National conference on sustainable growth opens

Overview of the conference

Themed “Enhancing Competitiveness, Realising Sustainable Development Goals Amidst Industrial Revolution 4.0,” the event drew more than 650 delegates representing Government agencies, think tanks, international organisations, business associations and enterprises.

Opening the event, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc showed his strong belief that Vietnam will continue to thrive and become an upper-middle-income country within the next two decades with impressive achievements in social equity and fairness, and effective State management.

Towards the goal, Loc stressed the need for consensus and efforts of the entire society as well as support and cooperation of international organisations.

Ousmane Dione, World Bank’s Country Director in Vietnam highlighted major factors that may re-shape the Vietnamese economy in the future, including the transforming of trade models, the rise of the brainpower-based economy, climate change and population aging.

Dione introduced important findings in the WB’s report on Vietnam’s future employment, including the significance of efficient exploitation of these factors, otherwise the employment future will not be ensured.

He held that in order to reach sustainable growth goals, Vietnam should optimise the efficiency of resources such as institutions, human resources, while grasping major trends to ensure the employment structure operate smoothly and efficiently.

Within the framework of the conference, the VCCI and the Ministry of Planning and Investment introduced the high-level forum on partnering for green growth and the global goals 2030 (national P4G forum).

The form aims to bolster the public-private partnership to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 through the realisation of green growth.

In the morning session, participants of the conference discussed four issues - the building of the circular economy, the future of works and the role of the private sector amidst the Industrial revolution 4.0, the making of sustainable growth report and the Corporate Sustainability Index, and the promotion of renovation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

In the afternoon, leaders of the Government, ministries and sectors will present ideas to better the business environment, enhance competitiveness, promote creative renovation and build smart cities.

Businesses will also propose initiatives to help increase competitiveness and support enterprises to access and develop technology, take advantage of opportunities from the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and ensure jobs for employees in the future.