innovation, and digital and green transformation efforts of businesses.

“These achievements reflect the determination of our entrepreneurs to embrace technology, optimize processes, and enhance productivity and competitiveness,” Hoa added.

Today, HUBA encompasses 58 business associations and over 17,000 members, 99% of which are private companies. Its members account for over 51% of HCMC’s GRDP, generate employment for millions, and contribute tens of billions of dong annually to social welfare initiatives.

Tran Chung